Alexis Bledel Opens Up About Her Handmaid’s Tale Exit and Series Trauma

by

Warning: This story contains spoilers from season six of The Handmaid’s Tale.

Alexis Bledel is reflecting on the horrors of Gilead.

In anticipation of the season 6 finale of “The Handmaid’s Tale” airing on May 27th, the actress who played Emily/Ofglen for four seasons on the Hulu show expressed her reflections on the hardships her character experienced.

Alexis, 43, shared with The Hollywood Reporter on May 22 that it was heart-wrenching to contemplate Emily facing such a situation – being taken captive, powerless, and having no control over her own body. She also mentioned that she was given the opportunity to play this role, and upon reading the script for the pilot, she instantly agreed. Somehow, Bruce seemed to sense that there was an Ofglen within her.

indisputably, her character’s journey on the series, based upon Margaret Atwood’s renowned novel, was remarkably grim. In just the first two seasons, she endured forced genital mutilation and resided in the Colonies – a radioactive waste land where convicts are exiled to perish – as retribution for murder.

The atrocities intensified, reaching their peak in Emily’s last appearances in 2021. During the fourth season, she and a band of liberated Handmaids ended up killing Commander Fred Waterford, portrayed by Joseph Fiennes. Alexis made public her departure from the series about a year after that, stating to TopMob News in May 2022 that “after careful contemplation, I decided it was necessary for me to leave The Handmaid’s Tale at this point.

I will always be deeply appreciative to Bruce Miller for crafting sincere and relatable scenes for Emily,” the actress from Gilmore Girls went on to say. “And I’d like to express gratitude to Hulu, MGM, the entire cast and team for their unwavering support.

Apart from Alexis, another original character who bid farewell to the show was Nick Blaine, played by Max Minghella. His character met an untimely and shocking end in the May 20 episode. However, despite this sudden demise, Max is content with how his character’s story concluded.

He expressed to Elle on May 21st that this season stands out as one of our finest, not something that occurs frequently. He’s delighted that we were able to conclude it in a manner that makes us all feel incredibly proud.

As The Handmaid’s Tale draws closer to its end, delve into other series that made their debut this year by continuing to read…

After losing both her parents, comedian Sarah Silverman finds humor in life’s most challenging aspects. She humorously explores the strange facets of death using her unique sense of wit, as she jokes about finding an unanticipated great deal during their funeral arrangements and savors the poignant memory of hearing her mother’s final words. This is Sarah Silverman’s style.

The young adult drama revolves around initial affection, initial sorrow, and the thrill of starting the engine in your first car. It’s set in a once prosperous but now struggling industrial town, where people are searching for a spark of optimism. This action-packed series follows a band of misfits who bond over their shared passion for street racing, all while negotiating the social landscape and rules of high school life.

Nine individuals who don’t know each other are summoned by enigmatic guide Masha Dmitrichenko (portrayed by Nicole Kidman) for a life-changing wellness getaway at the Austrian Alps. Over seven days, she pushes them to their limits, raising questions about their resilience and her own. Will they persevere? Can she? Masha is prepared to experiment with various methods in pursuit of healing not just others but herself as well.

Restaurant owners seeking an instant solution or popularity boost on social media might be taken aback when renowned culinary authority Gordon Ramsay swaps his iconic chef knives for a high-tech surveillance van and advanced spying tools in FOX’s brand new, unscripted series titled “Gordon Ramsay’s Undercover Service“.

In an innovative twist for Gordon Ramsay’s TV series, Chef Ramsay will stealthily explore failing restaurants under the cloak of darkness. With the assistance of a confidential informant, he’ll covertly collect unvarnished insights about each establishment and gain a comprehensive understanding of their significant problems. This anonymous source will maintain their secrecy from the staff, and furthermore, aid Ramsay in conducting covert late-night investigations of the restaurant, which will involve a thrilling night-time inspection using black light that unveils unsanitary conditions and disgusting elements like never before.

