The Handmaid’s Tale’s Sequel Show Officially Confirms Its June & Nick Replacement (& Sets Up a New Tragedy)

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Following the conclusion of The Handmaid’s Tale, Hulu returns to the world of Gilead with The Testaments. This new series, based on Margaret Atwood’s novel of the same name, centers on a younger generation—those being raised to be Wives, rather than Handmaids. While the show feels largely new and original, there are definite connections to the characters and storylines from The Handmaid’s Tale, including hints of a romance that echoes June Osborne and Nick Blaine’s relationship. Please be aware that the following contains spoilers for the first three episodes of The Testaments Season 1, as well as minor spoilers from the book.

The tragic romance between June and Nick was central to The Handmaid’s Tale, spanning their relationship, the birth of their child, and their attempts to escape Gilead. Nick’s death in Season 6, while helping to defeat the Commanders, was a devastating loss. Now, The Testaments jumps forward in time, and it appears June’s daughter, Hannah – known as Agnes MacKenzie in the show – may be facing a comparable storyline.

Agnes & Garth’s Potential Romance In The Testaments Is Repeating June & Nick’s Story

Although Agnes isn’t a Handmaid like her mother, June, she shares some similarities with her, beyond just being her daughter. She’s trapped in a difficult household with a Commander’s Wife she despises, and who feels the same way about her. While she’s been trying to follow the rules, Agnes is beginning to show signs of rebellion. Plus, a potential romantic connection is developing with her driver, Garth. This is especially clear in Episode 2, where Agnes is visibly happy after Garth assists her, they both seem flustered around each other, and her inner thoughts reveal she’s starting to desire more out of life.

The show strongly hints at a romantic connection between these two characters, and it feels natural given the storyline. Agnes is a young girl being groomed to be a traditional wife, likely to a much older man. While the show has much deeper themes and complex narratives, Agnes developing a crush on someone her own age is relatable and believable. This also gives the series a strong young adult feel, focusing on teenage relationships and conflicts – a key difference from the original story.

Honestly, watching these two, I just don’t see a happy ending for them. Garth is stuck in an impossible situation – he’s a Guardian, but also a spy for Mayday, which means danger is always lurking. And Agnes? She’s destined for a political marriage to a powerful Commander. Even if their connection is something real, this world just isn’t built for them to be together. It’s heartbreaking, really.

If there’s a romantic connection developing between those characters, it seems even more likely with Becka and Agnes. While their feelings haven’t been as obvious, there are clear signs Becka is attracted to Agnes. This is complicated by the fact they grew up in a strict society where being LGBTQ+ is considered wrong. A romance between them would be a compelling addition to the show’s story about growing up, and it will be interesting to see how the show explores this, especially in relation to Agnes and Garth.

New episodes of The Testaments release on Wednesdays on Hulu.

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2026-04-11 00:10