I still distinctly remember starting Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale as if it were yesterday. I didn’t start watching it right when it aired, but it was recommended numerous times, and I knew I had to check it out. Since then, I’ve been hooked. The show, created for television by Bruce Miller and based on Margaret Atwood’s book, is a tough but essential series about female bodily autonomy, power struggles, control, and rage. Now, with its final season, the creators of The Handmaid’s Tale deliver a cohesive, engaging, and gratifying experience.
The finale of last season left us with Serena (Yvonne Strahovski) and June (Elisabeth Moss) boarding the same train (oh, the irony!) to travel to a safe place for Gilead refugees, while Luke (O-T Fagbenle) faces legal troubles in Canada after killing a man in self-defense. Meanwhile, Commander Joseph Lawrence (Bradley Whitford) works to promote New Bethlehem, a more liberal alternative to Gilead’s oppressive, misogynistic government. However, being a Commander doesn’t always provide protection. Despite the long-awaited perspective of safety, the hope of a normal life, and the arrival of some unexpected guests, June knows it’s not over. With the help of survivors from Gilead, those still trapped there, and even those who’ve realized their past mistakes, June, Moira (Samira Wiley), Luke, and a group of rebels plan an uprising like none before.
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When I first started covering Hulu’s Original Series, I never imagined I’d devote so much time and writing to it. But season after season, it has proven to be a vital piece of storytelling—brutal, packed with twists and turns, and rich with a full range of emotions, most notably rage. The final season maintains this intensity, despite a slower start that takes time to show where each central character finds themselves after events of season 5. The direction, writing, and costume design all contribute equally to another successful ride. In particular, the iconic red cloaks worn by the Handmaids have become a symbol of resistance and the fight against the system.
One of the show’s legendary details is the close-up shots of June’s facial expressions as she breaks the fourth wall, seemingly staring right into our souls. After being utilized extensively in previous seasons, the final chapter still delivers this hallmark shot but with more restraint. Each episode heightens the tension as we approach the end. Based on the eight episodes available for review, it looks like the series will offer nothing short of a gratifying conclusion.
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Each episode is crucial as we see June continually standing up against oppression. One of the best episodes, episode 8, is shockingly intense as we cheer on the resistance and witness more twists. Directed by Daina Reid and written by Yahlin Chang, this episode will keep you on the edge of your seat. The three-episode season premiere is also worth mentioning as it sets the final season’s tone. Moreover, two of those episodes were directed by Elisabeth Moss. She’s not just the series’ central character anymore, and she proves that she has a sharp, skillful eye behind the camera.
Along with the closure that is fast approaching, The Handmaid’s Tale offers some surprises along the way, including some unexpected arrivals and returns. Unlikely alliances are formed due to a shared powerful enemy. As always, Moss delivers an exceptional and unstoppable performance as June, facing numerous challenges in this final season. Another standout performance comes from Samira Wiley, whose portrayal of Moira plays an integral and memorable role in season 6. Of course, we can’t forget about Strahovski and Whitford, who represent characters seeking forgiveness while still living in fear. There is one moment in episode 8 in particular that showcases Strahovski’s acting skills, and it will stay with me for some time.
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At one point in season 6, June says that the red cloaks became the Handmaids’ uniforms as they became an army. The entire show—and especially this final chapter—has always been about female rage and bodily autonomy, but this farewell offers something inspirational and powerful that we might be able to learn from, particularly in these uncertain and frightening times. With that in mind, The Handmaid’s Tale is not just a chilling depiction of a dystopian vision but also a cautionary tale that, hopefully, we’ll never have to live through.
If the episodes I’ve seen so far are any indication, this will certainly be an unforgettable—and hopefully satisfying—ending. No matter the outcome, The Handmaid’s Tale is undoubtedly a masterclass in acting, directing, and writing—and the final season proves this even further. You’ll be cheering, screaming, and maybe shedding a tear, but you certainly won’t be bored. June Osborne wouldn’t allow it.
The Handmaid’s Tale has its three-episode season premiere on April 8, 2025, on Hulu.
Summary
No matter the outcome, The Handmaid’s Tale is undoubtedly a masterclass in acting, directing, and writing—and the final season proves this even further.
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