This article contains major spoilers from the series finale of The Handmaid’s Tale, aptly titled “The Handmaid’s Tale.” The creator of the show, Bruce Miller, had a clear vision for how he wanted to conclude the series. While some location details shifted during production, he was always certain that June’s journey would come full circle, returning to the beginning but with a new perspective. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Miller emphasizes, “This is definitely not a story where you get what you want most of the time — or where June gets what she wants. It’s a story about how to live with the things you can’t get.”
Since its pilot episode in 2017, the Emmy-winning series has captivated audiences with its portrayal of June, played by Elisabeth Moss, who was known as Offred in Margaret Atwood's acclaimed 1985 novel. The pilot introduced viewers to June’s heartbreaking separation from her husband, Luke (O-T Fagbenle), and daughter, Hannah (Jordana Blake). As June transitioned into her role as a handmaid, dressed in her iconic red cloak and white bonnet, she reflected on her dire circumstances, stating, “A handmaid wouldn’t get far… My name is Offred. I had another name, but it’s forbidden now.”
The series finale, which began streaming on Tuesday, provides clarity on the opening voiceover from the pilot, revealing it as June’s present-day voice recording. In a powerful scene, June returns to the Waterford home she once inhabited, now liberated from Gilead’s oppressive regime. Instead of a nostalgic reunion with her daughter Hannah, the conclusion sees June armed with determination, committed to continuing her fight for her daughter’s freedom. Miller notes, “The question of how she rebuilds her family felt like a whole other step, which we’re seeing is a lot more complicated than just, ‘Let’s all go to Alaska.’”
The finale not only wraps up June's story but also sets the stage for the upcoming adaptation of Atwood's sequel novel, The Testaments. Miller explains that with the sequel’s release, viewers are aware that June is alive and Hannah remains in Gilead. He reflects on the significance of June’s journey, stating, “You appreciate the end of the novel and why leaving you loose ends is still satisfying because you feel like, ‘This woman is still around. She made it this far.'” The series finale also features an emotional reunion between Janine (Madeline Brewer) and her daughter Charlotte, facilitated by a transformed Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd).
The finale emphasizes the growth and transformation of characters throughout the series. Miller acknowledges that while he contemplated various fates for characters like Serena (Yvonne Strahovski), he ultimately opted for a resolution that felt true to their arcs. “I wanted to kill her,” Miller admits, “but I love what we ended up doing because what I really wanted for most of the characters is to get exactly what they wanted and see what happened.” This approach allows for a nuanced exploration of morality and consequence in the series.
Despite the ongoing struggle against Gilead, the series finale leaves viewers with a sense of hope. Moss, who directed the finale, emphasizes the importance of June’s resilience, stating, “Her goal in life is to create a better future specifically for her children.” The final moments between June and Luke (O-T Fagbenle) carry an air of optimism, hinting at a new beginning. Moss reflects, “There’s such a circular nature to the finale, and absolutely I think there’s a lot of hope for the two of them.”
As The Handmaid’s Tale concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of powerful storytelling and complex character arcs. The show has not only captivated audiences but also sparked discussions about freedom, motherhood, and resilience in the face of oppression. With the forthcoming adaptation of The Testaments, fans can anticipate a continuation of this compelling narrative universe, exploring the struggles and triumphs of its beloved characters.
