The Handmaid's Tale Page #3

Season #1 - Episode #1

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In the sitting room, Offred can just see the shoulder of a

WOMAN IN BLUE. She sits in a chair, knitting. Her needles

click against each other.

LOOKING AT THE WOMAN, OFFRED FLASHES BACK TO:

INT. SITTING ROOM - DAY -FLASHBACK

Outside the sitting room window, a hard rain falls.

OFFRED stands in her RED CLOAK, a red suitcase beside her.

They are still damp from the rain.

She is alone in the room. Eyes cast down. An unmoving

figure in red.

There are no books in the room. No visible writing of any

kind. And no technology.

The only sound is the rain hitting the window. A spring

rain, with plump, cold drops.

SERENA JOY opens the door, strides in. She’s a brittle 40,

in the signature pale blue of a Commander’s wife.

Offred starts to look towards Serena -- it’s a reflex. But

she stops herself, keeps her head down.

Eyes to the floor.

Serena sees Offred twitch and catch herself. Serena takes a

beat to enjoy her power at work. And then --

SERENA JOY:

So. Here you are.

Offred keeps her eyes lowered.

OFFRED (V.O.)

Here I am.

(and then)

Aunt Lydia said it was best not to

speak to the wives unless they

asked you a direct question. Think

of it from their point of view,

Aunt Lydia said. It isn’t easy for

them.

(and then)

Boo f***ing hoo.

(CONTINUED)

"Pilot" 11/29/15 8.

CONTINUED:

Serena Joy sits, takes out a cigarette. Lights it. She

looks Offred up and down. After a long beat --

SERENA JOY:

You can sit down. I don’t make a

practice of it, but just this time.

Offred considers -- she is carefully choosing every word,

every movement. This is a dance. If Offred missteps, there

will be consequences.

Offred sits, folds her hands in her lap.

SERENA JOY (CONT’D)

So, old what’s-his-name didn’t work

out?

OFFRED:

No, Ma’am.

SERENA JOY:

Tough luck. This is your second

posting, then?

OFFRED:

Yes, Ma’am.

SERENA JOY:

Good. Our last one was brand new.

It was like training a dog. And

not a very smart one.

(and then)

I expect you know the rules?

OFFRED:

Yes, Ma’am.

SERENA JOY:

Don’t call me ma’am. You’re not a

Martha.

From the doorway, someone CLEARS THEIR THROAT. Offred

glances over and sees COMMANDER WATERFORD (50’). Tall, a

little thick in places, not necessarily handsome, but...

commanding.

Offred IMMEDIATELY stands up, bows her head obediently.

SERENA JOY (CONT’D)

Well. Look what the cat dragged

in.

(re:
Offred)

This is the new one.

(CONTINUED)

"Pilot" 11/29/15 9.

CONTINUED:

COMMANDER:

(to Offred, too casual)

Hello.

(then, catching himself)

Blessed be the fruit.

OFFRED:

May the Lord open.

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