I just couldn't make it through Handmaid's Tale

[NCDem47]

I know. I'm late to this party.

I finally got around to a free trial on Hulu just to binge watch this series.

I had to turn it off in the third episode of season one. It was simply too depressing, dark, and frankly, all too realistic in foretelling what our country can slide into. It truly terrified me and I'm sure that was what the the actors and producers intended. With the Kavanaugh confirmation going on and all of the Republican and evangelical bullshit flying around now, Handmaid's Tale just gave me chills. So, I surfed elsewhere and revisited The West Wing series. Sigh.

I will say that HT made me think of an escape plan if this country truly falls apart. I thought about moving money offshore and how I would get out of the country FAST. It did cross my mind.

Should I stay with the series? Does the remainder of season one or season two offer any hope?

[guillaumeb]

1. Have you read the book?

It is incredible.

[Guilded Lilly]

2. I read the book. Knew the tale. I still couldn't watch it beyond two episodes...

and oddly enough, my West Wing discs got used once again, as well!

[JHan]

3. The series borders on torture porn, very different to the book.

I had to stop watching too.

[hlthe2b]

4. I never made it through the first episode. Yes, I knew what to expect and I do love Elizabeth Moss,

but too dark for me right now, too. I guess, I thought it would quickly "hook" me and I could somehow engage without absorbing the story line. But, too close to home...

[marylandblue]

5. It is very dark indeed, but I think it is important to watch

I read the book as well. Amazing she wrote it in 1985, when we were just beginning to go down this path. I think Margaret Atwood offer valuable insight into the very dark forces at play in America.

I don't want to give anything away, but the finale of season 2 offers hope. I know that's long way to wait, but I found it satisfying and makes me look forward to more positivity in Season 3.

[CrispyQ]

6. I read the book many years ago & wondered why anyone would make a series from this story?

The book was depressing enough.

on edit: I still think one should read the book, but I can't imagine immersing myself in that world for a series.

[marylandblue]

7. I like science fiction. I like it dark, gritty and real.

So the show is right up my alley.

[CrispyQ]

8. Have you read Oryx & Crake & the two books that followed?

Dark & gritty, but I thought they at least had interesting characters & better plot.

[marylandblue]

9. No. Thanks for recommendation.

[MuseRider]

11. Mmmm, loved those books.

I loved them all.

Handmaid's Tale was wonderfully written and I do like the TV series but then I do like dark movies and books and dystopian literature.

[Ohiogal]

10. A friend lent me her copy

of the book and I am afraid to read it. I know it sounds silly.

[Nitram]

13. The book is dark but it draws you in and is an engrossing story.

I'm afraid a series would be more difficult to take. Drag it out too long and rub our noses in the cruelty.

[Nitram]

12. I read the novel and was devastated away by it. I haven't watched the series because I

don't want to be any more depressed than I already am.

[WhiteTara]

14. Someone gave me this book right after its publication.

It was really a tough book. I'm not sure I finished it. It was so dismal, and it was only the beginning of the Raygun nightmare; and it's only gotten worse as the years go by.