The last episode of The Handmaid’s Tale as of the latest season is Season 5, Episode 10, titled “Safe.” This episode serves as a tense and emotionally charged culmination of the season’s events, leaving viewers pondering the fates of key characters and the uncertain future of Gilead.
What Happens in “Safe”: A Deep Dive
“Safe” is a complex episode that focuses heavily on June’s evolving relationship with Serena Joy, the ongoing dangers of Gilead’s reach, and the struggle for personal freedom. It’s less a neat conclusion and more a strategic repositioning of characters and motivations in anticipation of the upcoming final season. The episode’s core revolves around June’s unwavering determination to protect her family and the difficult choices she must make to ensure their safety.
June and Serena: An Unlikely Alliance, Forged in Desperation
The episode highlights the complex and ever-shifting dynamic between June and Serena. They find themselves in a precarious situation, forced to rely on each other for survival. Serena, having tasted the freedoms she once denied others, is now experiencing firsthand the limitations and oppression inherent in the society she helped build. June, ever pragmatic, recognizes the potential value of having Serena as an ally, albeit a deeply flawed one. Their uneasy alliance underscores the desperate measures women must take to navigate a world controlled by men. We witness subtle acts of defiance and collaboration as they navigate the challenges together, raising questions about whether Serena can truly redeem herself or if her survival instincts are simply masking her true nature.
The Specter of Gilead: Never Far Behind
Even outside of Gilead’s physical borders, the threat looms large. The episode emphasizes the insidious reach of Gilead’s ideology and influence, demonstrating that escaping its territory doesn’t necessarily guarantee freedom. The constant fear of recapture or reprisal hangs heavy, forcing June to constantly assess and reassess the risks involved in her choices. The episode also explores the psychological impact of trauma and the long-lasting effects of living under Gilead’s oppressive regime.
Leaving Canada: A Difficult Decision
A crucial turning point in the episode is June’s decision to leave Canada. She realizes that staying puts her family at risk, particularly Hannah, who remains trapped in Gilead. The decision to flee, while painful, underscores her unwavering commitment to protecting her children. This act of self-sacrifice is a hallmark of June’s character and sets the stage for the final season, which will likely focus on her renewed efforts to dismantle Gilead and reunite with her daughter. Leaving Canada represents a significant shift in the narrative, signaling a move away from the comparatively safe haven and back into the heart of the conflict.
Thematic Resonance: Exploring the Core Messages
“Safe” resonates with many of the core themes that have defined The Handmaid’s Tale throughout its run.
Survival and Sacrifice
The episode underscores the lengths to which individuals will go to survive and protect those they love. June’s choices are constantly driven by a desire to safeguard her family, even if it means sacrificing her own comfort and security. Serena, too, is forced to confront the consequences of her past actions and make difficult choices to ensure her own survival and the well-being of her child.
The Enduring Power of Hope
Despite the darkness and despair that permeates the series, “Safe” offers a glimmer of hope. The resilience of the characters, their unwavering determination to fight for freedom, and their capacity for compassion in the face of adversity, all serve as a testament to the enduring power of hope.
The Complicated Nature of Alliances
The episode highlights the complexities of alliances, particularly in times of crisis. June’s relationship with Serena is a prime example of this, demonstrating that even the most unlikely pairings can form under desperate circumstances. These alliances often come with a price, forcing individuals to confront their own values and make difficult compromises.
FAQs: Unpacking the Ending and Looking Ahead
Here are some frequently asked questions about the end of Season 5 and what they suggest for the final season of The Handmaid’s Tale:
1. Why did June leave Canada?
June left Canada because she realized that the proximity of Gilead, coupled with the growing pro-Gilead sentiment in Canada, posed a continued threat to her and her family, particularly Hannah. She felt a deep sense of urgency to remove herself and her loved ones from potential danger.
2. Where did June go after leaving Canada?
The ending of the episode strongly implies that June went to Hawaii. The episode concludes with a scene of June in a train station, greeted by her husband, Luke. He tells her that they’re going to Hawaii, although they end up on a boat.
3. What is Serena Joy’s role in the episode?
Serena Joy’s role is complex. She is both a victim of the system she helped create and a potential ally for June. The episode explores her vulnerability as a single mother seeking refuge, while also highlighting the problematic nature of her past actions and her continued struggle with power dynamics.
4. What is the significance of the episode’s title, “Safe”?
The title “Safe” is ironic, given the precariousness of June and Serena’s situation. It highlights the illusion of safety that characters often seek, only to find that the threats of Gilead are ever-present. It also raises questions about what “safe” truly means in a world dominated by oppression.
5. Will there be a Season 6 of The Handmaid’s Tale?
Yes, The Handmaid’s Tale has been renewed for a sixth and final season.
6. When is the expected release date for Season 6?
While an exact release date has not been officially announced, it’s expected that Season 6 will premiere sometime in late 2024 or early 2025. Production delays can always occur, however.
7. What can we expect from the final season of The Handmaid’s Tale?
The final season is expected to focus on June’s continued fight against Gilead, her efforts to rescue Hannah, and the potential for a larger revolution. Expect intense character development, high-stakes drama, and a resolution to the long-standing conflict between June and Gilead. It’s also anticipated that the final season will delve deeper into the internal workings of Gilead and explore the potential for its downfall.
8. Will Emily (Alexis Bledel) return in the final season?
While Alexis Bledel, who played Emily, departed the series before Season 5, there is always the possibility of a cameo appearance or flashback in the final season. However, no official announcements have been made.
9. What about The Testaments sequel series – is that still happening?
Yes, a sequel series based on Margaret Atwood’s The Testaments is in development at Hulu. It is set years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale and will follow Aunt Lydia, Agnes Jemima, and Daisy, as they fight against Gilead.
10. How has Serena’s character evolved throughout the series?
Serena Joy has undergone a significant transformation throughout the series. Initially portrayed as a staunch supporter of Gilead’s ideology, she has gradually become disillusioned with the system she helped create. Her experiences with infertility and the loss of power have led her to question her beliefs and seek alternative paths.
11. What is the significance of Gilead’s presence outside of its borders?
The spread of Gilead’s influence beyond its borders highlights the dangers of extremism and the importance of vigilance in protecting fundamental rights. It demonstrates that Gilead’s ideology is a threat not only to those within its territory but also to the wider world.
12. What message does The Handmaid’s Tale ultimately convey to viewers?
The Handmaid’s Tale delivers a powerful message about the importance of resisting oppression, fighting for freedom, and never taking human rights for granted. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the fragility of democracy. The story explores themes of resilience, hope, and the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.