In last week’s episode ofThe Handmaid’s Tale,June began adjusting to life post-Gilead.

She was reunited at last with Luke, her friends, and her daughter Nichole.

Then she confronted Serena, getting her first taste of revenge against the Waterfords.

But June is far from putting Gilead behind her.

She takes out her anger on a particular handmaid, yelling at her, then tasing her.

In a blind rage, Lydia tases an Aunt, too.

Worried the incident might cost her her job, Lydia visits Commander Lawrence to seek clemency.

Their ensuing conversation is multifaceted.

Next, he taunts Lydia by mentioning June’s freedom, saying people like June but nobody likes Lydia.

(I ask again: does Lawrence want to destroy or remake Gilead?)

Next, Lawrence reveals that Janine was recaptured in Chicago.

He suggests Lydia use Janine as an outlet for her passion for inflicting pain.

June coldly summarizes that Irene’s actions got the Martha hanged and Emily’s genitals mutilated as punishment.

Irene wants Emily’s forgiveness.

June barks that Irene doesn’t deserve it.

This begs the question: are Aunts soldiers of Gilead or victims in their own right?

To Irene’s devastation, Emily says there’s nothing she can do to make amends.

Afterward, Emily tells Moira she doesn’t know how she feels about the encounter.

So, the next day, Emily sets out to visit Irene.

But they’re too lateIrene has hung herself, presumably over her guilt.

It’s another example of June not playing the long game or considering the consequences of her actions.

Her next move is also questionable and arguably supports Lydia’s claim that she’s a corrupting influence.

June essentially hijacks a group meeting from Moira, delighting in hearing the women lambast Irene.

But June insists they should be able to be as outwardly furious as they feel.

Ultimately, Moira finds herself on the outs of the group.

June has worked everyone up into a revenge frenzy.

June also notes the kindness of Commander Lawrence and his wife.

Soon after, Fred chimes in.

He says Gilead’s sacrifices work because Gilead is the only place on earth with a rising birth rate.

Touching Serena’s belly, he says they have been rewarded for their suffering.

At this, June leaves the room, infuriated.

Once outside, the couple isshockingly, disturbinglymet by protesters supporting them.

As they survey their fans, Serena takes Fred’s hand.

June and Luke

While that drama unfolds, June and Luke create some of their own.

But Luke doesn’t know how they can move on together if he doesn’t understand her trauma.

He’s agonized by what he hears, but afterward, he tells June he’s glad he knows.

Still, June won’t open up.

But June just gets mad and walks away.