When Ramsay finally unveils his true self, it’ll be past the point for the employees to hide their kitchen transgressions. The Gordon Ramsay Secret Service is set to be his most challenging operation yet, as he embarks on a mission to overhaul not only the restaurant but also its staff. Understanding that he can enhance the menu and revamp the building, but the pivotal transformation must stem from the individuals themselves, Gordon wonders if this team is ready for his reforms or have they reached a point of no return.

In its 15th season, the popular cooking show MasterChef introduces a fresh concept – Dynamic Duos! This year, the esteemed judges Gordon Ramsay and Joe Bastianich return, joined by James Beard Award nominee Chef Tiffany Derry, who adds her straightforward perspective to the judging panel. For the first time ever on MasterChef, duos of home cooks will compete as teams in an effort to be crowned America’s next MasterChefs.

Devon believes her sibling, Simone, appears unsettlingly close to her mysterious employer, high-society figure Michaela Kell. Michaela’s opulent lifestyle, with its cult-like allure, seems to captivate Simone in a manner reminiscent of an addictive substance, and Devon feels compelled to intervene due to her concerns. However, she underestimates the formidable challenge that Michaela may present. Over the span of a thrilling, tension-filled weekend at The Kells’ extravagant seaside manor, Sirens offers a sharp, humorous, and sometimes dark portrayal of women, power dynamics, and social hierarchy.

Known as a magnetic figure admired by countless fans, Dale Earnhardt stood as the most impactful personality that ever graced the sport of NASCAR. Nicknamed ‘The Intimidator’, he dominated the scene in stock car racing for nearly two decades, transcending the regional fan base to gain widespread recognition. The Goodwrench No. 3 Chevrolet, adorned with a striking black paint job, emerged as one of the most feared and enduring symbols in NASCAR’s history, as Earnhardt accumulated 76 race victories and tied a record of seven NASCAR Cup Series championships throughout his trailblazing 26-year career.

For him, racing was more than a passion; it was an integral part of his being. He admired his father Ralph, a renowned racer on the early NASCAR circuit, and just as he did, his offspring aspired to race – with Dale Earnhardt Jr. eventually emerging as one of the most beloved drivers in history. The love for racing passed from one generation to the next within the Earnhardt family, shaping their greatest victories and leaving behind their most profound sorrow.

In a turn of events that rocked Las Navajas, a once-revered amateur soccer team, when they were embroiled in a notorious brawl, their elderly owner resorted to hiring retired local hero “Veneno” Montoya as the coach for the underdogs. This was during a tournament marked by intense rivalries, menacing mafia influences, and seemingly insurmountable odds. In this rollercoaster ride, they embarked on an exhilarating journey to reestablish their reputation and revive the pride of their community.

Inspired by an intimate conversation with Paul Reubens, famous for creating Pee-wee Herman, this documentary offers a comprehensive depiction of the comedian’s life and career, providing glimpses into previously undisclosed aspects of his personal life. Eager to set the record straight and share his true story, Reubens delves into the vibrant sources that shaped him, tracing his roots in circus arts and experimental theater, as well as his professional decisions, all while contemplating the motivation behind, and the impact of, distancing his cherished character Pee-wee from his genuine self.

The Off Script With The Hollywood Reporter show offers an exclusive look at Emmy nominees across five categories: Drama Actress, Drama Actor, Comedy Actress, Comedy Actor, and Stand-Up. This series, hosted by Lacey Rose and Mikey O’Connell from THR, is renowned for its candid, unfiltered roundtable discussions about the art and madness of working in television. What makes Off Script stand out is its unique knack for gathering a star-studded lineup of Hollywood heavyweights who seldom appear together.

Emmy-winning comedian Jerrod Carmichael returns to the stage for his fourth HBO stand-up special.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’m thrilled to announce that the dynamic duo of Rick and Morty is back for another exhilarating season eight! Life has regained its purpose once more, and the possibilities are endless! Keep an eye out for the escapades of Summer, Jerry, Beth (and yes, another Beth too!), along with our beloved Butter Bot. Who knows what tasks he’ll be given this time around? No matter the twists and turns, you can bet your bottom dollar that Rick and Morty will bounce back stronger than ever. Believe me, many have tried to keep them down, but they always rise above!

