Hollywood studios and streamers aren’t exactly craving politically provocative shows and movies right now. Producers are thinking twice about liberal-sounding storylines. Media companies are downplaying diversity initiatives. And “The Apprentice,” a biopic about President Trump that contained some critical scenes, struggled to gain US distribution last year. That’s what makes the timing of “The Handmaid’s Tale” finale all the more remarkable. The acclaimed Hulu drama, which streamed its final episode earlier this week, was unavoidably and unapologetically political. In the series, based on the 1985 novel by Margaret Atwood, America has been transformed into Gilead, a totalitarian theocratic regime where women are treated like property. The “handmaid” in the title is June Osborne, played by Elisabeth Moss. The actors and producers started working on the first season of the show in 2016 with the belief that Hillary Clinton would be the first woman president. They described in interviews how the entire cast and crew were shocked by President Trump’s victory. Trump’s election — following campaign trail narratives about misogyny and bigotry — changed how the show was received. The premiere in April 2017 spawned a thousand think pieces. Some anti-Trump protesters even donned red robes and white bonnets inspired by the show. The show’s producers leaned in. They didn’t hesitate when asked about real-world comparisons to the radicalism portrayed on screen. “We’re on a very, very slippery slope toward Gilead,” executive producer Warren Littlefield told me back in 2019. While awaiting the finale this week, I checked back in with Littlefield. He perceives that the slope is even more treacherous today. “Our America is getting harder to recognize each and every day,” he said, “and Margaret’s speculative fiction written 40 years ago on a rented typewriter in Berlin becomes closer to reality.” Moss, the cover star of this week’s Variety magazine, was asked if the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade created a “new urgency on set.” She said the vibe was already pretty urgent: “The only way we’ve ever made this show was to have this sense of immediacy and relevancy that is not pleasant but is definitely galvanizing.” Maybe the political overtones turned off some would-be viewers. But “The Handmaid’s Tale” didn’t meaningfully suffer in this polarized media climate. Instead, it benefited — because it evoked meaningful emotions and was elevated by current events. “Handmaid’s Tale” had something to say, and a unique time to say it, and isn’t that every artist wants? ‘We didn’t caution enough people’ “In early Handmaid’s days,” Littlefield said, “we present a world that was too preoccupied staring into their phones to see Gilead coming until it’s upon our characters and taken over their lives.” Over the years, many reviewers have pointed to that as one of the enduring takeaways from the show. “Handmaid’s” “showed the ease with which the unthinkable can become ordinary — a lesson crucial in the age of the Big Lie,” The Atlantic’s Megan Garber wrote in 2021. The final season of the series was in production while Kamala Harris lost to Trump, and began streaming in April. The Hollywood Reporter TV critic Daniel Fienberg credited the show with “perfect — or perfectly awful — timing” over the years, and said “the show’s topicality sometimes hit so close to the bone that it became difficult to watch.” One of the showrunners, Yahlin Chang, posited in a recent interview with TheWrap that the show “kind of failed” to serve as a cautionary tale, “or we didn’t caution enough people.” “It’s shocking to me, when I think about when I joined the show, I had more rights as a woman than I have now,” she said. Conversely, Chang said in an oral history of the show that “Handmaid’s” was an opportunity to tell big-budget stories “about refugees and displaced people” – in this case, about American characters who fled to Canada to escape tyranny. “You can’t just walk into a Hollywood studio and pitch that,” she said. “The fact that we’re able to give voice to have our characters as Americans go through what, unfortunately, people all throughout the world go through and where we can really empathize with them fills me with hope for humanity.” The final episodes manage to be uplifting, at least in part, and Littlefield said, “Our message this year, in hopefully a compelling dramatic way, continues to be — like June, don’t give up the fight.” Many of the “Handmaid’s Tale” producers are now working on a sequel series called “The Testaments,” which will pick up about 15 years in the fictional future. It will be another test of audience (and studio) interest in a show that both entertains and asks a serious question: “Could it happen here?”
