What To Watch: The Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror, Your Friends & Neighbours, Love Triangle and Hacks

The Handmaid’s Tale

Tuesday, streaming on SBS On Demand, and Wednesday, 8.40pm, SBS

For many viewers, the unrelenting brutality of this superb series meant they didn’t get much further than the first season of The Handmaid’s Tale — it was just too difficult to watch.

But for those who persevered, this final season — so long in the making — promises a satisfying conclusion to a story that demands, now more than ever, to be told.

Season six picks up mere moments after we left things, with ex-Handmaid June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss) on a crowded refugee train headed out of Toronto. She’s had to leave behind her husband Luke (O-T Fagbenle), who has been arrested, and with daughter in hand she’s on a train to who-knows-where, with an uncertain future.

As she makes her way down the carriage, she hears a baby crying — it’s lying in the arms of her former adversary, Serena Waterford (Yvonne Strahovski), who is also on the train, posing as a fellow refugee.

It’s here we pick up the story.

Those who’ve read Margaret Atwood’s sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale will have an idea of where this season is headed. I’m loathe to say more, but it is certainly off to a gripping start, the first episode packed with emotional moments and one incredible scene that will leave long-term fans gasping.

Season six sees June pulled back into her quest to take down Gilead, and this time Luke and long-time best friend Moira (Samira Wiley) are inextricably linked to her fight. Other key characters like Commander Joseph (Bradley Whitford), Rita (Amanda Brugel), Janine (Madeline Brewer) and Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) all play key roles in what unfolds.

Given what’s happening in the world right now, and the speed with which it’s unfolding, lapsed fans may wish to dip back in — it’s easier than you might think to pick up on the story.

Trust me when I say the payoff will be worth it.

This is five-star television that’s never felt more prescient. You won’t want to miss a moment of what unfolds.

A wholly satisfying conclusion.

Love Triangle

Sunday, streaming on Stan

Selling Sunset star Chrishell Stause, aka G Flip’s wifey, is stepping in as reunion host for this season, which is shaping up to be a big one. In the promo, one contestant is heard saying she would rather “S . . t in my hands and clap than get to know him further”, which both sets the tone, and honestly, sounds hilarious. If there’s a MAFS-sized hole in your life, consider filling it with this ridiculous piece of fluff — if only to see the fireworks that are bound to erupt at that reunion.

Black Mirror

Thursday, streaming on Netflix

I keep waiting for this sci-fi anthology series to jump the shark, but it never seems to. In fact, as time has gone on — we’re up to season seven — the storylines have only gotten more spot-on. This season brings six new episodes, including a sequel to the cult favourite USS Callister. Keep an eye out for some sensational guest stars, including Peter Capaldi, Chris O’Dowd, Harriet Walter, Paul Giamatti and Issa Rae. Can’t wait for this one.

Your Friends And Neighbours

Friday, streaming on Apple TV Plus

This series, starring Jon Hamm, has been renewed for a second season before the first has even gone to air, which gives you an idea of what to expect. Hamm stars as recently fired Andrew “Coop” Cooper, a hedge fund manager who resorts to stealing from his super rich neighbours. In the process, he discovers the secrets and affairs of those in his affluent circle, bringing its own host of issues. This is getting lots of buzz — mark your diaries.

Hacks

Friday, streaming on Stan

How is it that this comedy series, starring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder as two comedians at opposite ends of the generational spectrum, keeps getting better? This season focuses on Deborah’s (Smart) foray into late-night television. She’s hired Ava (Einbinder) to get the show up and running, but you can bet sparks will fly between these two headstrong dames as launch date nears. Guests this season include Helen Hunt, Kaitlin Olson and Dan Bucatinsky.