The Unresolved End of The Handmaid’s Tale: A Reflection of Resilience and Resistance
The conclusion of The Handmaid’s Tale may leave some viewers yearning for a straightforward resolution, but it remains true to the narrative’s core themes. After six intense seasons, Hulu’s adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel wrapped up its story on May 26, leaving audiences with lingering questions and profound messages. In a world rife with chaos and upheaval, the series’ ending resonates as a powerful commentary on hope, perseverance, and the ongoing fight for justice.
The Aftermath of Boston’s Liberation and the Ongoing Gilead Threat
While the Mayday operation successfully liberated Boston from Gilead’s grip, the oppressive regime persists in much of the United States. June (Elisabeth Moss) remains separated from her daughter Hannah (Jordana Blake), unable to bring her home. This ongoing struggle underscores the series’ message: liberation is complex and incomplete. The spinoff series, The Testaments, is already exploring Hannah’s story within Gilead, hinting at the broader narrative of resistance and survival.
A Narrative Closure with Lingering Questions
The series could have concluded at episode nine, when the Mayday rebels secured victory in Boston. They rescued June, the other Handmaids, and Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) from execution just in time. The decisive moment came when Lawrence (Bradley Whitford) sacrificed himself by bringing a bomb onto the plane carrying the remaining Commanders, including Nick (Max Minghella), to D.C. This act of selflessness marked a turning point, sealing the rebels’ victory. However, episode ten was dedicated to tying up loose ends-though not all questions were answered.
Character Fates and the Cost of Resistance
In the finale, characters’ journeys took unexpected turns. Naomi Putnam Lawrence (Ever Carradine), who had been recaptured by the Eyes, returned to Mayday and made a surprising gesture by sending Angela/Charlotte to live with her biological mother, Janine (Madeline Brewer), ensuring her safety. Serena (Yvonne Strahovski) and Noah (O.T. Fagbenle) found themselves in refugee limbo, a state of uncertain safety, which Serena reflected upon with a mix of gratitude and regret-she was thankful for her son and for June’s forgiveness. Emily (Alexis Bledel) appeared briefly, updating viewers on her life, while Moira (Samira Wiley) and Luke (O.T. Fagbenle) were already strategizing their next move against Gilead. June’s mother, Holly (Cherry Jones), traveled from Alaska with baby Nichole to reunite with her daughter, who grappled with her own internal conflict: the desire to continue fighting versus the pain of separation.
June’s Heartfelt Reflection and the Fight for All Women
June’s emotional monologue to her daughter Holly encapsulates the series’ core message. She assures her that her love transcends physical proximity: “It’s my job to keep you safe, you know that. You and your sister. But I think I have another job too,” she says. “I have to do my best to help keep all the little girls in Gilead safe too. If I can’t, I have to try.” Through tears, June explains that her ongoing fight is rooted in the belief that until every woman is safe, no woman truly is. She reassures Holly that love can be felt across any distance, emphasizing resilience and hope.
The Intergenerational Fight and the Power of Storytelling
June’s conversation with her mother highlights a crucial theme: the importance of storytelling in resistance. Her mother urges her to stay safe instead of risking everything, but June insists that safety is elusive in Gilead. Holly, a symbol of resilience, teaches June that fighting for women’s rights is a collective effort-one that spans generations. The series draws a parallel to contemporary politics: even if certain states currently uphold reproductive rights, the fight is ongoing, as the threat remains in other regions. The series’ timing, debuting in 2017 amid the rise of the Me Too movement, made its themes especially relevant. The iconic Handmaid costumes became a symbol of protest against patriarchy, used in demonstrations against Supreme Court nominees and reproductive rights restrictions.
Cultural Impact and Political Significance
Throughout recent years, the Handmaid’s Tale costume has become a powerful visual protest tool. In 2018, demonstrators dressed as Handmaids to oppose Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation following allegations of sexual assault. Similar protests occurred in 2020 against Justice Amy Coney Barrett, and in 2022, after the leak of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, activists donned Handmaid costumes outside Barrett’s residence. These acts of resistance underscore the series’ influence as a cultural symbol of defiance against misogyny and authoritarianism.
Partial Victories and the Hope for a Better Future
Despite setbacks, some political victories offer hope. In states like Kentucky and Ohio-traditionally conservative-voters have supported measures to protect abortion access, demonstrating that change is possible even in hostile environments. These victories echo the series’ message: progress is incremental, and perseverance can lead to meaningful change. The finale emphasizes the importance of sharing stories-both the struggles and triumphs-as a means of inspiring future generations and maintaining hope.
June’s Enduring Spirit and the Power of Resistance
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Moss reflected on her portrayal of June’s unwavering resilience. She noted that June’s desire to survive and forge a better future for her children-and by extension, for all women-remained constant from the first episode to the series finale. The ending does not depict June’s immediate reunion with Hannah but instead focuses on her ongoing commitment to fighting for her daughter and others’ children. This choice underscores the series’ core message: the fight for justice is continuous, and hope persists through perseverance.
The Significance of Sharing Our Stories
The series concludes with June revisiting the house where she once endured as a Handmaid. She records her thoughts on a tape recorder, describing her surroundings in simple, poignant terms: “A chair. A table. A lamp. The window with white curtains.” In doing so, she creates a narrative-a testament to resilience and resistance. Her act of storytelling becomes a symbol of hope, a way to preserve the memory of her struggle and inspire others to continue the fight.
A Legacy of Resistance and Hope
The Handmaid’s Tale ends not with a definitive victory but with a reminder that resistance takes many forms. Whether through storytelling, activism, or unwavering hope, the series advocates for continued resilience against oppressive regimes. As Holly and Luke encourage June to write her memoir, they emphasize that sharing stories of struggle and triumph can empower others and keep the flame of resistance alive. In the final scene, June’s recitation of her story serves as a powerful reminder: even in the darkest times, hope endures through the stories we tell and the battles we fight.
