Is Commander Wharton Love-Bombing Serena? Gilead’s Power Play Intensifies!

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As we eagerly anticipate The Handmaid’s Tale season 6, the enticing teaser trailer offers a sneak peek at an elaborate wedding in Gilead. However, the bride and groom remain mysteriously unidentified, adding more intrigue to what the concluding season may hold.

Fast forward to the final trailer – and that mystery was answered.

In the surprising turn of events, it was discovered that the bride was none other than Serena Joy, who had lost her husband, Commander Fred Waterford, in season 4. The unfortunate incident occurred when Nick led Commander Waterford into No Man’s land, resulting in his demise at the hands of June and a band of handmaids.

Praise be, indeed.

During the ceremony, the groom remained concealed; however, it was none other than Josh Charles from “The Good Wife”, whose role was revealed last year without mentioning whom he’d portray, who was spotted later carrying Serena across the doorstep.

Since then, we’ve come to know him as Gabriel Wharton, a High Commander who has moved from Washington to New Bethlehem, a supposedly liberalized version of Gilead that was conceptualized by Commander Lawrence. Serena, its global representative, aims for this city to guide Gilead once more onto God’s path of righteousness.

But that’s not all.

Wharton serves as Nick’s father-in-law, but this relationship isn’t beneficial considering Wharton’s past transgressions regarding June. Notably, Wharton has shown multiple instances of neglecting his duties towards her. In a troubling turn of events, June is now actively involved in a large-scale uprising against the government once more.

Moreover, it’s evident that Wharton is deeply committed to this role, making sure Nick, whom he’s still unsure about, understands his expectations towards him – as the future spouse of his cherished daughter Rose and the father of their yet-to-be-born child.

However, it soon becomes apparent that Nick isn’t the only one receiving his keen gaze. Serena also finds herself under his watchful eye.

From the start in season 6, he begins showering her with compliments, focusing on her looks at first, which leaves her slightly surprised at first but eventually makes her feel flattered by his attention. Not only does he praise her physical appearance, but also her intellect, calling her speech to foreign dignitaries exploring New Bethlehem “stirring.” This is a tried and true method to capture Serena’s heart.

In a way that feels almost intoxicating, given her significant involvement in founding Gilead and her long-held ambition to be among the decision-makers, his flattering words seem to hold a captivating allure. As a result, their bond intensifies swiftly.

Upon reaching Rose’s residence, carrying a pie, it’s Wharton himself who welcomes her, not his daughter who’s taking a nap. Yet, she finds herself smiling, seeming as though she had been looking forward to spending the afternoon with him.

Afterward, they share a pot of tea and try some pastries, with Wharton speaking appropriately on each occasion.

He openly acknowledges that he’s never grown accustomed to being served by maids like Martha. In fact, I was the one who did the cooking at home and taught Rose.

How very modern indeed.

Talk then turns to New Bethlehem and their efforts to refine Gilead’s rougher edges.

He notes that your belief in these changes truly enhances the value of Lawrence, and it’s clear that Lawrence is fortunate to have someone like you advocating for it. He goes on, expressing more admiration for Serena.

In the old Gilead, her ability to express herself freely was taken away, but when she acknowledges being thankful for now having a voice, he firmly states that he would never have been the one to silence her in such a manner.

“If I may, a better man would have encouraged your influence,” he responds.

So far, so progressive-ish (it is Gilead, after all).

Soon enough, they found themselves taking a leisurely walk together at dusk, their silent romance deepening more with each step, and it was then that things began to warm up considerably for him.

As a devoted cinephile, I’d put it this way: At a gala for influential figures and their spouses, I was captivated by a woman whose beauty left me momentarily stunned. In that very instant, I felt an unexpected pang of guilt, realizing I had unwittingly coveted another man’s wife – right in front of him.

In a timid manner, he confessed, “I was too nervous to ask you to dance earlier, but I secretly wished I could have been the one dancing with you that night.” As he extended his hand towards her, he asked if she would dance with him now. After a moment’s hesitation, she agreed, and they began a slow waltz right there in the street.

In most circumstances, such a moment would bring a sense of joy. Seeing two individuals who have experienced the pain of losing a spouse discover new love later on in their lives is usually something we wholeheartedly support.

But this is Gilead, and they are… well, they’re them.

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a sense of ambiguity towards Serena’s connection with Wharton. Despite her apparent sincerity and non-superficial attraction, it’s hard not to question his motives, given his position as a High Commander in Gilead. This role undeniably adds allure, serving as a means for survival and potential manipulation in this oppressive society. However, I can’t help but wonder if there are deeper, more genuine feelings at play.

It’s possible that his praise is completely genuine. Regardless of whether you view Serena as an undisputed villain, another victim, or a mix of both, her accomplishments are remarkable and, in spite of the hardships she has faced, she appears unscathed, to put it in Wharton’s words.

However, could it be that he’s lavishing her with praise and affection as a means to exert control over her in the future, making it harder for her to break free when the time comes?

Is Wharton love-bombing Serena?

She exclaims in the trailer, “You’re just as they all are,” which suggests, without a doubt, that this is an accurate prediction.

As a High Commander, it’s not unexpected that he would be focused on reestablishing control over Gilead rather than implementing immediate reform. Given the current state of Gilead, change is necessary to prevent its collapse, but his goal seems to be restoring its tight grasp on power. And that’s where Serena plays a crucial role.

To make the rest of the world believe they are genuinely committed to change, they desperately need her. In just a few short minutes, Serena has made significant strides in concealing Gilead’s past transgressions and promoting New Bethlehem through her compelling narrative, intelligence, and eloquence. If this is what she can accomplish in such a brief period, think of the impact she could have in weeks, months, or even years!

Wharton believes this, and it seems surprising that even a shrewd person like Serena hasn’t figured it out yet. Regardless of how persuasive he might be or how intense her personal struggles might be, they could potentially distort her perception.

It’s likely that she recognizes the advantages that come with marrying him, as we mentioned before.

But what will she have to surrender in return? What will it cost her?

In Gilead, there’s always a price.

As a cinephile, I found it fascinating in my latest role to delve into the complexities of portraying a character and emphasizing his brutal side, all while showcasing that brutality through his unexpected acts of kindness. This is something I shared with Entertainment Weekly during our recent chat.

The individual before you exhibits a harshness similar to many characters in this series, yet there’s something unique about it. He appears incredibly kind, considerate, and genuinely committed to his convictions.

However, it’s consistently demonstrated in Gilead that the regime’s steadfast belief system often results in hardship for others, and it appears that Serena is poised to shoulder this burden again.

In Gilead, we’ve witnessed repeatedly how the regime’s strong convictions bring about suffering for many, and it seems like Serena is going to experience this pain once more.

Regardless of how they attempt to make Gilead seem like New Bethlehem, there’ll always be no seat at the highest level intended for individuals like her (or anyone similar).

But will Serena finally learn that lesson before it really is too late?

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2025-04-15 08:04