Why June Forgives Serena Joy in The Handmaid’s Tale Finale

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Warning: There are spoilers ahead for The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 series finale.

In season 6 and the final episode of “The Handmaid’s Tale” on Hulu, June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss) decides to grant forgiveness to Serena Joy Waterford (Yvonne Strahovski), not just for her part in creating the oppressive regime of Gilead, but also for contributing to June’s own hardships. The series is based on Margaret Atwood’s powerful and contemporary novel, which portrays June’s life under the theocratic dictatorship of Gilead, a severe transformation of the American government that made fertile women into enslaved childbearers due to an infertility crisis. As a Handmaid, June was assigned to the Waterfords, leading her to interact with Serena Joy Waterford.

In the Handmaid’s Tale, Fred Waterford’s wife Serena Joy was the woman who June was made to have a child for under duress, leading to a complex and antagonistic relationship throughout the series. However, as time went on, Serena grew increasingly disenchanted with the society she helped create. In season 6, Serena divulged information about the Boston Commanders planning a flight to Washington D.C., providing June and the Mayday resistance with a chance to eliminate a significant part of Gilead’s leadership in one powerful and strategic move.

Love & Forgiveness Was A Major Part Of The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6

June Was Forced To Reckon With Past Pains

In the wake of the conflicts in Boston, Serena and June confronted each other for the last time. They discussed their uncertain futures and the people they had mourned. However, with Serena and Noah facing severe consequences if they returned to Gilead, June facilitated their escape to a UN refugee camp with Tuello’s assistance (Sam Jaeger). Serena expressed her regret for everything she had done to June, and although June suggested that she should be sorry, she chose to forgive Serena in their heartfelt goodbye.

From June’s answer, it’s evident she doesn’t believe Serena should be so quick to forgive herself for her actions, but throughout the season, June worked on mending her strained relationships. At the beginning of the season, June reconnected with her mother, Holly (played by Cherry Jones), whom she thought had perished in the colonies. Their relationship was strained before Gilead, but they eventually reconciled in a heartfelt meeting at a refugee camp. This moment underscored for June how quickly things can be lost and left her with lingering questions unanswered.

Before taking her turn, Lydia had always been devoted to Gilead, with a twisted notion of “protecting” the Handmaids that frequently led to heinous mistreatment. However, Lydia’s actions in the days leading up to the Boston rebellion played a crucial role in their success. Although their past deeds were questionable, Lydia and Serena put themselves at risk to overthrow Gilead. June understands that their actions might have had heavy consequences, which helps her determine what steps she needs to take for a peaceful resolution moving forward.

Serena Joy Did Change In The Handmaid’s Tale

Serena’s Growth Wasn’t Straightforward, But It Was Notable

Serena’s transformation wasn’t sudden; it took time. Initially, she continued to uphold the status quo that ultimately led to Gilead’s rise, as evidenced by her writing. However, she soon realized that she couldn’t defy Gilead’s strict regulations and was relegated to a submissive housewife role. She even endured abuse from Fred when they attempted to aid a struggling family. Nevertheless, Serena chose to stay with him, resorting to unkind actions due to their shared longing for a child.

In the second season, Serena endeavors to transform Gilead from within, a move that leads to her losing her left pinky finger and gaining empathy for June’s struggle. This was just the beginning of a lengthy journey where Serena primarily took actions that benefited her at each moment. However, each encounter brought her closer to understanding the reality of Gilead and placed her in situations similar to those June had faced. By the start of season 6, she had become a refugee on the run with her new son, Noah, which served as a stark reminder of the world’s true condition.

In response to discovering that her husband, Commander Wharton (Josh Charles), brings home a Handmaid, Serena makes the bold decision to expose his plans to June and the Mayday resistance, signaling the end of this troubling episode in her life. Despite her checkered past, Serena has demonstrated a willingness to change for the better and take risks to rectify her mistakes.

Serena Joy’s Ending Mirrored June’s Beginning

The Setting Of The Conversation Is An Intentionally Eerie Callback

In the last scene, Serena’s solitary position in a minimalist room underscores the far-reaching impact of her journey throughout the entire series of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. This is strikingly similar to how June was initially portrayed at the start of the show, waiting for her new assignment at the Waterfords. Despite not being threatened with Handmaiden duties this time, she remains fearful about the future, especially considering her limited options for safety, much like Noah.

In light of how her past experiences had made her aware of the suffering her actions had caused others, it appears that her destiny brings her to a point where she confronts her mistakes. Yet instead of subjecting Serena to fear repeatedly and attempting to guide her away from wrongdoings, June opts for doing what is right. Thus, one could view the setting as a means to rectify the initial transgression that led June onto this path.

Will Serena Return In The Testaments?

The Sequel Novel Will Be Brought To Television

It remains uncertain what becomes of characters Serena and Noah as they seemingly depart from the oppressive society of Gilead. Since neither character appears in Atwood’s sequel novel, “The Testaments,” it could very well be that their story ends off-page, like countless others who were victims of Gilead’s regime, but who might have a chance at a new beginning.

Given Aunt Lydia’s role as a double agent in ‘The Testaments’ and Tuello’s active participation in the struggle against Gilead, there is a possibility that Serena’s story might unfold further. Despite their disagreements and her initial reluctance to work against Gilead upon their encounter, Serena and Tuello share a deep understanding. This background could explain his eagerness to aid Serena. Consequently, if he features in ‘The Testaments’, it may shed light on Serena’s life after ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’.

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2025-05-29 20:38