The Handmaid’s Tale season 6, episode 9 review: Execution

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In the beginning of the film, the Handmaids and their allies in defiance stride along the street, exulting over the successful elimination of several commanders. It’s amusing to me that the exact number (37) coincides with a certain figure in an off-color joke from the movie “Clerks.” However, let’s move on. The Handmaids, guided by Aunt Phoebe, June, and Moira, are preparing for their getaway.

1.

Serena is leaving on her own – she doesn’t have friends or family to help her. Be aware that a commander’s wife won’t address the handmaid by her given name, especially when pleading for her life. Serena knows that Commander Joseph Lawrence will not send her back to her new husband right away, so that is where she goes. It’s puzzling why Serena believed Naomi, the devout believer, would be on her side, though. Watch as Naomi wonders why handmaids dislike women who hurt them, take their children, and repeatedly rape them. Serena sees herself as progressive because she is accustomed to people like Naomi. Lawrence confirms that there was a rebellion after the wedding – another term for revolution. No one asks him how he knows this information.

2.

Serena is venturing out alone, without friends or kin by her side. Keep in mind that a commander’s spouse won’t use the handmaid’s actual name when pleading for mercy. Serena has faith that Commander Joseph Lawrence won’t return her to her new husband immediately, and she seeks him out. It’s strange to me why Serena thought Naomi, the devout believer, would support her cause. Pay attention as Naomi ponders the reason handmaids resent women who harm them, take their children, and repeatedly rape them. Serena sees herself as progressive because she is familiar with people like Naomi. Lawrence clarifies that there was an uprising following the wedding – another term for a revolution. No one inquires about his source of information.

Nick, who has a fertile wife and no servant, is still living. However, Rose goes into labor unexpectedly, leading us to ponder whether her drug-induced state caused this problem. The doctor also expresses similar doubts. There’s speculation that Nick might be helping the handmaids flee, much like “Offred” did when she escaped from Gilead in the book. The escaped handmaids, however, are captured by the authorities and they’re eager to kill anyone to force June to reveal herself. So, she does appear.

Naomi, a traditionalist, phoned Wharton for a conversation with Serena. It’s distasteful. He assures her that he’ll allow them to try for a baby naturally first before considering bringing in a younger woman as a regular SA. Gabriel additionally tells Serena that her friend June orchestrated the mass killing post their wedding. Strangely, Serena appears surprised. She’s the abuser who fails to comprehend why the victim is still upset despite no longer being angry herself.

In this particular episode, it’s refreshing that the show openly uses the term “rape” rather than employing euphemisms like ‘ceremony.’ In the U.S., media often resorts to phrases such as ‘had sex with a minor,’ ‘non-consensual sexual activity,’ or even ‘unexpected intimacy’ when addressing such heinous crimes. This indirect approach can lessen the apparent severity of the crime, without offering any real help to victims or preventing future occurrences. Granted, those who have experienced trauma may prefer not to encounter this word; however, it seems unlikely that they would be watching a show like this in the first place. Instead, using explicit language can serve as a powerful reminder and catalyst for change.

This season, I find some of June’s decisions peculiar. One is her persisting faith in a benevolent deity, the other is appealing to the compassion of individuals who seem devoid of it. Her encounter with Gabriel Wharton was gratifying, much like when a politician criticizes the autocratic leader of America for his authoritarian tendencies. However, it was frustrating because even after the criticism, nothing substantially alters. No one faces any repercussions. Despite everyone professing to believe in a compassionate god, June is still facing death.

This week, I’ve found myself immersed in debates surrounding what constitutes an offense to God, a topic that has been exploited by those who wield religion as a tool for control. It’s like they label anyone they dislike as a perpetrator of heinous acts against children, particularly sexual offenses. The irony is that no one wishes to challenge the notion that what they perceive as God’s will might be questionable. This pretense of divine approval has been a cloak for wrongdoing since humans first pondered the mysteries of the cosmos, such as the movement of the stars at night. It’s a tactic reminiscent of the Nazi regime, and it persists because it remains effective. People use it to mask their malicious intentions, and unfortunately, it continues to work.

Lawrence’s farewell to his granddaughter is heart-wrenching. Joseph urges his spouse to encourage the girl’s education. I can’t fathom why Naomi would agree, given her temperament—she’s dreadful. Lawrence may have thought he wouldn’t see her again, perhaps because some of the other commanders (who might still be alive) insist he stays at the wall.

1. Lawrence’s goodbye to his granddaughter is heart-breaking. Joseph pleads with his wife to help the girl learn. I can’t imagine why Naomi would cooperate, given her character—she’s awful. Lawrence likely thought he wouldn’t see her again, possibly because some of the other commanders (who could still be alive) want him to remain at the wall.

