Actually, it’s June on the line.

The Handmaid’s Tale reminds us that some people should never be trusted.

Title: “Unknown Caller”

Cast and Crew

Director: Colin Watkinson
Writer: Marissa Jo Cerar
Inspired by the novel by Margaret Atwood

Elisabeth Moss as June Osborn / Ofjoseph
O-T Fagbenle as Luke
Samira Wiley as Moira
Bradley Whitford as Commander Joseph Lawrence
Julie Dretzin as Eleanor Lawrence
Yvonne Strahovski as Serena Joy Waterford
Joseph Fiennes as Commander Fred Waterford
Mick Minghella as Nick
Ashleigh LaThrop as Ofmatthew
Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia
Amanda Brugel as Rita
Sam Jaeger as Mark Tuello
Bahia Watson as Brianna
Jonathan Watton as Mathew Calhoun
Marissa Kate Wilson as Ofzachary’s Partner
Bobby Daniels as Guardian Technician
Prince Amponsah as Cashier
Scott Farley as Guardian Jeremiah
Andrew McGillivray as Eye

Premise

Serena Joy convinces June to help set up a meeting between herself and Luke. But, as Carl Con Clausewitz wrote, in a business as dangerous as war, mistakes that come from kindness are the very worst.

High Point

This episode has less movement and more dramatic moments, communicated through exceptional actors.

Low Point

The story feels very like the set-up for season two: driven less by the plausible motivations of characters and more by the motivations of the writers.

Why, in particular, does Luke agree to the meeting?

The Scores:

Originality: 2/6 I liked the way they used the cassette tapes. It differs from the novel, but it certainly takes its inspiration from the role they play in the source material.

Effects: 4/6

Acting: 6/6

Story: 4/6

Emotional Response: 5/6

Production: 6/6

Overall: 5/6

In total, “Unknown Caller” 32/42