How New Bethlehem Can Triumph Over Gilead in The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6

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Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 and The Testaments!

In the recently aired installments of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” we’re seeing hints of how the narrative could seamlessly progress towards “The Testaments” while minimally altering its original foundation. The fifth episode of season 6 is deepening the intricate plot of New Bethlehem, making it more coherent within the overall scheme of the franchise’s conclusion. As several characters from “The Handmaid’s Tale” season 6 are pivotal in the forthcoming spin-off, the closing episodes might bring a significant challenge to Gilead’s fundamental beliefs, one that will have lasting repercussions leading up to the timeframe of “The Testaments.

While initial reactions to season 6 of The Handmaid’s Tale hint at an engaging second part with promising advancements, critics point out that one major hurdle for the series lies in its connection to The Testaments, as this link implies a lost struggle. Despite audiences hoping for Gilead’s downfall in the final season, those versed in Margaret Atwood’s sequel novel understand that a complete fall is unlikely. However, the show introduces an intriguing twist by showing how New Bethlehem could provide a triumph that sets the stage for events depicted in The Testaments.

Gilead Needs To Exist For The Testaments To Work

Gilead’s Ultimate Collapse Doesn’t Happen Until The Testaments

In my humble opinion, as a movie critic, the novel “The Testaments” continues the gripping saga of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” with pivotal characters like Aunt Lydia, Hannah ( alias Agnes), and Nichole (now Daisy) taking center stage in the overthrow of the oppressive regime. For much of the sequel, these characters wage their rebellion from within, as they are bound by obligations within the patriarchal society. Aunt Lydia maintains her powerful position, Hannah seeks to evade her destiny as a Wife, while Daisy, who was raised in Canada and renamed Nichole, uncovers her ties to the resistance movement.

It’s significant to mention that Atwood penned the sequel as a continuation directly from her initial novel, effectively disregarding seasons 2 through 6 of the TV series. Consequently, “The Testaments” shares the same predicament as “The Handmaid’s Tale.” The show’s creator, Bruce Miller, has suggested that the spin-off aims to delve into a contrasting, even “opposite,” facet of Gilead (as reported by TV Insider). Given this context, if “The Handmaid’s Tale” doesn’t conclude with the republic’s downfall, it’s plausible that characters like June and Luke could instigate a rebellion altering Gilead so profoundly that its effects reverberate into the spin-off’s timeline.

The Handmaid’s Tale Can Still End With New Bethlehem Replacing Gilead

Gilead Can Hide Behind New Bethlehem’s Victory Until The Testaments

In essence, “The Handmaid’s Tale” series is paving the way for a significant shift within Margaret Atwood’s universe. The recent season unveils New Bethlehem, an island that aspires to break away from Gilead’s oppressive theocracy and its human rights abuses. Lawrence’s progressive society champions open borders, refugee integration, women’s empowerment, and improved relations with the world at large. Although New Bethlehem doesn’t feature in “The Testaments,” the emergence of this new island provides a plausible explanation for how Gilead could re-emerge in future spin-offs despite potential weakening during the upcoming rebellion.

In essence, “The Handmaid’s Tale” hints that Lawrence’s reform is gaining traction currently, although it may face termination later on. Despite the Commanders in Gilead hoping for New Bethlehem to falter, they are permitting its progression, employing it as a tool to establish diplomatic relations and entice refugees back by promising reform. However, even though episode 5 indicates their intention to eventually halt it, this won’t occur for about three or four years. This time period provides Gilead with ample opportunity to prepare for a more brutal comeback in “The Testaments,” all the while maintaining the facade of New Bethlehem’s triumph at the conclusion of season 6.

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2025-04-25 02:47