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

‘VisionQuest’ introduces a new villain with a connection to Stark Industries
2026-10-21T10:28:50.000Z
Julia Garner will also star in the series alongside Lewis Pullman and Maddie Hasson
2026-10-21T09:17:29.000Z
Season 24 Episode 3 brings a character from Nicholas Torres’ past that threatens his future in ‘NCIS’
2026-10-21T08:26:30.000Z
Catherine Standish told River that someone had left the light on at his grandfather’s house, and things took a turn from there
2026-10-21T07:28:35.000Z
Leroy Jethro Gibbs reunites with two fan favorites in episode 3 of 'NCIS: Origins' while searching for answers
2026-10-21T06:53:16.000Z
‘NCIS: Origins’ Season 3 will see an ‘off-the-books’ agent arrive to help Gibbs solve his present-day mystery
2026-10-21T04:33:54.000Z
The newly added cast member happens to be an ‘old buddies’ with Max Thieriot’s Bode and Jordan Calloway’s Jake.
2026-10-21T04:22:12.000Z
'AHS' Season 13 is drawing to a close, but the anthology series has more in store for fans
2026-10-21T02:56:18.000Z
Luke Thompson offers a glimpse of Benedict’s future as ‘Bridgerton’ Season 5 shifts to a new love story.
2026-10-20T20:36:07.000Z
The newcomer is linked to Marlena and Stefano’s family mystery and is set to arrive in Salem very soon.
2026-10-20T19:19:07.000Z