This week’s episode is nearly the last one, with the series concluding next week. As June steps into the execution area, the grim possibility of her death looms large. Numerous gallows have been set up. Among those present are Aunt Phoebe, the other handmaids, Moira, Janine, and surprisingly, Aunt Lydia. It’s uncertain if Lydia is there for testimony or if she too is facing execution. However, Lydia, who has long borne the brunt of her girls being mistreated by cruel men, seems to have reached her breaking point. She pleads: “Dear Lord, forgive me and them. My beloved girls, show mercy for their deeds. For they have been enslaved by wicked, godless men.” June’s surprise at Lydia’s outburst mirrors our own, as evidenced by Janine’s expression.

In spite of triumphant emotions and courageous actions, everything appears incredibly grim. Among the masses of common folk, there’s Luke, Rita, and a few others who are recognizable from the resistance group. It is then that June implores for an opportunity to seek absolution from God, concluding her speech with the poignant phrase: “Don’t let the unjust wear you down,” which is essentially fake Latin for “Don’t let the oppressors get you down.” Tragically, June is executed by hanging in a traditional and prolonged manner, intended to be seen by all. However, it is at this point that the true struggle unfolds, as fierce as the depths of hell itself.

In an unexpected turn of events, June finds herself spared from danger’s grasp. Amidst the turmoil of economic families clashing and perishing, Aunt Phoebe – or should I say, Eva from the CIA – displays swift and accurate marksmanship. Luke finally encounters the battle he’d been eagerly anticipating, while Rita takes a life to shield June. The brutal chaos I had envisioned for the wedding didn’t materialize, but was instead replaced by this intense display of violence. In the end, Wharton manages to survive, and Lydia’s fate remains unseen.

Although it might not seem appealing to enjoy a program filled with violence and chaos, here’s the truth: I’m an American, and since 2015, our media has been portraying a known rapist, criminal, and family abuser as a successful businessman, intelligent strategist, and genuine caretaker of his constituents. However, it’s important to note that this individual has openly questioned the applicability of the U.S. Constitution to himself. This situation is utterly chaotic, and unfortunately, the average citizen holds limited power to change it.

However, in Gilead, they don’t submit; instead, the populace rises up, expressing their outrage at the fascists who have taken over, not through passive submission but active resistance. The brave rebels of Gilead, fighting for just causes, are vindicated by the emergence of this fictional American military, where those in power oppose the fascists. Mark Tuelo is a sight to behold, and it’s not only because he looks stunning in his military uniform.

1) We’ve only just reached the midpoint of this episode, but things are about to heat up even more! The rebellion is now gearing up for another major move. Their strategy involves placing a bomb with an altitude trigger on a plane bound for Washington D.C., carrying the commanders. Once the aircraft reaches sufficient altitude, the bomb will detonate. It’s been decided that commander Lawrence will be the one to plant the bomb and then exit the plane afterwards.

It’s quite likely that Serena is seen as a character who causes much annoyance. She tends to prioritize herself above all else, finds ways to rationalize reprehensible actions, and there’s an unmistakable sense that she will emerge unscathed, with her child, after all is said and done. In fact, her involvement in eliminating the other commanders might even cast her as a hero when the story is retold.

Moving on to the topic, readers familiar with The Handmaid’s Tale might recall that the book concludes far beyond the primary events. It principally involves scholars debating the likelihood of the narrated events being embellished. This academic discourse often leans towards the notion that it wasn’t as terrible as portrayed. Over time, horrific human actions such as American slavery, the Holocaust, and Japanese internment camps have become less alarming in public perception. Therefore, we might find similar diminishing of these atrocities in our discussions next week.

The conclusion of the operation leaves us under the impression that we’ve witnessed it before. June and Lawrence make their way to the airport, with Joseph vowing to “do his best not to mess this up.” However, events conspire against him. He arrives just in time to encounter Wharton and his associates who taunt him about New Bethlehem. Aware of the ensuing chain of events and the destruction that would ensue if he didn’t act—Joseph Lawrence decides to board the plane. In a moment of self-sacrifice, he chooses to give up his life for the cause, perhaps finding some redemption for his role in causing harm to so many others.

It seems we’re expected to feel sad as Nick starts walking slowly towards the plane, with June perhaps considering speaking up. Nick pauses, aware that this decision he’s making is permanent. Little does he know how true that is. Nick’s final remark, “I guess you chose to join the victors,” is quite ironic given his impending doom. As he boards the plane, we see it explode, taking the remaining Boston commanders with it. To clarify, Lawrence was never a hero. He only appeared to help, but his attitude was more like ‘ladies, just don’t get me killed.’ In the end, however, he made a difficult choice. Rest in peace, Lawrence. Go to hell, Nick.

This episode was nothing short of extraordinary! It lived up to my expectations in every way. The execution was flawless, and there were countless moments that had me cheering. That TayTay song is now my go-to anthem. With so many unanswered questions, I can’t wait to see what unfolds next week. What becomes of Gilead? Will Serena finally face repercussions for her actions? Does life insurance still apply for all the new wealthy widows? Will Luke and June manage to retrieve Hannah? And will the child even remember them at all? We’ll find out in seven days, and I can hardly contain my excitement. A perfect 10/10!

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2025-05-22 15:15