The series takes place in a dystopian future. We get the basic framework at the beginning and then the numerous details are filled in throughout the series. At practically every reveal of how this world works, my wife and I were scratching our heads and going "THIS doesn't fit with what this society should be all about". The fault is in the faithfulness to the flawed source material, one which tells more about the author and feminist paranoia then about the direction society is heading. Only the most obvious and generic elements of the "cautionary" part seemed relevant.
That said, the series is highly watchable and even compelling because it is good drama. The protagonist is given her due character development and Elizabeth Moss's performance knocks it out of the ballpark. We are occasionally involved with supporting characters like Nick and Serena, though they are not extraordinary. Minor characters get there place in the sun mainly by shock value.
A striking feature is the masterful photography. Very expressive use of colors, creative camera angles and supberb use of foreground/background composition. The directing is uneven, as you would expect from a series with so many directors, but for the most part it delivers the emotional impact.
You have to give up any hope of taking Margaret Wood's dystopia seriously, but that should not stop you for feeling a part of Offred's intense pathos.
That said, the series is highly watchable and even compelling because it is good drama. The protagonist is given her due character development and Elizabeth Moss's performance knocks it out of the ballpark. We are occasionally involved with supporting characters like Nick and Serena, though they are not extraordinary. Minor characters get there place in the sun mainly by shock value.
A striking feature is the masterful photography. Very expressive use of colors, creative camera angles and supberb use of foreground/background composition. The directing is uneven, as you would expect from a series with so many directors, but for the most part it delivers the emotional impact.
You have to give up any hope of taking Margaret Wood's dystopia seriously, but that should not stop you for feeling a part of Offred's intense pathos.