Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Handmaid’s Tale season 6, episode 3!
The Emergence of a New Antagonist in The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6
The sixth season of The Handmaid’s Tale has officially introduced a formidable replacement for Fred Waterford. This new character is poised to significantly impact Serena Joy’s arc as the series heads towards its conclusion. While Serena Joy has been a consistent antagonist throughout the series, the Commanders around her have frequently changed since Fred’s demise. Now, a new villain emerges, intertwining his path with Serena Joy’s narrative in the final season.
Serena Joy’s Journey This Season
In the initial three episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale season 6, all released simultaneously, audiences witness pivotal developments for Serena Joy Waterford. Following the climactic events of season 5, where she escapes Gilead alongside June on a train heading for Alaska, her plans rapidly unravel. Upon being recognized, she is compelled to leap from the train, leading to her capture. Her importance to the New Bethlehem initiative soon brings her back into the fold of Gilead, where she encounters the new High Commander Wharton.
High Commander Wharton: The New Face of Villainy
A New Villain Takes Charge
Portrayed by Josh Charles, High Commander Wharton appears to be setting the stage as the principal antagonist for season 6. While numerous Commanders have surfaced in the aftermath of Fred’s exit, Wharton’s influence marks a new level of authority and menace within Gilead’s hierarchy. His vision for Gilead’s future positions him as a key player, forcing other influential characters, including Commander Lawrence and Nick, to navigate his ambitions.
Wharton continues to perpetuate the oppressive ideologies of Gilead, thus aligning him against the protagonists, including June and Serena Joy. The specific nuances that differentiate him from Fred Waterford have yet to be fully revealed, but fans can anticipate an even darker portrayal in this climactic season.
Potential Romance: Wharton and Serena Joy?
Could a New Relationship Develop?
As the plot unfolds, there are hints that a romantic subplot might emerge between High Commander Wharton and Serena Joy. Their interactions and Wharton’s position as Fred Waterford’s successor suggest the possibility of his influence igniting feelings within Serena Joy.
This potential relationship could have far-reaching implications for Serena Joy, possibly drawing her back into the oppressive Gileadean framework and undermining any personal growth achieved in previous seasons. Furthermore, with Commander Lawrence already intent on leveraging Serena Joy for his New Bethlehem agenda, her value in Gilead remains significant in The Handmaid’s Tale season 6.