Attention Spoiler Alert: The following contains spoilers for the first three episodes of season 6 of The Handmaid’s Tale.
In the latest season of The Handmaid’s Tale, Madeline Brewer, who portrays Janine, shares insights into her character’s evolution. The season kicks off in the oppressive landscape of Gilead, picking up from the tense cliffhanger where Janine faced dire consequences at the hands of Commander Lawrence (played by Bradley Whitford) for standing her ground against Naomi Putnam. Surprisingly, Janine not only survives but also finds herself at Jezebels, a notorious brothel within Gilead.
During an interview with ScreenRant, Brewer expressed her excitement about Janine’s new storyline at Jezebels. She reflects on how this setting allows for an exploration of Janine’s character, stating that the character is “a little rougher now,”yet is determined to make the most of her circumstances, enjoying a newfound sense of freedom amidst the chaos. Brewer elaborates that season 6 marks a turning point for Janine as she plays an increasingly pivotal role in the resistance.
I was really stoked! I was thrilled to be in Jezebels this season. I remember watching it in previous seasons and just feeling like, “God, now that’s something I want to see more of. I want to know more about this world and why it is this way.”And I think we really turned it up to 11 this season with the content of what’s happening there.
Janine does this wherever she is; she does it in the Red Center, when she’s placed in a house; she does it in Chicago, and now she’s doing it again at Jezebel’s. She makes the best of a bad situation. For Janine, that’s the women. She finds the friendships, she finds a way to help. That’s her purpose. That’s where we’ve met Janine here: she’s making the best of a bad situation.
I think Jezebels, ironically, is the most freedom Janine has had while still within the walls of Gilead. And I really wanted to keep this while we were shooting this stuff. She can be a little rougher now and bring back some of that early Janine that we saw in episode 1. She’s a hot girl! I think that she is a little bit jaded and a little bit hardened. It is just that she’s come 360. She started tough; she started real in-your-face. That’s the Jersey girl in me, and she’s gone everywhere you could take a person’s mind, I think. We’ve brought her right back around, and that’s where she becomes of real use to the resistance.
Madeline Brewer’s Insights on Season 6
Janine’s Role in the Resistance
Brewer has revealed that Janine’s paths converge again with June in this season, emphasizing the significance of their sisterhood. As Brewer notes, wherever June goes, plans and schemes follow, and Janine is in a prime position to leverage her experiences in Gilead, contributing meaningfully to their shared cause.
Interestingly, while Janine once told Aunt Lydia to abandon her, Brewer hints that this season will delve deeper into the darkest aspects of Gilead, offering revealing insights that previous seasons may have overlooked. Janine’s character development shows her resilience and strength; despite past trauma, she emerges morally and mentally fortified, ready to impact the ongoing rebellion.
Our Perspective on Janine in Season 6
Janine: A Protector and Survivor
Image courtesy of Hulu
The premiere of season 6 uncovers a surprising reunion, with Aunt Lydia learning about Janine’s circumstances at Jezebels. Although Lydia’s intentions to rescue Janine remain strong, it is evident that Janine has found a degree of autonomy and community despite her surroundings, empowered by her connections with other women.
While Janine’s interactions with Aunt Lydia might be perceived as pessimistic, Brewer’s remarks suggest that Janine’s character has evolved significantly between seasons 5 and 6. Despite facing adversity, Janine has refused to let Gilead define her, emerging as one of the toughest and most resourceful characters in The Handmaid’s Tale.
New episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 premiere each Tuesday at 12 a.m. ET/9 p.m. PT on Hulu.