The Handmaid’s Tale Returns: Anticipating the Final Season
The acclaimed series, The Handmaid’s Tale, left viewers on a gripping cliffhanger at the conclusion of its penultimate season, raising curiosity about the fates of central characters June (Elisabeth Moss) and Serena (Yvonne Strahovski). With a mixture of intensity and uncertainty, the finale launched them, along with their children and other Gilead escapees, into an unpredictable future.
Power and Influence: A Leader Emerges
In discussions with The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Bruce Miller reflected on the closing moments of season five, where June found herself in a moment of vulnerability. “At the very end it feels like June is powerless…she’s starting at the bottom,” he noted, yet he remained optimistic about her evolution into a leadership role. “Look at all these people who are acting under her influence. She’s a leader now, and all the seeds she’s planted are blooming,” he emphasized.
Following the finale released in November 2022, Miller expressed a desire for audiences to ponder about the complex dynamics between June and Serena over the subsequent months. “How do they feel about each other? How does June feel in that moment?” he questioned, hinting at the series’ intricate character relationships.
A New Season After Delay
Following some unexpected delays, including Hollywood strikes in 2023, the beloved Hulu series is set to return with its sixth and final season. Viewers now have access to the first three episodes of this concluding chapter, setting the stage for a long-awaited exploration of the seeds of rebellion that have been germinating for years.
The End of One Story and the Start of Another
Prior to the fifth season’s dramatic finale, Hulu had announced the show would wrap up its journey with the sixth season. However, fans can look forward to the continuation of this universe with the upcoming sequel series, The Testaments. This new narrative, based on Margaret Atwood’s follow-up novel, takes place after June’s narrative arc concludes.
Miller remains an executive producer for this final season, while co-showrunners Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang are at the helm. Noteworthy is Moss’s role, both as the lead actress and as a director for several pivotal episodes, demonstrating her commitment to the characters and the overarching narrative.
A Shift in Direction
Initially envisioned as a five-season tale, Miller’s plan evolved as production approached the fifth season. Chang recalls, “We were doing a little retreat…Bruce was like, ‘I think we should do two more seasons.’ And we’re like, ‘Okay, let’s do it.'” This collaborative decision led to further development for June and her supporting cast.
Moss reflected on the expansion of the story, revealing a clear need to explore more characters within the ensemble. “It just didn’t feel like five seasons was going to be enough…there was still so much story left to tell,” she explained, highlighting the necessity of the sixth season.
Focusing on June and Themes of Resistance
The previous season emphasized themes of revenge and personal justice for June. According to Miller, the upcoming season will shift toward action and the ability to effect meaningful change. A recurring theme in The Handmaid’s Tale is evident: the loss of June’s daughter, Hannah, who now lives in Gilead under the name Agnes. As the final season unfolds, June and her husband, Luke, unite in their efforts to reclaim their daughter.
Timely Reflections
As the series returns, it aligns once again with significant real-world issues, prompting creators to reflect on the cautionary nature of the narrative. Tuchman stated, “Many people have called the show a cautionary tale…here we are again after a very consequential, shocking election.” Chang echoed similar sentiments, expressing disbelief at the regression of women’s rights since the show’s inception.
As the team gears up for the final season, they emphasize a turn toward optimism amid the darker themes. Tuchman noted, “We really wanted this season to be…about defiance and resilience and courage and guts and hopefulness. It’s time.” This pivot is a response to the audience’s loyalty through challenging narratives, aiming to reward viewers with unexpected moments of triumph.
Catch the Premiere
The first three episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale season six are now available for streaming on Hulu, inviting viewers to engage with the final chapter of this transformative saga.