Review: ‘Testaments’ moves more fluidly than ‘Handmaid’s Tale’

Even though they still exist in the dystopian world of Gilead, they’re not around the plums and pearls of the preparatory school run by Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd). They’re training to become dutiful wives of the commanders. They’re not taught how to think for themselves or aspire to rewarding careers but how to keep a home and plan a party.

Commanders then get a chance to choose someone who’s compatible. Friendships blossom among the girls but there’s also a wrinkle: pearls — or girls who come from the outside — upset the status quo and threaten the Gilead way of life.

Daisy (Lucy Halliday), one of those pearl girls, becomes the mentee of Agnes (Chase Infiniti), the star student. Gradually, their friendship leads to an information share that could upset the seemingly quiet life they lead.

There are rebel forces among the residents of Gilead who want to see it tumble — just as there were in “Handmaid’s Tale.” But this is more of a “side” story than a continuation of the original. Based on the book by Margaret Atwood, “The Testaments” scares with the parallels it draws between contemporary society and Gilead. A world in which thought is threatened is very real and easy to assess when viewed in this context.

The series isn’t as protracted as “Handmaid’s Tale” became, but it sends a cautionary message in 10 episodes that chill.

Dowd has a firm hand on her wards but now, she has different motives. She sees mental health concerns and isn’t afraid to address them.

Infiniti and Halliday are highly watchable leads but they aren’t given the kinds of scenes some of the other girls are. Mattea Conforti is unforgettable as Becka, one of the friends. When she tries to protect her fellow plums, “Testaments” sparks to life and gives her the kind of moments that win Emmys.

When the young girls are asked to determine the fate of a man in their midst, their reaction is frightening — and galvanizing.

“The Testaments” seems more focused than “The Handmaid’s Tale.” That talked about revolution and change, but it took too long for the story to pull together. This is compact — and understandable.

Newcomers will get the concept quickly and warm to the girls who have many of the foibles outsiders do. When Garth (Brad Alexander) enters the picture, they see how choice could be a better option.

By the time executive producer Bruce Miller brings the season to a conclusion, “The Testaments” seeds enough stories to make a second season likely — and warranted. It’s addicting.