"Character demises in 'The Handmaid's Tale' were strategically orchestrated"
In the dystopian world of Gilead, where dissent is met with brutal punishment, the main character, June Osborne, played by Elisabeth Moss, has managed to survive for six seasons. This is thanks to a combination of resilience, cunning, and adaptability.
According to Bruce Miller, the series creator, June's survival is a testament to her intelligence and resourcefulness, as he was given a "no-kill list" by Margaret Atwood, the author of the original novel, which included Aunt Lydia, played by Ann Dowd. Interestingly, Miller compared Aunt Lydia to a cat with multiple lives.
June navigates the violent police state by outmaneuvering enemies, forming strategic alliances, and drawing on her strong will and determination to protect herself and those she cares about. She continuously adapts to changing circumstances and exploits moments of weakness in Gilead’s oppressive regime.
This survival is also a testament to June's emotional strength and refusal to be broken by the regime’s brutality, making her a symbol of resistance and hope throughout the series.
In the latest episode, "Execution", June escapes a hangman's noose. The series finale of The Handmaid's Tale will air on Hulu on Tuesday.
It's worth noting that if June had been caught in real life, she would have been shot, but this cannot happen in the show because the main character cannot be eliminated. This rule, along with the creators' commitment to historical accuracy, ensures that the show remains grounded in reality despite its fictional nature.
The creators are considering adapting Margaret Atwood's sequel novel, The Testaments, for potential future seasons. The Handmaid's Tale is nearing its conclusion with one episode remaining.
Meanwhile, Commander Waterford, played by Joseph Fiennes, met a brutal and satisfying demise for viewers in season four. His character evolved beyond a mere "sleazy, blowhardy pervert" due to his complex relationship with June and Serena Waterford.
For a more detailed look at the show's plot, you can read THR's full oral history of The Handmaid's Tale here.
- The website Gizmodo recently discussed how the survival of June Osborne in The Handmaid's Tale, despite its dystopian setting, is a testament to television's evolving portrayal of strong female characters, comparing her to characters from movies-and-tv on entertainment platforms like io9.
- In an interview with Variety, the show's creators revealed their plans to delve deeper into the technology and societal implications of Gilead's future in potential future seasons, hinting at a possible collaboration with Gizmodo to further explore these themes.
- With the final season of The Handmaid's Tale coming to an end, fans are eagerly anticipating a possible crossover with other mighty women from the world of entertainment and technology,such as the protagonists from movies-and-tv shows on platforms like io9 and Gizmodo's featured future series.
