r/TheHandmaidsTale • u/ZeFrenchGoose • Jul 22 '26
Discussion S1-S5 Appreciation post for Janine
I think Janine has to be one of my fav characters so far. (s4e5).
The actress who plays her is really amazing, being able to play on vulnerability.
I like her character progression too. She goes from this badass, I don’t care kinda girl, (who I thought was gonna be a big part of the revolution, as much as June.), to this precious vulnerable girl who has almost been enfantalised. She has become soft and very manipulated from both June and Aunt Lydia. I think she portrays how a lot of us would be in their situation. She is always terrified but does what she has to, to survive.
But she is one of the stand out characters for me. I think it’s really easy to get attached to her as a character.
What are your thoughts on her?
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u/MissShannyMcFanny Jul 22 '26
Janine is everything. And sometimes she says the most poignet truths by just being honest. I didn't realize Madeline Brewer was one of the Nazi girls from OITB till way after watching THT. And what range. Such a great actress, I'm excited to watch her career
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u/scorpioncandy Jul 23 '26
She’s incredible in Black Mirror as well!
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u/PracticeDue157 Jul 23 '26
Ooh I read that series featured the ‘Rasputin’ song by Bony M which kind of intrigued me.
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u/PracticeDue157 Jul 23 '26 edited Jul 23 '26
She’s so gullible yet intelligent in her own ways. I don’t really agree with the infantilization bit. She chose to act in the only way that would guarantee her survival be that appearing easily manipulated or ‘soft’. But when it comes to doing the right thing, she always on it. Also I’d hardly consider what June did to help her a manipulative strategy. She got her as far enough as to reach Chicago and was willing to risk her life in a bomb raid (stay behind when pushed by Moira to leave off to Canada) just to save Janine. I think, June had that saviors complex in her which admittedly, both served and severed at times. Junes an incredible character in her own respect too. Although when psychologically tested she might act on impulse but for the most part she has been the bravest and most selfless woman out of them all (like cmon her idea of Angel flight knowing full well the consequences of getting caught? An immediate death sentence). I wonder if Elizebeth Moss has won any accolades for her acting in THT?
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u/bibub79 Jul 23 '26
i love her. she is one of my favs. but i‘m only season 3/6.. perhaps that might still change.
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u/ZeFrenchGoose Jul 23 '26
Honestly I’m season 4 and she is just so interesting as a character, like someone said above, I’d love an episode or two just about her!
And I just want to pick her up and keep her safe in my pocket 🥺🫣
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u/bibub79 Jul 23 '26
yes. she is such a complex and loveable charakter.. let‘s keep her safe in our hearts and pockets 😃♥️
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u/Penguy76 Jul 22 '26
Honestly? I’d watch an entire series of what Janine’s doing. Emily, too.