‘Handmaid’s Tale’ Ending: June & Nick?! You Won’t Believe It!

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Love isn’t always straightforward; it can be intricate, especially within the world portrayed in “The Handmaid’s Tale“. Following a break of nearly three years, this gripping dystopian series is preparing for its conclusion as it embarks on its sixth and last season.

At first, the story revolved around June’s (Elisabeth Moss) longing to escape from her life as a handmaid – a woman forced to bear children in Gilead. After managing to leave, the narrative then moved towards seeking her family, specifically her husband Luke (O-T Fagbenle) and daughter Hannah (Jordana Blake). However, things are not straightforward. June is accompanied by a baby, Nichole, who was not fathered by her Commander. With changes taking place, a typical happy ending might not fit for her new situation.

June’s Unintended Love Triangle in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’

In a nutshell, June’s predicament is far from the simple scenario of giving birth to another man’s child while she thinks she’ll never be reunited with her husband. Instead, she was forced into an intimate relationship with Commander Fred Waterford (Joseph Fiennes) for the purpose of bearing him and Serena a baby, despite this monthly ritual during ovulation failing to result in pregnancy.

In a shrewd move, Serena, known for her intelligence, perceived that perhaps Fred was the source of their issues, rather than herself. Given June’s growing bond with Nick, Fred’s driver (played by Max Minghella), she proposed an unconventional solution, disguised as advice. Her intention was for June to engage in a romantic relationship with Nick, with the aim that he could father a child. This child could then be passed off as Fred’s, maintaining the facade that only they were aware of the truth, or possibly even allowing Fred to maintain his ignorance to preserve their deception.

Although the Waterfords intend to raise Nichole, she’s still their child, conceived potentially from a blossoming affection between June and Nick.

As June moves forward with her plan to flee, Nick takes significant steps to jeopardize his life and status in Gilead to assist her. On various instances, they share intimacy, yet June is filled with remorse as she remembers that Luke is still anticipating her return. Upon a successful homecoming, one might wonder what awaits her when she reunites with him.

It’s complex for her because while Luke comprehends June’s situation and her developing feelings for someone, it feels awkward given that she loves her husband. She hadn’t expected to see him again, but now they are reunited, old feelings resurface. Or do they? However, one thing is clear: June still harbors some feelings for Nick.

Why June Should Be With Nick in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’

From the initial three episodes of Season 6, it seems that all the plotlines are building up towards a climax. The intriguing part is: what will become of June’s story? A happily ever after scenario might involve June and Luke successfully rescuing Hannah, returning to Alaska, and rebuilding their family life there, including Nichole.

Although June and Luke have dramatically changed over time, their profound love remains evident. However, after so much time has elapsed and so many events have transpired, the family they once had can no longer be the same as the one they have now. If Hannah is saved, her optimal outcome would be to be reunited with both of her parents. Nevertheless, it’s plausible that the show might conclude without Hannah ever reconnecting with them at all.

If things stand as they are, it could be more beneficial for June to pursue her feelings for Nick. Despite being married and expecting a child, their connection is strong and akin to star-crossed lovers who long to be together but face obstacles. Nick’s wife too seems to recognize this bond, which leads to her anger towards him due to his inability to move on from June.

It’s clear to all that Nick isn’t merely smitten with June; rather, his feelings for her run much deeper than infatuation. When Mark Tuello wants to reach him, he employs June as an enticement, fully aware that the mention of her name will instantly catch Nick’s attention. He confides in June that he visited her at the hospital following the accident and also admits to punching Commander Lawrence, suspecting him of wrongdoing, all in a bid to protect her honor. This act led to his own brief imprisonment.

In Episode 3, it becomes even clearer that he’s willing to go to great lengths for June. Instead of discarding the SIM card from Tuello’s burner phone, he decides to keep it secretly. Later, he unexpectedly appears to meet her and reveals his deep affection for her by leading her to Luke and Moira’s hiding place. In a moment of impulse, Nick chooses to shoot and kill two guards so they can flee, demonstrating just how far he’d go for June.

Concurrently, Luke seems to be growing more erratic. Though his anger is clearly warranted, it’s hard to envision him regaining the composure of the man who won June’s heart. Granted, he took extraordinary measures to rescue her and avenged her by physically eliminating the man who deliberately ran her over with a truck. However, June can never return to the woman whom Luke fell in love with. In essence, Nick comprehends June on a level that Luke can never reach due solely to circumstances.

Nick Loves June Enough To Let Her Go

At the emotional finale of Season 3, I successfully guide June, Luke, and Moira to safety under Tuello’s protection. As they head towards the car, Luke offers me an uneasy friendly slap on the back, while Moira follows suit. June lingers a moment longer before bidding us farewell with a prolonged, yearning gesture. Yet, she reminds me that we’ve danced this parting tune before and it’s best not to exchange formal goodbyes; instead, she suggests it’s more appropriate to say “until we meet again.

The most poignant moment occurs when June, departing towards the car, pauses to steal one last look at Nick. Despite the intricacies, she’s still deeply in love with him, yet she’s also devoted to her husband – they are her family. However, their connection with Nick remains unshakeable, as evidenced by Holly, whom June now calls Nichole. Indeed, Nick shares a paternal bond with Holly. Regardless of the separate lives they lead and different families they have, an indestructible link binds them that transcends mere parental ties.

Perhaps June doesn’t have to be with Nick in the end. Instead, she might be seeking a return to some semblance of her past life, which involves Luke and Hannah. Yet, is this really what her heart desires? It was her desire from the beginning. Nick went out on a limb to help her achieve this, even though he had feelings for her. But when June met Nick, she felt something she’d never experienced before – his willingness to sacrifice himself for her freedom and safety. This feeling was unique to her.

In the tragic tale of star-crossed lovers, their situation appears understandable. They may continue to reside with their respective families, exchanging fleeting glances and painful reunions so Nick can see his daughter. Yet, despite Luke likely being the suitable choice for June, it might not always align with what she should choose.

Catch The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu.

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2025-04-08 20:02