Hulu's original 'The Handmaid's Tale' won big at the Emmy Awards on Sunday, taking home eight trophies from its 13 Emmy nominations, including Best Drama. Here are six Reasons Why "The Handmaid's Tale" won big and why you should watch it.
1. Elizabeth Moss is a boss
"The Handmaid's Tale" follows newly-turned handmaid Offred and her struggle to adapt to the new laws of Gilead - basically, the new world order in America. You may recognize "Lizzy" Moss from AMC's "Mad Men," but this phenom was not widely known before taking on the role of Offred in "The Handmaid's Tale." The more you watch "The Handmaid's Tale," you can tell why Moss was cast as the lead.
She kicks serious *ss and leaves herself completely vulnerable as Offred. Her final look into the camera in episode 10 sums up the commanding grace Moss has shown in this career-defining role.
2. We love dystopias almost as much as superheroes
From "Blade Runner" to "The Walking Dead," we love seeing alternate futures. Although most are not as bleak and raw as "The Handmaid's Tale," we can't help but love a future gone wrong. Though no superheroes will be rescuing these handmaids anytime soon, we're rooting for Offred to save Gilead when all is said and done.
3. Beautiful cinematography
How can one make such a bleak future shine so bright through the camera? While we were feeling gloomy and sympathetic for these women throughout the first season, the cinematography allowed for beauty in each scene.
From the shots of June through the headrest in the very first scene to the snow-capped stoning in episode 10, "The Handmaid's Tale" is a truly visual experience.
4. Anti-feminism, or feminism?
We live in a time where women are strong and independent. They demand equal rights and respect, as everyone should have. "The Handmaid's Tale" is so unique in that the women of Gilead literally become property of the state, yet we can't get enough of this world.
But what is so intriguing is the fight and cunning of the handmaids. We start to realize very quickly that these women aren't giving up anytime soon. Offred is the handmaid equivalent of Danaerys Targaryen. Revolt is coming.
5. Original writing
The writing is smart, it is emotional, and it allows for the characters to blossom.
Moss claims to use Atwood's novel as a bible for her portrayal of Offred. "The Handmaid's Tale" is an adapted screenplay from the award-winning novel of the same title. Margaret Atwood created the world of Gilead all the way back in 1985 and Bruce Miller adapted the novel into this Emmy winning script.
6. Wait - is that Rory Gilmore?
Miller threw a nod to the "Gilmore Girls" in his acceptance speech for best drama: "[The producers] supported us when we wanted to do horrible things to Rory Gilmore." I was hesitant seeing Alexis Bledel in this solemn role, but this Gilmore girl nailed her supporting role as Ofglen. Her few scenes in episode 3 alone might have earned her the nod. Bledel's grimacing moans, as tears roll down her face in the back of the van, give the vibe for what these women are going through. Bledel deservedly took home the Emmy for her supporting role.
Stream "The Handmaid's Tale" season 1 now on Hulu
