The Shocking Truth Behind ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Finale Revealed!

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Caution: Series Conclusion – The Handmaid’s Tale

After six seasons and eight years, the acclaimed series The Handmaid’s Tale has reached its conclusion. Although several storylines are resolved, the struggle persists as indicated by the forthcoming sequel series, The Testaments, currently in production. This new installment resumes 15 years later within the confines of Gilead.

In the second-to-last episode of The Handmaid’s Tale‘s final season, many events unfolded, but several character arcs remained unresolved, particularly for those not slated for the sequel. How did it conclude? The ending saw a mix of joyful resolutions, yet the struggle is far from over. Interestingly, June (Elisabeth Moss) appeared to discover a fresh means to influence the ongoing fight.

Boston Has Been Liberated

In the penultimate episode, June learned where the remaining commanders were going and arranged for their plane to explode upon takeoff, resulting in the tragic deaths of Commander Joseph Lawrence (Bradley Whitford) and Nick (Max Minghella). This catastrophic event marked the end of Gilead’s Boston chapter.

With newfound freedom, Gilead was hastily reorganizing by promoting commanders from other regions and reshuffling its inhabitants. This change of events meant that Hannah (Jordana Blake) was relocating to Washington. Although she hasn’t yet been reunited with June, the distance between them is gradually decreasing, offering a more optimistic outlook.

In Boston, freedom has been achieved, yet a significant portion of the city lies in ruins and many people have returned home. Unfortunately, some individuals are still unaccounted for, such as Janine (Madeline Brewer). When Janine is abruptly roused from sleep during the night to depart with Mark Tuello (Sam Jaeger), it’s for a crucial purpose. She appears in need of immediate medical care upon her emergence.

It turns out that Janine, portrayed by Naomi (Ever Carradine), and her aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) are the ones who have freed her. An added bonus is that Janine is now back with her daughter Charlotte, under her care. June expresses her gratitude to Naomi for making the right, albeit possibly unavoidable, decision. This selfless act by Aunt Lydia seems to redeem her in the eyes of Janine. As June takes charge of caring for Janine, Lydia urges her to do so, promising to look after “my girl” Janine. June promises to do so.

Unexpectedly, while June was peering into a deserted shopfront, Emily (Alexis Bledel), who had secretly come back to Gilead to resist from within and hadn’t been spotted since, suddenly appeared. Following a warm hug, Emily revealed that she had been working undercover, even serving as a Martha for a commander whom she considered a friend. Yet, she kept in touch with her family, including her son.

What Happened to Serena in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’?

In her current predicament, with no passport granted by any nation, Serena seems to be stuck in a state of uncertainty. She reaches out to Mark, asking for his assistance, and he assures her that he’s actively working on it and will connect with her once he has found a resolution. For the time being, she wanders from one shelter to another, scavenging through discarded clothing and supplies. In a heartfelt exchange, Serena apologizes to June for her past wrongdoings, and June in turn offers her forgiveness.

Stripped down to just her son Noah and a few clothes, Serena comes to understand that this is everything she truly desired and required. The rest of the world could vanish, and she would be content. While it may not have been the redemption some fans anticipated for Serena, considering all the wrongs she committed, it’s still a suitable form of atonement.

June Won’t Give Up the Fight

Despite triumphantly dismantling the city of Gilead, June can’t shake off a feeling that there is still much work left undone. As she lovingly holds her daughter Holly once more, reunited with Cherry Jones, June senses an urge to depart again. Her mission seems crystal clear: to rescue every young girl from the clutches of Gilead.

June shares a deep conversation with her mother about her ambition to author a book, fueled by her mother’s lifelong activism. People might overlook the fact that June was a journalist prior to being taken by Gilead, and now she has an exceptional story to tell. It isn’t one of violence, struggle, and sorrow, Holly explains, but one about perseverance. In truth, June remains steadfast in her resolve. “They will never cease to pursue us even when we are no longer here,” June tells her mother, explaining her motivation for continuing the fight.

As a passionate advocate, I find myself compelled to voice my concerns. We’re facing a critical juncture where our future generations are at stake. It’s not about winning everything, but we must resist because inaction is what led us to this dystopian society we call Gilead. Gilead doesn’t require defeat; it requires dismantling.

As June prepares to leave, there’s an uneasy conversation between her and Luke (O-T Fagbenle). It’s evident that their bond, which was once strong, has weakened. They each embark on separate journeys, but vow to reconnect with Hannah if they ever cross paths again in Washington. Regrettably, as the plot in The Testaments unfolds, this reunion never takes place.

June Has Always Been Telling Her Story

As her last breaths approached, June made her way back to the ancient Waterford residence, a place where she had spent significant time as a handmaid. Miraculously, despite the damage, it remained standing. She took her time to open the gates and stood there, reflecting on both the horrific and potentially pleasant recollections of the past. Ascending the stairs, she eventually arrived at her former room, taking in the surroundings.

I find myself by the window, retrieving a voice recorder, and initiating a discourse. My stance and speech echo my initial appearance in the series. I discuss the bed, table, chair, and lamp – these are all I possess. I speak of an escape, a fantasy every handmaid had nurtured, seemingly the sole means to flee from this harrowing nightmare. Yet, I persist.

It’s evident, therefore, that the entire series, all of June’s memories, are included in a book she eventually pens, which is presumably titled “The Handmaid’s Tale.” In the beginning, she introduces herself as Offred, gazing into the camera, just as she did in the first scene when her revolutionary journey commenced.

As a movie critic reflecting on the captivating conclusion of this tale, I must say it’s a poignant full circle moment for our protagonist, June. Although there’s no neatly wrapped package to symbolize closure, she has managed to share her story and persist in her struggle for freedom – a battle that continues to unfold in the years ahead. The events of 15 years from now may well be explored in the upcoming sequel, “The Testaments”. For now, June stands resolute, eager to share her experiences and inspire change. Her narrative serves as a stark reminder of the oppressive, totalitarian, theocratic society she endured, one that nearly erased her individuality. I implore everyone who listens to not just hear her story, but also act upon it in an effort to bring about positive change.

The final season of The Handmaid’s Tale is available to stream now on Hulu.

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2025-05-27 19:02