[This article contains spoilers from the premiere of season six of The Handmaid’s Tale, which includes the episodes “Train,” “Exile,” and “Devotion.” ]
The Diverging Paths of June and Serena in Season Six
As fans of The Handmaid’s Tale eagerly anticipated the sixth and final season, the fate of June and Serena after boarding that pivotal train hovered over discussions. The season’s opening trilogy quickly addressed this pressing question, setting the stage for an intricate web of diverging storylines within a chilling dystopian landscape.
Following a harrowing escape, Serena (Yvonne Strahovski) makes a desperate decision to jump from the train, clutching her infant son, amidst a vengeful crowd of Gilead refugee women. This leap brings her back to Gilead, via New Bethlehem, a reformed community spearheaded by Commander Lawrence (Bradley Whitford), where her insight is deemed essential for recruiting refugees.
Meanwhile, June (Elisabeth Moss), who lent her support to Serena’s escape, successfully reaches Alaska. There, she is joyfully reunited with her mother Holly (Cherry Jones), marking a significant emotional triumph for June after numerous trials faced during the previous season. This reunion reinforces June’s motivations as she informs her mother that her eldest daughter, Hannah (Jordana Blake), remains trapped in Gilead.
However, June’s stay in Alaska is short-lived. She soon re-enters the struggle, joining the Mayday resistance in a mission to rescue her husband Luke (O-T Fagbenle), recently arrested, along with her best friend Moira (Samira Wiley), pinned down in No Man’s Land at the Gileadean-Canadian border. In her quest, she reaches out to Nick (Max Minghella), who has ascended to the position of High Commander, and he offers his assistance, especially for the sake of their daughter, now referred to by her original name, Holly.
The thrilling conclusion of the third episode showcases their successful operation, leading to an emotionally charged reunion among Luke, Nick, and Moira, culminating in another poignant farewell between June and Nick. This time, they assure each other that it is not farewell, but a promise to meet again.
Insights from the Creative Minds Behind the Series
Co-showrunners Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang share their thoughts on the intricacies involved in these early episodes, particularly the character relationships, including Janine (Madeline Brewer), who now finds herself in an unexpected situation as a Jezebel, and her interaction with Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd). They underscore that this season reveals the authentic selves of each character.
Exploring Serena’s Character Development
The narrative takes a deeper dive into Serena’s psyche during a pivotal moment on the train, where she chooses to assert her Gilead ideals rather than seek forgiveness from the women she once wronged. Chang comments on Serena’s enduring ego, highlighting her profound belief in her divine mission and responsibility towards Gilead’s reformation.
Upon her return to Gilead via New Bethlehem, she strives to assert her independence and influence, seeking to forge a new societal vision rather than merely reliving her previous subservience. Her ambition drives her interactions, especially with Commander Wharton (Josh Charles), who recognizes her potential and offers both romance and power. This dual attraction reinforces her character’s complexity and ambition, often entangling her in the very system she wishes to reform.
The Emotional Weight of Family Bonds
June’s journey in the third episode serves as a significant emotional pivot as she leaves her daughter, Holly, with her mother in order to rescue Luke and Moira. This leads to another layered reunion with Nick, where complex feelings emerge. Chang reflects on the dual love June holds for both men, highlighting the tension between passionate trauma-bonds and longstanding commitments, a layered perspective that underscores June’s struggles.
A Reflection on the Series’ Prophetic Nature
The show’s relevance sharpens as it returns amidst a politically charged atmosphere reminiscent of the past. Tuchman and Chang express surprise at how the narratives of The Handmaid’s Tale continue to resonate with real-world events, particularly in light of recent political climates regarding women’s rights.
As the series progresses, it actively seeks to offer its audience a dose of hope amidst despair—celebrating resilience and the fight against oppression. The narrative arc aims to deliver a fulfilling conclusion for all characters, allowing them to navigate personal transformations while remaining true to their foundational identities.
The first three episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale’s sixth season are now available to stream, with new chapters arriving weekly on Tuesdays. To stay updated and delve deeper into the intricacies of this final season, be sure to follow THR’s comprehensive coverage.