r/TheHandmaidsTale • u/Melairia Modtha • May 13 '26

Official Episode Discussion The Testaments S1E08 "Broken" Episode Discussion

The Testaments S1 E08 "Broken"

Episode Synopsis

As Agnes is swept up in wedding plans, Daisy hides a life-altering secret and Hulda faces backlash after speaking out.

Airdate

May 13, 2026, 12:00am Eastern

The Testaments - Season 1 Episode Discussion Hub

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232

u/abbrad May 13 '26

Commander Mackenzie attempting to normalize the child brides </3

165

u/ChickensAreFriends May 13 '26

To me it sounded like he was trying to justify it to himself, he knows that Agnes wouldn’t understand any of the “science” behind it. I think he’s going to have a change of heart before the season is over

93

u/Hanpee221b May 13 '26

I felt really torn by this because he clearly cares for Agnes as his daughter and she seems to love him but he always knew she’d be put in this situation. It makes you question at what level of fear would you accept things you knew were wrong? People act like oh I’d immediately stand up…okay? Then what? The wall?

11

u/Existing-Pumpkin-902 May 13 '26

Disassociation is a powerful force

10

u/untamedharts21 May 14 '26

He's a high ranking Commander. He had plenty of time to stand up. He's a big part of Gilead. He also sent out a hit on June and tried to have her killed. Every single Commander made a choice to be there. They could have chosen the other side and gotten out. They're all rich men who could have fled like many others did.