In addition to causing her physical harm, Aunt Lydia exercises her power at every turn to belittle Janine.
It is no wonder Aunt Lydia is pleased with her, even for a short while.
The first time that Lydia shows Janine affection is a striking abnormality for the Aunt.
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Janine, because of her mutilated appearance is heartbroken after being left out of a lavish public party.
Lydia sees Janine as a good girl who is unfairly judged and misunderstood.
This is the first inclination of a softening heart that audiences preview for Aunt Lydia.
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Janine hands over the baby but throws herself into the water below.
Instead of reevaluating the role she plays, she calls Janine a stupid girl as she lies in recovery.
Lydias tears insinuate that she feels pressured by her belief in Gods will to complete this awful task.
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Gilead has given her the platform to do so on a large scale.
Torn down by the institutions that control her, Janine is susceptible to those who want to save her.
In turn, Lydia is defensive of the now feeble Janine.
With other Aunts insult her or suggest she be sent elsewhere, Lydia is suddenly her champion.
She has now attracted unwanted attention from others that shes displaying preferential treatment.
In private she promises Janine, Youll be alright, dear.
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Ill take care of you.
Janine is now an ally that she can use to do her bidding.
Aunt Lydia perceives this dedication as loyalty and keeps the girl close.
In a way, their relationship is loving but transactional.
And so I think that has happened for Lydia.
Viewers have never known Lydia to show such an outward display of remorse and regret.
She promises change, praying I will turn things around…I will do things differently.
Later that same episode,she backs up her words with actions.
