Alert: The following content contains significant spoilers for the first three episodes of season 6 of The Handmaid’s Tale.
Eric Tuchman Discusses Serena Joy’s Journey in Season 6
In the latest season of The Handmaid’s Tale, showrunner Eric Tuchman offers an in-depth look into Serena Joy’s (portrayed by Yvonne Strahovski) arc within the New Bethlehem storyline. The initial three episodes depict Serena in a precarious situation, fleeing with her son Noah and encountering June (Elisabeth Moss) on a train. However, circumstances force her to jump to safety when her identity is revealed among fellow refugees. Seeking sanctuary, Serena aligns herself with a faith-driven community and is approached by Commander Lawrence (Bradley Whitford) to serve as an ambassador for New Bethlehem, where the aim is to foster a more progressive vision of life in Gilead.
Understanding Serena’s Motivations
In a recent interview with ScreenRant, Tuchman delves into the complexity of Serena’s character. He underscores that her faith is pivotal, driving her desire to return and shape Gilead into a better version of itself, reflecting the vision she originally wanted to pursue. Tuchman emphasizes that Serena is resolutely committed to avoiding past mistakes, yet he warns that her pursuit of power and influence may lead to her downfall, as she often sabotages herself.
“Serena returns to New Bethlehem, which is part of Gilead, but it’s not in Gilead proper. She’s really determined not to fall into that trap again. She’s coming back, believing that she’s been called to this mission by God to create a better version of Gilead, the one that she wanted created in the first place. And she does not want to get involved with anybody in a romantic way.
She wants to be an independent woman, like Commander Lawrence has promised her she can be. But there are a couple of parts of Serena that are vulnerable. She’s filled with hubris that sometimes influences her decisions. She’s drawn to power and influence, and that might be represented by someone she comes across, and we’ll see what happens there. But she’s often her own worst enemy when it comes to her choices.
The Implications of Tuchman’s Insights for Serena in Season 6
Serena Joy’s role in the establishment of Gilead is pivotal. Together with her late husband, Commander Fred Waterford, she played a significant part in laying the foundations of a society that heavily oppresses women. Although she has experienced the harsh realities of her own creation—having once been a handmaid—her initial interactions in the season 6 premiere reveal that she still clings to the belief of forging a faith-centered, improved Gilead.
Tuchman’s remarks hint at a morally intricate storyline for Serena, raising questions about her willingness to confront personal failings and the complexities of her moral compass. While the early indications suggest she may be on the brink of redemption, Tuchman’s insights evoke concern that her descent into villainy could resurface once more.
Analyzing Serena’s Character Development in Season 6
Expect the Unexpected from Serena This Season
Serena’s ambition to reimagine Gilead isn’t her sole focus this season. The season 6 trailer has hinted at her potential remarriage, showcasing her resilience in finding stability once again. Interestingly, this pursuit of comfort and authority aligns with the rationale she uses to navigate her path, particularly as she partners with Commander Lawrence in New Bethlehem, a Gilead-adjacent enclave.
Serena’s backstory highlights the chaos brought forth by her faith, yet it is this very blend of purity and complexity that renders her a captivating character. She genuinely believes she is divinely appointed to instigate change and cultivate a brighter future. Notably, her act of clearing space for women and children’s safety and facilitating medical aid for June in the train scene illustrates the duality of her nature—benevolent yet flawed. As Tuchman articulates, Serena’s greatest adversary may often be herself.