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

Wes ends ‘Sheriff Country’ Season 2 Episode 2 in the hands of Stoyanovs after exposing bakery bug
2026-10-17T05:35:47.000Z
Chad Lowe is the executive producer on ‘9-1-1: Nashville’ and has also directed many episodes
2026-10-17T05:07:28.000Z
Issa López returns as showrunner for a Jamaica Bay story with ties to ’Night Country’
2026-10-17T03:12:59.000Z
Oklahoma’s governor and Dwight’s love interest board a private jet in the first episode of Season 4
2026-10-16T09:30:07.000Z
'Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 23 Episode 1, titled 'Collide,' featured several surprises
2026-10-16T09:16:04.000Z
'Crystal Lake,' which serves as a prequel to 'Friday the 13th,' stars Linda Cardellini as Pamela
2026-10-16T07:12:15.000Z
Detective Vincent Riley was introduced during the 'Law & Order' Season 23 premiere
2026-10-16T05:35:28.000Z
The latest episodes uncover surprising family connection that could change everything for Constance
2026-10-16T05:25:45.000Z
Amazon's upcoming horror thriller 'Stillwater' will star Ben Hardy as Daniel West, whose arrival in the town sets the story in motion
2026-10-16T04:34:59.000Z
The album includes tracks such as ‘Guile’s Theme,’ ‘Hadoken!’ and ‘KEN VS RYU,’ plus a Dhalsim’s Cave Rave remix
2026-10-16T03:55:25.000Z