[This article includes spoilers from season six, episode eight of The Handmaid’s Tale, titled “Exodus.” ]
Yvonne Strahovski’s Nerves on the Wedding Day
Stepping into the shoes of Serena Joy for The Handmaid’s Tale’s final season brought a wave of anxiety for Yvonne Strahovski as she prepared for Serena’s nuptials.
“I typically don’t get nervous on set,” Strahovski revealed to The Hollywood Reporter. “However, walking down the aisle with everyone’s eyes on me left me feeling like I might topple over. It was genuinely nerve-wracking.”
The Opulent Gilead Wedding
Strahovski’s apprehensions seem justified in light of the lavish wedding orchestrated for Serena’s remarriage to High Commander Wharton, portrayed by newcomer Josh Charles. The eighth episode, aptly named “Exodus,” features an elaborately staged ceremony in a church, presenting one of the most intricate depictions in the Emmy-award-winning Hulu series thus far. The guest list included Commanders, their wives, Aunts, Marthas, and even red-cloaked handmaids.
Production designer Elisabeth Williams reflected on the dramatic transformation of the wedding venue, stating, “It would amaze everyone to see the location before and after such an event. The church was stunning in its architecture, but the contrast after the ceremony was jaw-dropping.”
Symbolism in Serena’s Dress
For the occasion, Serena wore a stunning gown in pale icy blue, meticulously crafted by costume designer Leslie Kavanagh. The train of the dress featured hand-stitched leaves symbolizing Serena, her baby Noah, Commander Wharton, and the new family they intend to cultivate. Kavanagh explained, “Serena is entering this marriage on her terms, hence her return to blue—a color associated with the wives in Gilead’s societal structure.”
Disney/Steve Wilkie
Serena’s Power Play
Strahovski described the wedding as Serena’s pivotal moment to regain her power and showcase herself as a prominent figure in Gilead. “For her, being a power figure in the public eye acts as a shield, especially with her baby to protect. She sees no options left.”
June’s Deceptive Role
Unbeknownst to Serena, June (Elisabeth Moss) had infiltrated the event, masquerading among the handmaids. In a bold plan, she drugged several Commanders using the wedding cake, creating an opportunity for the handmaids to escape. Additionally, June and her allies managed to persuade Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) to assist them in a long-awaited rebellion.
Kavanagh emphasized the redesign of the handmaids’ costumes for this critical scene, stating, “We maintained the integrity of the costume, adding pockets designed to hide weapons. It was vital for the action sequences to ensure functionality.”
Disney/Steve Wilkie
The Irony of Serena’s New Life
While Commander Wharton appeared blissful as he carried Serena over their threshold, irony struck just minutes later when a handmaid awaited them in their parlor.
Strahovski described her immediate feelings, stating, “Seeing a handmaid in red triggered a surge of emotions. The color symbolizes subjugation in Gilead, and the scene jolted me back to the earlier seasons.”
This encounter sparked a fiery argument between Serena and Wharton regarding their differing ideologies. Their intense confrontation left viewers questioning Wharton’s next move—would he imprison or kill her, or would he let her go?
Serena’s Crisis of Identity
Strahovski expressed the depth of her connection to Serena, infusing her performance with real emotion: “I felt genuinely invested in this moment. The profound impact of this story resonates globally, significantly influencing both the audience and myself.”
Reflecting on another emotional confrontation, Strahovski recalled a previous scene with Commander Waterford that evoked similar intensity, reinforcing the depth of Serena’s character arc.
Disney/Steve Wilkie
Serena’s Defiance
As the confrontation escalated, Serena defiantly reminded Wharton of her resilience, proclaiming, “I’ve survived worse, and I will survive you!” With her son Noah in her arms, she dashed for freedom, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
Strahovski’s portrayal depicted the fear and determination that surged through Serena in that pivotal moment. “It was daunting to imagine Wharton could imprison her, but she had finally found her voice, encouraged by their prior connection and discussions of reform,” she explained.
A Warning Echoed
Earlier, June warned Serena of her choice, cautioning her against falling under another powerful man’s influence. “June has profound insight into Serena, often perceiving her true nature,” Moss shared. “However, June never loses hope that those close to her will make the right decisions, even at personal cost.”
As the series nears its conclusion, Moss hinted at the complexities in the characters’ choices. “Some will rise to the occasion, while others will falter.”
Serena’s Choices Moving Forward
When questioned whether she feels Serena will make better decisions, Strahovski noted, “While she may agree with June, in her heart, Serena believes she had no alternatives. The dynamics of her relationship with Wharton, coupled with her maternal instincts for Noah, heighten the stakes significantly.”
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Don’t miss new episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale, airing every Tuesday on Hulu. Stay updated with THR’s exclusive interviews as the final season unfolds.