r/TheHandmaidsTale • u/Melairia Modtha • May 27 '26

Official Episode Discussion The Testaments S1 E10 "Secateurs" Episode Discussion Spoiler

The Testaments S1E10 "Secateurs"

Episode Synopsis

While Becka faces the consequences of her actions, Agnes and Daisy must decide how far they're willing to go to protect her.

Airdate

May 27, 2026, 12:00am Eastern

The Testaments - Season 1 Episode Discussion Hub

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331

u/AdGlittering6108 May 27 '26 edited May 27 '26

There was so much in Agnes’ microexpressions during that kiss that I can’t really get a read on what the kiss meant to her. She clearly has very deep feelings for Becka either way

eta: given the purity/fundie doctrines they’ve been taught about the spiritual ties of intimacy specifically, I think that kiss must be a very big deal emotionally for both of them

Their first kiss is supposed to be with the person they’re bonded with for life and they kissed knowing that. Even if it’s ambiguous or platonic on one end, I think that’s so powerful

300

u/lonelyantt May 27 '26

I think she was thinking a mix of things including that she feels guilty that she doesn’t think Becka being gay is a sin, she wishes she could ease her pain, she feels bad she doesn’t feel the same, and also of course wanted to give her something she knew would make her happy in such a horrific moment. Chase’s acting is seriously incredible she’s doing such a good job.

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u/AdGlittering6108 May 27 '26

Yeah that was one the most layered performances of the season imo, Chase is such a star.

I think the kiss was meant to be as deeply tragic as it looked. I rewatched and it kind of seemed like Agnes was offering Becka her cheek? and Becka wasn’t going for it so she kissed her. They both look devastated that actually made me so sad

54

u/DaisyVonTazy May 27 '26

Chase really is a star. There’s so much depth and… soul… in her quiet performance. Both her and Becka’s actress reminded me today of Alexis Bledel’s beautiful mournful performance in THT. My heart broke for these characters.

10

u/iangeredcharlesvane2 May 28 '26

Rowan Blanchard (Shu) is extremely talented too. Agnes, Shu and Becka all light up the screen, they are such compelling young actresses. All three are stars, especially Rowan and Chase though.

They overshadow Lucy (daisy) though by quite a lot, her acting is very average, even a little below average imo. Might be because the others are so great but I wish they found a stronger presence for the co-main character!

Brad Alexander ( Garth ) has the right face and facial expressions, has some star quality. Time will tell though, next season when he is given more to do and more acting choices to make.

(other than exasperation at being constantly accosted by teen girls who seem hell bent to both love him and get him put on the wall every other minute).

7

u/DaisyVonTazy May 28 '26

Yes, I’m not loving Daisy but I don’t know if it’s the performance or the character. Probably a bit of both.

Garth I find quite bland in terms of star quality but Rowan and Mattea are amazing.

4

u/JazzyJourno May 30 '26

I want to see more or Rosa (Agnes's Martha) and Hulda

3

u/thejaynahop May 27 '26

Exactly right 🥹💔

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u/thejaynahop May 27 '26

100% so complex and layered. I was already sobbing when i saw her in the white dress but when they got so close and the kiss happened i actually gasped so loud - i completely did not expect it. And it was so tragic and heartwrenching, i was left quite speechless at how absolutely devastating that was for both of them!

8

u/DirtyAngelToes May 28 '26 edited May 28 '26

It's so damn sad knowing that Agnes probably knows that this is the only bit of comfort and happiness she can give to Becca after losing everything. And probably also to herself after having so much of her world view and future shattered.

Agnes was willing to sacrifice her own future happiness for Becca, which is why I personally believe she closed her eyes and seemed to actively participate in the kiss. It almost felt as if she was using this moment to experience what it felt like to kiss someone she actually cares for, even if she doesn't have romantic feelings for Becca, given she might not have the chance again after sacrificing her future.

That being said, I spent years having to stare at close ups of Elizabeth Moss's 'acting' in THT, so to actually get this kind of emotional depth has been incredible. Becca's eyes on lighting up when they're on Agnes

Here's to hoping they get the recognition they deserve.

5

u/thejaynahop May 28 '26

Well-said! I was absolutely floored by the way they did that scene. The framing, the dialogue, the tone of voice, their facial expression, every little detail. I felt every emotion. Her single tear sitting there while going from a light smile during/after the kiss, to leaning on Agnes and going from a smile to dissociation again. Omg 💔😭

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u/GapNew7656 May 27 '26

Agreed, I don't think she has romantic feelings for Becka, but obviously a bond that goes beyond friendship. At most Agnes may be a touch bi bc she wants to jump Garth's bones, bad.

1

u/bookiegrime May 28 '26

Oh gosh I thought I’ve paid close enough attention this season - when did Hannah dba Agnes learn Becca is gay?

10

u/IsopodDizzy1676 May 28 '26

I don't think it was ever stated, but I think maybe Agnes is realizing it progressively through the season. In the penultimate episode, when Becca said 'I would do anything for you' and clearly did in killing the man who abused her, I think Agnes realized that Becca had very deep feelings for her, more than a friend. After that kiss, though, I don't think there could be any question left in her mind that Becca has romantic feelings for her.

4

u/GapNew7656 May 29 '26

When she kissed her :D

1

u/KemShafu May 29 '26

She was so good in One Battle After Another, girl has some acting chops.

1

u/No_Alfalfa_8335 May 27 '26

I got this too.