[This article contains spoilers from the three-episode premiere of Season Six of The Handmaid’s Tale: “Train,” “Exile,” and “Devotion.” ]
After five seasons as the indomitable June Osborne on The Handmaid’s Tale, Elisabeth Moss embraced a new role: mother. During the hiatus between filming seasons five and six, Moss became a parent for the first time. Now, as she returns to her iconic character in the final season, she brings her baby along to the set in Toronto, which adds a personal layer to her portrayal of June.
The premiere episode, “Train,” unveils June’s ongoing perilous journey toward safety, emphasizing her bravery as she intervenes to protect Serena (Yvonne Strahovski) from Gilead refugees bent on revenge aboard a train. After a harrowing escape to Alaska, June finds herself alone, her only ally Serena having fled from the train for the sake of her own survival and that of her infant son. It is only when she hears a familiar voice calling her name that hope reappears.
In a pivotal twist, she is joyfully reunited with her mother, Holly (Cherry Jones), long thought to be dead, who volunteers to assist the incoming refugees. This touching reunion not only symbolizes a personal triumph for June but also offers a moment of relief for viewers who have closely followed her arduous journey over the eight-year saga produced by Hulu and MGM. The scene resonates deeply with Moss, who, directing the episode herself, values the intersection of her personal experience as a new mother and her professional role as a maternal figure on screen.
“Ending the show as a mom holds incredible significance,” Moss shared in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. She reflects on how different aspects of the narrative took on new meanings for her, particularly when juxtaposed with her own maternal experiences, enhancing the emotional weight of June’s struggles. She noted, “The first image is June on a train holding a baby, and by the end, she is reuniting with her mother. I’m grateful to have this last season, which offers a more visceral experience of June’s trials and tribulations.”
Throughout the final season, June’s mission continues to center around retrieving her daughter, Hannah (Jordana Blake), who was taken away and indoctrinated into Gilead’s oppressive regime. As the narrative approaches its climax with just seven episodes left before shifting to the follow-up series, The Testaments, Moss emphasizes the importance of every scene. Each character will confront their destinies, culminating in a resolution that honors their journeys.
In the conversation with THR, Moss discusses the creative process behind this conclusion while acknowledging the critical feedback received from Hulu and MGM. This approach aims to maintain the show’s momentum in each episode while highlighting June’s relentless fight for her daughter: “This struggle for Hannah will remain constant in June’s life until her story concludes.”
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When it was officially announced that Season Six would be the last, co-showrunner Yahlin Chang mentioned discussions with creator Bruce Miller prior to the writing of Season Five. Can you provide insight into those pivotal conversations?
Initially, we contemplated that Season Five might be our farewell [as Bruce Miller had initially envisioned a five-season arc]. But as we delved deeper, we found ourselves considering, “Should we just extend one more season?” There was uncertainty about how to achieve all the narratives we aimed to explore within the constraints of the fifth season. With my involvement in directing since Season Four, I felt a significant shift in storytelling dynamics, allowing for more character exploration. We realized we had more stories to tell beyond just June’s, which led us toward a sixth season.
Interestingly, I was the only one advocating for a possible seventh season, which didn’t quite resonate with others. (Laughs) I eventually accepted that this would be our conclusion!
Bruce has always known how the series would end. Did you have a similar vision for the conclusion, or did it evolve over time?
We had a set ending in mind, although the specifics surrounding it shifted along the way. As we progressed, the path to that conclusion became clearer.
After Season Five, when you both expressed uncertainty about what would follow June’s moment on the train with Serena, how did you navigate the eventual storyline of this final season?
Our team was committed to crafting a narrative that ensured each episode advanced the plot. We couldn’t afford to include scenes that didn’t serve a purpose. With every episode, we aimed for economy in storytelling. This year involved thoroughly reviewing outlines and scripts, providing feedback, and ensuring that the narrative trajectory continued to progress. Our goal was to avoid stagnation; every character had to evolve before we reach the end.
Disney/Steve Wilkie
The episode culminates with June and her mother Holly’s heartfelt reunion, marking a significant victory for June. How did becoming a mother yourself influence your direction for this premiere scene and the season’s emotional landscape?
It was deeply significant to close this chapter as a mother; portraying June, an iconic maternal figure, amplified the experience. I sensed it profoundly while navigating the scenes, particularly the opening where June is depicted on a train holding a baby—and the poignant reunion at the end of the first episode. I did not plan for my personal life to mirror the storyline, but it naturally aligned and created a beautiful synergy between art and life. This journey has provided me with a richer emotional understanding of June’s fight and experiences, for which I am truly grateful.
The theme of motherhood resonates throughout this season, consistently reminding the audience that June’s daughter remains in Gilead: “Hannah is still there.”
We deliberately kept that reminder foregrounded, even amid positive developments. June’s resolve will never fade until she secures Hannah’s safety.
Luke (O-T Fagbenle) matches June’s determination, emphasizing the unity in their struggle against Gilead. How does June’s persistent hope for Hannah juxtapose with her possible acceptance of fate?
June refuses to accept the notion of giving up on retrieving her daughter. The love for a child or a cherished person implies an unyielding commitment to rescue them. While there may be fleeting moments where she considers alternative paths, her desire to fight remains strong. It is a continuous theme throughout the series, echoed by characters like Luke and Janine, and even Serena’s actions serve as reminders of June’s relentless motivation. This struggle will remain a defining aspect of her life until the very end.
Disney/Steve Wilkie
In the third episode, June shares a significant moment with Nick (Max Minghella) that indicates she’s ready to embrace both him and Luke in her life. How did you feel about directing this scene?
We sought to acknowledge the recurring dynamics between Nick and June. Originally, we considered a typical goodbye scene, but I proposed extending their moment to recognize their unique history of partings. This acknowledgment would not only be character-driven but also resonate with the audience who have consistently witnessed their farewells. I genuinely enjoyed that moment, as it broke the repetitive cycle and highlighted character growth.
This theme of progress extends to Luke as well; no character will finish this season in the same place they began. The evolution across the board is striking.
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The Handmaid’s Tale has released the first three episodes of its sixth season, with new episodes becoming available weekly on Tuesdays. Stay tuned with THR’s final season coverage, featuring insights from co-showrunners Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang about crafting the premiere and the concluding arc of the series.