Did Taylor Swift Just Ruin 'The Handmaid's Tale'? Episode 9 Song Choice Divided Fans
The most controversial decision in Season 6 of The Handmaid's Tale is the song choice – Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do." Here's why it sparked a heated debate among fans.
In movies and TV series, music is not just a backdrop – it is a powerful tool that can heighten drama and reveal the emotions of the characters. Sometimes, a well-chosen song is remembered more than the scene itself.
Just remember "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic or "All Star" from Shrek – these songs have become integral to cinematic history.
However, musical choices can also cause controversy, especially when a dark project features an unexpected pop hit.
Taylor Swift's 'Look What You Made Me Do' in Episode 9 Left Fans Divided
That's exactly what happened in the ninth episode of Season 6 of The Handmaid's Tale, which featured a Taylor Swift song. The scene left fans divided: some think the moment was brilliant, while others claim it is inappropriate.
The opening scene with the Gilead rebellion features Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do." This choice was surprising given that the show usually avoids modern pop hits in favor of original soundtracks or classical compositions.
Elisabeth Moss Reveals She Dreamed of Using a Taylor Swift Song in 'The Handmaid's Tale'
Elisabeth Moss, the series' star, producer, and director of several episodes, admitted in an interview with The Wrap:
“I've been wanting to use a Taylor song for many years on the show and we finally found the perfect spot for a track from her, and I'm so glad we waited because there could not be a more perfect song for a more perfect moment.”
Let's be honest, if we were producing a TV series, wouldn't we all want to include a song by our favorite artist in one of the episodes?
Most Fans Were Disappointed With the Song Choice
Fans are divided into two camps. Some are delighted by the unexpected soundtrack, noting that its lyrics perfectly echo the show's plot. Reddit user gothahontas wrote:
“It was perfect. This song is all about standing up to your abuser. And I am a swiftie so I literally screamed!”
However, most fans agree that the song does not match the show's mood. Redditor Frequent-Drive-1375 commented:
“The lyrics are fitting, yes, but it felt so on the nose and the pop vibe was certainly not fitting. if they really wanted to use that song they should have used a cover with a more serious tone.”
Reddit user Intelligent_Laugh834 added:
“I agree. Took me right out of this very important thing these women were doing. I hate when good shows and movies ruin scenes with bad music choices. Nothing against the song at all, but it just didn't fit at all.”
"Look What You Made Me Do" really breaks the tempo of the scene – as the maids march forward in slow motion, an energetic pop tune plays in the background. No matter how well the lyrics match the show's plot, this scene screams for a slower, darker, and more epic soundtrack.
