Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Handmaid’s Tale season 6, episode 3!
Hulu has officially confirmed a spinoff centered on The Testaments, setting the stage for Aunt Lydia’s narrative in The Handmaid’s Tale season 6. Following the success of the original series, Margaret Atwood published a sequel novel in 2019, titled The Testaments. This sequel not only revisits Aunt Lydia’s complex character but also incorporates the stories of June’s children, Hannah and Nichole, effectively extending the saga beyond June’s journey.
The Testaments’ introduction indicates that while The Handmaid’s Tale may be finishing its run, the franchise is far from over. Season 6 faces the formidable task of wrapping up June’s ongoing struggle against Gilead while leaving many critical plot points unresolved. As the season unfolds, it becomes evident that significant developments are necessary before the original storyline concludes, particularly regarding Aunt Lydia’s evolving character.
Aunt Lydia’s Transformation in The Testaments
She Becomes a Mole for Mayday
In a dramatic shift from her role in Gilead as a staunch supporter, Aunt Lydia evolves into one of its fiercest critics in The Testaments. In this sequel, Aunt Lydia composes a controversial book that critiques the regime she once defended. Her writings gain immense popularity, allowing her to cultivate significant influence and promote internal change within Gilead.
As the plot progresses, Aunt Lydia’s frustrations with Gilead propel her to take more revolutionary actions, positioning her as one of the pivotal characters in The Testaments. This marks a stark departure from her previous portrayal, signifying a significant character transformation.
Setting Up Aunt Lydia’s Role in The Testaments Through Season 6
She Is Gradually Opposing Gilead
Aunt Lydia’s gradual reconsideration of Gilead’s practices has been evident for some time, especially fueled by her care for Janine. Episode 3 of season 6 further propels her closer to the ideologies presented in The Testaments. Witnessing Janine’s treatment at Jezebel’s shocks Lydia, underscoring Gilead’s misleading narratives about the welfare of Handmaids post-delivery.
This pivotal moment could serve as a catalyst for Lydia to advocate for reforms within Gilead throughout the remainder of season 6. Although there is a notable time gap between The Handmaid’s Tale and The Testaments, the current season must successfully transition Aunt Lydia into a character that aligns with the revolutionary Mayday group. Fortunately, with several episodes still to air, The Handmaid’s Tale has ample opportunity to execute this transformation.