The Chronicles of Librarianship: A Fresh Start

The narrative unfolds around the character of Vikram Chamberlain, portrayed by Callum McGowan, who is an ancient Librarian from 1847 and has been stranded in our current era. Upon his return to his castle in Belgrade, Serbia, he finds it transformed into a museum, which accidentally unleashes magic on the continent.

As Vikram assembles a unique group of allies – a history maestro, a scientific prodigy, and an adept Guardian – they embark on a mission to rectify the chaos within a timeframe of six months before the consequences become irreversible.

The 51st annual AMAs will take place this May.

In a fresh and exciting development, the latest spinoff takes us on another thrilling journey with eight individuals from the 90 Day Fiancé universe, eager for another shot at finding love. Alongside newcomers and romantic aspirants, these characters will be exploring Tulum, Mexico as they revisit past relationships, learn from their mistakes, and experience new romances. Some will heal old hurts, pursue new connections, or unwittingly find themselves in love triangles. As they dive back into dating, each one is willing to take risks.

Experience a realm where sparks ignite and pulses quicken as everyone makes their entrance at a masquerade ball, designed to bring people together, flirt, and seek romance. It’s not merely about discovering someone new; some of these unattached individuals share a past! Will old passions be rekindled? As jealousy escalates more swiftly than the bubbling jets during a rapid-fire hot tub dating session, emotions run high, and relationships get complicated. From initial flirtations to late-night revelations, brace yourself for surprising hook-ups and unanticipated pairings. The voyage morphs into an exhilarating journey of chemistry and connection, brimming with romantic surprises and unexpected twists for each participant.

The four-part documentary series gives an exclusive look at Sherri Papini herself, as this is the first time she’s shared her thoughts on camera since the public uproar and federal probe following her 2016 disappearance. This documentary will reexamine Papini’s case, incorporating her viewpoint and providing fresh insights that might offer solutions to the lingering questions about the case, which are still being debated almost a decade later.

In the thrilling travel competition show, led by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Europe is transformed into a life-sized game map, welcoming strangers on an extraordinary journey of a lifetime and the ultimate geographical guessing game. These brave contestants will voyage through each country aboard a mystery “Destination X” bus, aiming to decipher the weekly “X” locations. In every episode, they’ll exit the bus to explore distinctive and unknown tourist destinations, which have been transformed into interactive challenges. To succeed, they’ll need to use their general knowledge of pop culture, history, geography, and keen observation skills to discover helpful hints about their current location and acquire valuable advantages. Contestants will delve into their personal areas of expertise, uncover concealed clues disguised as artifacts, and decipher deliberate misdirections from rivals to finally pinpoint their whereabouts.

FX’s show titled “Adults” revolves around a circle of young adults in New York City who strive to be decent individuals, even though they are far from being mature or model citizens. The characters include “Samir” (played by Malik Elassal), “Billie” (Lucy Freyer), “Paul Baker” (Jack Innanen), “Issa” (Amita Rao) and “Anton” (Owen Thiele). These five friends cohabit in Samir’s childhood home, where they frequently dine together, exchange worries, and on rare occasions, share toothbrushes.

In June 2023, during its last dive to the Titanic wreck at a depth of approximately 3,800 meters underwater, OceanGate’s submersible suffered an implosion, tragically resulting in the loss of all five crew members aboard. A two-hour documentary, utilizing exclusive footage from the U.S. Coast Guard’s Marine Board of Investigation and previously unseen video, will delve into the captivating tale of what led to this catastrophe and potential ways it could have been averted.

In this action-packed documentary series, produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine, we delve into the struggles of female racers competing in the 2024 F1 Academy racing league. The show, titled F1: The Academy, offers an intimate, backstage look at the races, intertwining the thrill of competition with the personal journeys and significant challenges faced by these remarkable drivers and their teams, as they shatter boundaries in one of the world’s toughest sports. For Susie Wolff, head and managing director of F1 Academy, the tension has never been more palpable.

The fate of female participation in auto racing hangs in the balance. With Susie at the helm of this fresh initiative, her vast racing experience in Formula One cars enables her to establish profound and intimate relationships with the drivers, all while recognizing the intense stress each driver experiences as they strive for success.

