Rita’s Fate in New Bethlehem: Is She Next?

Spoilers ahead for the most recent episode of The Handmaid’s Tale, “Promotion.”

It’s surprising to think about it, but we’re nearing the end of “The Handmaid’s Tale” series on television. The Emmy-winning drama (available for streaming with a Hulu subscription) is currently in its sixth and last season, and the tension has definitely escalated. However, after the latest episode featuring New Bethlehem I’m quite concerned about Rita’s future on the show.

As audiences ponder the means to catch up on Season 6 of The Handmaid’s Tale, devoted followers such as myself eagerly anticipate the series finale. This season has highlighted New Bethlehem, portrayed as a more merciful Gilead and a sanctuary for refugees. In Episode 4, Amanda Brugel’s character indicated her intention to remain until she secured the freedom of her family from Gilead, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease in my gut.

Viewers have a deep emotional attachment to “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and Rita is undeniably one of its most cherished characters from the dystopian series. Fans rejoiced when she managed to flee Gilead during Angel’s Flight, and were content when she ultimately confronted Serena Joy and Fred Waterford. However, now that she’s returned to the fictional nation, I can’t help but worry about her well-being.

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When Rita met Nick again in New Bethlehem, she disclosed that she intended to stay there until her family was reunited with her, a process that might take years. It seems like she’ll spend most of the final season in this location, but the question arises: What will become of the community in Gilead when its citizens start revolting? Given that it’s uncertain if all main characters will make it through Season 6, Rita’s specific placement within the narrative has left many viewers apprehensive as well.

Despite Rita’s precarious situation seeming bleak from my perspective, it was incredibly gratifying to witness her long-awaited reunion with her sister. Early on in the series The Handmaid’s Tale, we learn about Rita’s sibling and her nephew. In Season 4, when Martha is securely resettled in Canada, she shares that she has been tirelessly searching for her sister, hoping she too had found refuge.

It seems that her sister was turned into an Econowife in Gilead and has stayed in the country since Rita fled. She requests Nick’s aid in locating the rest of their family and transporting them to New Bethlehem, but he warns it could take a considerable amount of time.

I continue to express concern for Rita, yet I find myself intrigued by the storytelling potential of bringing her and Serena Joy into the same setting. Their interaction dynamics hold great interest, and perhaps they may find themselves united in a historical context someday. As for that, we’ll have to wait and see.

Every Tuesday, you can catch new episodes of “The Handmaid’s Tale” on Hulu as per the 2025 TV lineup. And for fans who don’t want this gripping series to end, there’s good news: a spinoff titled “The Testaments” is currently in production too!

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2025-04-16 20:40