As June continues to challenge the oppressive regime of Gilead in The Handmaid’s Tale, the anticipated sequel, The Testaments, offers a different narrative direction. Following five tumultuous seasons, the final season sees June and her fellow Handmaids rallying for a comprehensive uprising against their authoritarian rulers. Critics have already begun to sing the praises of the season six premiere. Robert Pitman from ScreenRant lauded the upcoming episodes as “on par with the earlier seasons,” yet expressed concern that The Testaments may undermine the finale by revealing critical plot points.
In a discussion with Tatiana Hullender of ScreenRant, show creator Bruce Miller and executive producer Warren Littlefield shared insights on how The Testaments relates to The Handmaid’s Tale. Littlefield confirmed that while Gilead endures, the perspective shifts significantly between the two series. The original show’s narrative centered around June, a woman familiar with life before Gilead, whereas the sequel will explore the life of a female character raised entirely within this oppressive society.
ScreenRant: With the knowledge that The Testaments is on the way, how are you approaching the narrative differently after six years of The Handmaid’s Tale?
Bruce Miller: June was at the very bottom of the societal hierarchy in Gilead, often treated as less than human. In contrast, her daughter, Agnes Mackenzie, resides at the pinnacle of Gilead’s structure. Yet, this distinction doesn’t change the grim reality for women in Gilead. Whether one is at the top or the bottom, it’s all pretty terrible for women in Gilead.
Warren Littlefield: The storyline in The Testaments unfolds four years later, yet we aim to conclude this season of The Handmaid’s Tale with a sense of closure. Gilead persists, but we will present a markedly different viewpoint.
This narrative will follow young girls maturing within the confines of Gilead, who have only ever known that existence. It’s a perspective that offers not only a fresh angle but also a distinct experience compared to The Handmaid’s Tale. We will certainly peel back the layers to remind viewers that they remain within the realms of Gilead.
Impact of Gilead’s Evolution on The Testaments
June’s Rebellion: A Double-Edged Sword
While The Handmaid’s Tale has primarily spotlighted June’s understated attempts to subvert the regime, the forthcoming spinoff, The Testaments, is derived from a novel where June is not a central figure. Production for the series is already underway; however, Miller has indicated that the adaptation will significantly deviate from its source material. In Margaret Atwood’s book, the narrative primarily follows Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd), Aunt-in-Training Agnes Jemima, and Daisy, a teenager from Canada, also referred to as Nichole Osborne, with rumors suggesting that Agnes and Daisy may be portrayed as June’s daughters.
As implied by Miller’s comments, the character of Agnes Jemima is likely to be substituted with Hannah Bankole, June’s daughter. This alteration aligns well since Hannah was renamed Agnes MacKenzie by her adoptive family and has grown up within Gilead’s walls. Such changes could help forge stronger connections to the original show, much to the audience’s satisfaction, and also enable the return of several beloved characters from The Handmaid’s Tale.
Reflections on The Testaments and the Transformations in Gilead
Transformations in Gilead: A Necessity
Image via Hulu
After six compelling seasons primarily set in the same oppressive landscape, witnessing a shift in the cultural dynamics of Gilead is essential. While June’s efforts may appear futile, exploring a new generation of Handmaids, fully shaped by Gilead’s grim realities, offers a fresh narrative perspective. The Handmaid’s Tale has uniquely presented a modern backlash against the regime, and The Testaments promises to build upon this foundation by delving deeper into the intricacies of life in Gilead. The evolution of Gilead is necessary, and this new series could carve out a powerful trajectory for the narrative ahead.