Introduction to The Handmaid’s Tale Finale
The series finale of "The Handmaid’s Tale" concluded with a hopeful yet uncertain tone, leaving viewers to ponder the fate of the characters and the future of Gilead. The show’s creators, Yahlin Chang and Eric Tuchman, sat down to discuss the finale and the real-world parallels that have become increasingly evident throughout the series.
The Unattainable Reunion
The finale ended with June (Elisabeth Moss) continuing her fight for freedom, but without a reunion with her daughter, Hannah, who is living in Colorado under the Gileadian regime. This was a deliberate choice, as the showrunners were aware of the upcoming spin-off sequel, "The Testaments," which will focus on Hannah’s story. Chang explained that the decision to not reunite June and Hannah was a difficult one, but ultimately, it was a necessary choice to respect the boundaries of the upcoming sequel.
The Final Scene
The final scene of the series features June returning to the Waterford home, where she records a monologue, a callback to the first episode. This scene was always intended to be the penultimate scene, but it became the ultimate scene as it became clear that June was telling her story to Hannah. Tuchman noted that the scene was emotionally captivating, and it felt like a full circle for the character.
The Revolution and Its Aftermath
The finale also featured a climactic scene where a bomb explodes on a plane, killing several high-ranking commanders of Gilead. This event sets off a chain reaction, leading to the beginning of the end of the Gileadian regime. The showrunners discussed the logistics of the scene, including the decision to not show a more graphic or violent depiction of the commanders’ demise.
The Characters’ Arcs
The showrunners also discussed the character arcs of Serena and Aunt Lydia, two significant players in the harm women faced in Gilead. Chang explained that they never talked about redemption arcs for these characters, but rather how to crack open their eyes to see the truth and react to it. Tuchman noted that June’s influence on these characters was crucial, and her ability to see the humanity in everyone, even the most despicable characters, was a key aspect of the show.
The Real-World Parallels
The showrunners acknowledged the real-world parallels that have become increasingly evident throughout the series. Chang noted that the show was developed in the Obama era, but it is often discussed in the context of the Trump administration. Tuchman stated that the show’s goal was not to make a statement about current politics, but rather to tell a story that feels real and not made-up.
The Normalization of Fascism
The showrunners also discussed the normalization of fascism, citing Nick’s character as an example. Tuchman explained that Nick’s actions were consistent with his character, and that he had always been a fascist, but the show had normalized him to the point where his actions were seen as heroic. Chang noted that this normalization of fascism is a danger in the real world, where people can become desensitized to outrageous events and actions.
Conclusion
The finale of "The Handmaid’s Tale" was a thought-provoking conclusion to the series, leaving viewers to ponder the fate of the characters and the future of Gilead. The showrunners’ discussion of the real-world parallels and the normalization of fascism serves as a warning about the dangers of complacency and the importance of vigilance in protecting democracy and freedom.
FAQs
Q: Will there be a reunion between June and Hannah in the future?
A: The showrunners have stated that the reunion between June and Hannah will not happen in "The Handmaid’s Tale," but rather in the upcoming spin-off sequel, "The Testaments."
Q: What was the significance of the final scene in the series?
A: The final scene featured June returning to the Waterford home, where she records a monologue, a callback to the first episode. This scene was intended to be a full circle for the character and a way to conclude June’s story.
Q: How did the showrunners approach the real-world parallels in the series?
A: The showrunners acknowledged the real-world parallels, but stated that their goal was not to make a statement about current politics, but rather to tell a story that feels real and not made-up.
Q: What message do the showrunners hope viewers take away from the series?
A: The showrunners hope that viewers will take away a sense of the importance of vigilance in protecting democracy and freedom, and the dangers of complacency and normalization of fascism.
