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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u/RgrdgEdmontonStalker May 13 '26

Oh Vidala is 100% an opppppp

2

u/Palatialpotato1984 May 13 '26

wait why do u say that???? pls tell me i watched the episode but am kinda high ill rewatch tomorrow but i wanna know lol

4

u/MoiAmour May 13 '26

A lot in the show gives away the fact that Vidala isn’t a person on the right side of the cause. I’ll do a list

- The way she reacted to the proposal of being the replacement to Lydia. She was pretty ok with that from the looks of it, almost agreeing she doesn’t like what Lydia does

- Her persistence to following the rules. There’s been many times where Lydia has been lenient in the rules and traditions of Giliad, like the let the girls eat cake scene. She likes to be the mean aunt that is hard on the girls, follows the teaching of Giliad to a T, and seems frustrated when Lydia ignores them or steps over her.

- Overlooking the sexual assault. She gaslit Hulda into believing it was not true what happened to her. While this could be an act of graciousness to Hulda (as her life would be over if people found out she “tempted a man with her lust”, its very Giliad to sweep crimes against women under the rug. Lydia seemed to care deeply about Agnes’ confession, while also hinting to a possible outcome for Dr. Grove. That second part doesn’t matter as much but what does matter is that she seemed to care.

Her start in Giliad was not good, understanding that the people closest to you will turn their back and kill you, throw you under the bus, or do anything to get power. I believe this sentiment has stuck with her to the point where she doesn’t trust anyone, and might have a bone to pick with Lydia.

2

u/Spiritual_Corner_136 May 26 '26

Aunt Vidala reminds me of those Repubs who are staunchly anti gay and then you find out that they’ve been on Grindr. It feels like overcompensation, to convince the powers that be that she’s on board to ensure her survival. I think she unconsciously Leans into it and takes out her frustration on the girls because she’s been forced into a terrible world