Season three debuts this May.

This year, the family is marking 15 years since their initial wild summer in Seaside Heights by organizing a spectacular get-together at the original shore house. They’re bringing a fresh spin to New Jersey as they delve further into the heartfelt projects and intimate details of each cast member’s life.

The electrifying television series, derived from the renowned novel penned by author Alafair Burke, delves into the suspenseful tale of factors that push sisters to estrangement and, eventually, reunite them.

Chloe, who’s known for her prominent position in media, resides contentedly with her lawyer husband Adam and their teenage son Ethan. Meanwhile, her sister Nicky grapples with financial struggles and personal demons. Tragedy strikes when Adam is viciously killed, leaving the family in shock. As they attempt to unravel their complex family past to find out who’s responsible for his death, the estranged sisters are forced to reconcile.

During the current season of “Mama June: Family Crisis”, June seeks custody of Kaitlyn following Anna’s unfortunate demise. Simultaneously, she teams up with Justin to find a larger home and focuses on maintaining a healthy lifestyle using innovative methods. Meanwhile, Alana is still waiting for her due funds from June and fears Dralin might end up in jail. Pumpkin’s business expands with a new warehouse, vendor event, and additional staff member, creating tension between her and Jessica. Additionally, Pumpkin and Josh’s marriage encounters difficulties, leading her to take an unexpected action.

As a lifestyle authority, I’d like to share that “Bono: Stories of Surrender” is a captivating reenactment of Bono’s critically-adored one-man stage performance, “Stories of Surrender: An Evening of Words, Music, and Some Mischief…” This film offers an intimate glimpse into the extraordinary life of Bono, unveiling the family, friends, and faith that have both challenged and supported him. You’ll be captivated by personal tales from his journey as a son, father, husband, activist, and rockstar. Furthermore, this cinematic experience includes never-before-seen, exclusive footage from the Beacon Theatre shows and features Bono performing iconic U2 songs that have left an indelible mark on his life and legacy.

Lulu identifies as a rhino – it’s her reflection she recognizes. With a heart full of compassion and a zest for joy, Lulu sets out on an extraordinary journey, fueled by fresh camaraderie, bravery, and tunes that will make you tap your toes!

Tudum LIVE stands for Netflix’s global fan festival, inspired by the distinctive sound heard at the beginning of every Netflix film or series. It is a grand celebration of fandom and groundbreaking storytelling, showcasing movies, shows, actors, and creators cherished by fans worldwide.

The much-anticipated Tudum LIVE event is set to return on May 31, 2025, broadcasting live at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time from the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. This unmissable event promises Netflix’s top stars, thrilling performances, stunning revelations, and moments you’ll never forget. Throughout the year, tudum.com offers exclusive content, backstage passes, and closer ties to your favorite Netflix titles.

At just three years old, Mariska Hargitay experienced the heartbreaking loss of her mother, Jayne Mansfield, in a car accident at 34. A documentary chronicles Mariska’s journey as she delves into understanding and connecting with her mother for the first time. By means of candid interviews and previously unseen photos and home videos, she explores both her mother’s public persona and private life, revealing the complexities and depth of Jayne Mansfield beyond her fame and uncovering who she truly was to those closest to her.

As a devoted follower, I’m thrilled to announce that the second annual award ceremony is scheduled for Friday, June 6th, at the iconic Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. Over 20 gifted artists, creators, producers, and writers from this year’s standout TV shows and films will grace the stage. After the event, you can catch the show on HereTV — America’s premier and largest LGBTQ+ television and streaming platform — during Pride Month in June. Let’s celebrate diversity and excellence together!

The captivating series, titled “The Mortician“, recounts the story of a funeral home, the Lamb family’s establishment, which maintained a veneer of kindness and respectability to exploit mourning families at their most fragile times. In the 1980s, David Sconce, heir to the Lamb dynasty, assumed control of the business and devised schemes to increase profits by abusing the dead in various ways. Propelled by greed, the Pasadena-based Lamb Funeral Home was involved in a lengthy period of ethically dubious and cruel actions.

Read More

2025-05-23 20:31