Is Aunt Lydia’s Fate in The Testaments a Major Plot Hole from The Handmaid’s Tale?

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Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Handmaid’s Tale finale!

In the final episode of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” most characters found resolution for their stories, yet Aunt Lydia’s ending has left an intriguing plot conundrum for “The Testaments.” Excitingly, Hulu plans to bring Margaret Atwood’s sequel novel, “The Testaments,” to life as a series, expanding the captivating dystopian universe that the original show created. As one of the main characters in “The Testaments,” I’m eager for more screen time for Aunt Lydia, but the way “The Handmaid’s Tale” sets up this sequel narrative feels a bit perplexing.

The long-awaited series finale of “The Handmaid’s Tale” has arrived, marking the conclusion of the Hulu show after an eight-year run. In this final episode, we find ourselves in the aftermath of June’s assault on Serena Joy’s wedding, with the U.S. having seized control of Boston during the interim. Much of the finale revolves around June bidding farewell to characters such as Serena and Luke. Yet, it is revealed that she is still collaborating with Mayday, a revolutionary group that has gained an influential new member: Aunt Lydia.

Lydia Had To Remain In Gilead For Her Testaments Story

Even Though She May Be Killed

In “The Testaments,” Aunt Lydia plays a significant part, and for her story to unfold effectively within Gilead, she had to remain there. Given that Aunt Lydia was once against Gilead, it appeared as though she would need to flee the nation to avoid additional harassment. However, at the conclusion of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Aunt Lydia is still residing in Gilead, with the United States encountering her and various other Gilead citizens at the border during the final episode.

In the novel “The Testaments”, Aunt Lydia maintains her traditional position within Gilead but has taken on a new role as a critic of the Gileadean system and beliefs. She penned a series of articles that articulated her misgivings, which quickly gained widespread attention. Simultaneously, she functions as an informant for Mayday and American forces, providing them with crucial information from within the nation. In the finale of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Lydia is seen working alongside Hannah and Nichole in a bid to dismantle Gilead, suggesting that her cooperation with the U.S. is just the start.

Why Isn’t Aunt Lydia Being Punished By Gilead?

Did She Get Immunity?

Given that Aunt Lydia survived at the end of the series, many viewers find themselves puzzled about why she hasn’t faced any repercussions from Gilead. Not only did she permit the Handmaids to execute the Commanders in episode 8, but she also publicly labeled the leaders of Gilead as both “wicked” and “godless,” just before her execution attempt was thwarted. Considering that she had already faced execution once, it seems unusual that she is still alive within Gilead.

It’s possible Aunt Lydia was working covertly or using a false identity to evade Gileadean authorities. But her appearance alongside Naomi Lawrence and some Gileadean soldiers in the finale suggests she may not have been doing so, unless Naomi has also switched allegiances. The sequel, “The Testaments,” will need to clarify Lydia’s current situation – whether she found a way to gain immunity, went into hiding, or another scenario transpired after her execution.

Aunt Lydia’s The Testaments Story Will Be Worth The Confusion

When She Finally Becomes A Full Protagonist

Despite Aunt Lydia’s storyline being complex at the moment, her role in “The Testaments” promises to be captivating. The groundwork for Aunt Lydia’s transformation has been carefully laid throughout the last few seasons, and it will be thrilling to witness this long-awaited resolution. Casting Aunt Lydia as a central character is sure to be engaging, given her intriguing presence in the original series. Since “The Testaments” is likely not due for release soon, there’s ample time for the sequel series to provide an explanation for Aunt Lydia’s conclusion in “The Handmaid’s Tale.

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2025-05-30 19:58