“The Handmaid’s Tale” had a remarkable ending — for real-world reasons
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
""The Handmaid's Tale" Finale Reflects Political Urgency and Cultural Relevance"
CNN
6.6
TruthLens AI Summary
The finale of "The Handmaid's Tale" has garnered attention not just for its dramatic conclusion but also for its poignant political relevance in today's society. The acclaimed Hulu series, based on Margaret Atwood's 1985 novel, has navigated an increasingly polarized media landscape since its inception in 2016. Originally conceived during a time when many anticipated a female presidency, the show transformed in response to the unexpected election of Donald Trump. This shift prompted producers and cast members to draw stark parallels between the fictional totalitarian regime of Gilead and contemporary America, where issues of women's rights and political radicalism have become increasingly contentious. Executive producer Warren Littlefield emphasized that the current political climate has made the show's themes more pressing than ever, stating, "Our America is getting harder to recognize each and every day," as the speculative fiction of Atwood seems to inch closer to reality.
As the series progressed, it became evident that the political overtones, while potentially off-putting to some, did not hinder viewership. Instead, the show's ability to evoke powerful emotions in a time of social upheaval allowed it to resonate with audiences. The narrative served as a cautionary tale about the fragility of rights and the ease with which authoritarianism can emerge, a sentiment echoed by critics and cast alike. Yahlin Chang, one of the showrunners, expressed concern that the series may not have effectively warned viewers about the potential consequences of complacency in the face of political changes. As the series concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of urgency and relevance while also paving the way for a sequel, "The Testaments," which will explore the future of its characters and the ongoing question of whether such a dystopian reality could manifest in the real world. This combination of entertainment and critical commentary has solidified "The Handmaid's Tale" as a significant cultural touchstone in contemporary storytelling.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the significant political undertones of the finale of "The Handmaid’s Tale," emphasizing its relevance in the current socio-political climate. It draws parallels between the fictional totalitarian regime depicted in the show and real-world developments, particularly under the Trump administration.
Cultural Commentary and Political Context
The timing of the show's finale is particularly noteworthy as it comes at a time when Hollywood is reportedly shying away from politically charged narratives. The article suggests that this reluctance is a response to the changing political landscape, where studios are cautious about liberal storylines and diversity initiatives. This context sets the stage for the finale to be perceived as a bold move, reinforcing the show's status as a politically provocative commentary on contemporary issues.
Audience Reception and Engagement
The article implies that the finale resonates with audiences who are concerned about societal shifts toward authoritarianism. By referencing the show's initial reception following Trump's election, it establishes a connection between the narrative of "The Handmaid’s Tale" and the fears many hold about the erosion of rights, particularly for women. The mention of anti-Trump protests utilizing imagery from the show signifies its impact on public discourse, indicating that it has galvanized a specific audience concerned with social justice and women's rights.
Manipulation and Messaging
While the article presents a compelling narrative, it may carry an inherent bias by focusing heavily on the socio-political implications without offering a balanced view of differing perspectives. This focus could be construed as an attempt to manipulate public sentiment by framing the show as a warning against current political trends. The language used suggests a clear alignment with liberal values, which may alienate viewers with opposing viewpoints.
Potential Impact on Society and Economy
The discussion around the finale could influence public discourse on women's rights and political engagement, potentially mobilizing viewers to become more active in socio-political movements. In a broader context, the article reflects a growing concern about the implications of entertainment media in shaping political narratives and public opinion, which could have downstream effects on market behavior, particularly in industries tied to media and entertainment.
Target Audience Characteristics
The article is likely to resonate more with progressive audiences who are attuned to issues of gender equality and political activism. It seeks to engage viewers who already support the themes presented in "The Handmaid’s Tale," creating an echo chamber effect that reinforces existing beliefs.
Financial and Market Implications
The finale of a well-received show like "The Handmaid’s Tale" could influence stock prices of companies in the entertainment sector, particularly those associated with Hulu and streaming services that prioritize politically relevant content. The discussion surrounding the show may also affect investors' perceptions of market trends related to media consumption, especially in an era of increasing polarization.
Global Power Dynamics and Current Relevance
The themes explored in "The Handmaid’s Tale" have broader implications for global politics, especially in contexts where women's rights are under threat. The article’s focus on the show's political relevance reflects ongoing debates about governance, civil liberties, and the role of media in shaping public perceptions, which are particularly salient in today’s discourse.
The article may have utilized AI for content generation, particularly in analyzing viewer sentiment and trends over time. If AI models were involved, they could have shaped the narrative focus towards emphasizing the show's political significance, thus driving engagement among targeted demographics.
In conclusion, while the article presents a well-argued perspective on the cultural significance of "The Handmaid’s Tale," it leans towards a particular ideological viewpoint that may not fully encompass the complexity of audience reception and the multifaceted nature of political discourse surrounding the show. Its reliability is moderate, given the potential for bias in its portrayal of the subject matter.