The opening scene of 'The Handmaid's Tale' has given fans goosebumps

The story behind the utterly terrifying opening scene to 'The Handmaid's Tale' season 2 that leaves viewers in shock.
The Handmaid's Tale cast (Source : IMDB)
The Handmaid's Tale cast (Source : IMDB)

Spoiler Alert for Season 2 episode 1 opening scene.

While many were highly anticipating the second season of 'The Handmaid's Tale,' they'd hadn't bargained for the horrific scene of the first episode of the new season.

After rebelling against Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) at the end of season 1, Offred and her fellow handmaids are rounded up, handcuffed and silenced with brown leather gags before being led through a dark and cramped tunnel that emptied onto the historic baseball diamond of what had once been Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in operation in Major League Baseball.

Like many of the men who'd stood on that field before her, Offred was wide-eyed when she realized where she was, but it was not for the same reason: as she exited the tunnel and turned around, she saw that the set up in the outfield were several gallows in preparation for a mass hanging.

As the familiar, haunting sounds of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work" began to play, the women were led to their deaths.

Though the hanging was just staged to strike fear in the hearts of the women who disobeyed Aunt Lydia in the stoning scene, Offred's recorded reaction to the scene is "What the f***?"

Getty Images

This scene is the best scene in 'The Handmaid's Tale' series so far. The utter fear experienced by the handmaid's was portrayed only through silent acting. Their eyes were brimmed with tears as the women tremble in fear of what is to happen to them.

The moment is unforgettable as they wait in silent anticipation and fear. This is the consequence of their defiance in the season 1 finale.

The iconic location of the scene adds to the allure and make it a lot more terrifying. 

The use of Fenway is a reminder of a world that used to be, and to see a stadium so closely linked to America's favorite pastime abandoned and staged for mass murder in Gilead absolutely adds to the alarming nature of not only what has already happened but what is about to happen.

This scene is truly iconic and will always be unforgettable to all 'The Handmaid's Tale' fans across the globe.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

With Season 8 set to premiere in 2027, the Netflix drama has already secured another chapter, with its first seven seasons already attracting more than 500 million views worldwide
2026-11-13T15:48:34.000Z
Ewan McGregor joins Claire Danes in the A24 thriller, which also stars Daveed Diggs and explores how a suspected hit-and-run threatens a marriage
2026-11-13T12:59:20.000Z
‘Happy’s Place’ Season 3 casts ‘Desperate Housewives’ star James Denton as Reba McEntire’s new love interest
2026-11-13T08:12:36.000Z
An unexpected rash turned out to be measles that might have been fatal for one character.
2026-11-13T07:46:24.000Z
Pavi and Nisha will follow separate paths before their journeys bring them back together in Book 2
2026-11-13T04:46:57.000Z
Mariska Hargitay’s reported ‘SVU’ paycheck includes acting and producing, while her estimated wealth reflects a career spanning more than four decades.
2026-11-12T20:43:49.000Z
'Marshals' Season 2 introduces a Texas cowgirl who joins Kayce Dutton at East Camp to help establish an equine therapy program.
2026-11-12T20:24:16.000Z
‘School Spirits’ Season 4 brings back Jennifer Tilly as Deborah Hunter-Price and Milo Manheim as Wally Clark while expanding its cast with four new additions
2026-11-12T20:05:26.000Z
Paul Wesley and Sara Canning reunite for Netflix’s college sports romance ‘Icebreaker,’ years after starring together in ‘The Vampire Diaries.’
2026-11-12T19:40:49.000Z
Peacock’s ‘The Good Daughter’ finale answers questions about the school shooting, Huck’s past and the buried secrets dividing Sam and Charlie’s family.
2026-11-12T16:29:59.000Z