The astonishing finale of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ S5 and what it means for the next and final chapter

The below feature contains spoilers for the season 5 finale of The Handmaid’s Tale.

There are numerous shows, both past and those on air/streaming right now, that affect the audience in a different, deeper way. Such shows leave an imprint in people’s minds, frequently sparking further discussions about the state of the world and may even help us see things we didn’t see before. One of those shows is, without a doubt, Bruce Miller’s The Handmaid’s Tale. Season 5 of the series, based on Margaret Atwood’s stunning dystopian novel of the same name, concluded in an unexpected and emotional finale, preparing us for the last battle that’s coming.

The finale of the show vividly depicts the destructive power when used for manipulation, misinformation, and hatred. Even in Toronto, June (Elisabeth Moss) isn’t safe from Gilead’s supporters. After a particularly heinous accident and a failed attempt to rescue Hannah (Jordana Blake) from the hands of the old United States, one thing is certain: the former Handmaid must seek refuge and protect the family at any cost. At the same time, the audience is wondering about Serena’s fate. After the former Wife escapes the household of the Wheelers, where she was subjected to similar treatment as the Handmaids, the lines between characters nearly cease to exist.  In a sense, the creators put together and illustrate the lives of women and how they constantly intertwine. 

Furthermore, the director and writer of “Safe,” respectfully, Elisabeth Moss (again behind the camera) and Bruce Miller, strive and succeed in highlighting and putting the aforementioned characters at the forefront, indicating that it was always meant to be a fight between the former Wife and Handmaid. In the season’s emotional, jaw-dropping finale, June is seen holding back tears as she is forced to leave Luke behind and board the train to safety. The woman tours the train with whiny Nichole, looking for a familiar, perhaps friendly face, and sees someone she least expects — the runaway Serena with Noah in tow.

That’s where facial expressions come into play the most — a known, rather leading component of The Handmaid’s Tale. June settles next to Serena, exchanging glances but saying little or nothing. “You got a diaper?” Serena inquires, breaking the ice, while the other smiles. Both mothers, both women, both alone — they reach an almost silent understanding. As Billie Eilish’s “Bury A Friend” plays in the background, The Handmaid’s Tale delivers another powerful season finale. It’s satisfying, but it leaves us with more questions regarding the next and final season. What will become of June and Serena? What about Luke, who was apprehended by Toronto cops?

While we’re talking about the women in question, we can’t leave out McKenna Grace and Madeleine Brewster, who both brought layered, multidimensional characters to life. Grace, in particular, demonstrates her versatility, gradually transitioning to more serious roles with her fierce Esther. She further demonstrates her genius as Jan Broberg in Peacock’s A Friend of the Family. Esther’s path is a painful and brutal one. When her rapist, Commander Putnam (Stephen Kunken), finally answers for his actions, things take a turn for everybody – the moment we all cheered for this season. Grace delivers an Emmy-worthy, significant, and poignant performance.

Furthermore, Jordana Blake’s Hannah, aka Agnes in Gilead, also has a powerful moment, in the “Allegiance” episode, directed by Bradley Whitford (his first time behind the camera). The theme of motherhood was prevalent in many of the episodes. Similarly, Hannah resembles her mother in that she doesn’t give in or give up easily — even not her real name. In terms of the upcoming season, it’s worth wondering what’s next, but will we be able to predict it? Again, the creators have an incredible ability to astound even when you think you know what may happen in the show. 

Let’s take one unusual wedding, for example. In an unexpected alliance and strictly for business, Commander Lawrence and Naomi Putnam (Ever Carradine) get married as the man plans soon to present a liberal, freer version of Gilead and save the country from ruin caused by the rebellion and June herself. Overall, another fantastic season of The Handmaid’s Tale is behind us. It not only features excellent performances, but it also introduces new characters and fresh perspectives. As June and Serena reunite in the train, the audience is once again left with a (semi?) cliffhanger. What will happen to them when they arrive at their destination? The plot and subplots will all come together in the sixth and final season. Until then, perhaps you should re-watch the entire series in preparation for the finale.

The entire 5th season of The Handmaid’s Tale is now available to stream on Hulu.

Photo: Sophie Giraud/Hulu

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Zofia Wijaszka

Zofia resides in Los Angeles and is a film and television critic. She has previously written for The Mary Sue, First Showing, Film Threat, In Their Own League, Film Inquiry, and more. She loves the Scream movies, Carol, American Horror Story, and Schitt’s Creek.

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