The time has come forthe season 4 finaleofThe Handmaid’s Tale.
Yvonne Strahovski, who plays Serena Waterford,called it “the most satisfying” finaleyet.
And it all has to do with her character’s husband, Fred.
Inlast week’s episode, Fred made a deal for his freedom in exchange for all his Gilead intel.
Let’s dive into how things play out in this finale episode, titled “The Wilderness.”
Serena steps out to talk to Mark.
Speaking for all viewers, Mark asks Serena why she’s staying with Fred.
She evades the question but her face belies uncertainty and conflict.
Serena’s inner turmoil manifests later, too.
Serena doesn’t seem thrilled but plays along, praising his accomplishments regarding their situation.
But she’s distant and cold and doesn’t kiss Fred goodbye.
It seems her support is strictly business… but to what end?
Fred kisses and gropes her aggressively.
In a voiceover, June says handmaids must act like they love and want their Commanders.
They must never run, kick, scream, or bite in resistance.
She asks if Fred is being as helpful as Mark had hoped.
Mark says yes, Fred’s intel has proven monumental.
Rita is also reserved about it, but Moira is outraged.
She wants June to go to Geneva to testify or use media interviews to sway the court against Fred.
Later, Emily and June discuss the situation.
June visits Fred
June then visits Fred.
Her arrival is interspersed with flashbacks reflecting the power shift between them.
Fred greets her almost gleefully and asks if he can call her June.
June coldly reminds him that is and has always been her name.
June plays along, acting almost grateful to hear him express remorse about Hannah.
They have a drink, and when Fred says he misses Offred, June toasts to her former identity.
Eventually, despite a wicked look in her eyes, she leaves without incident.
But on the way home with Luke, she vows to put Fred on The Wall in Gilead.
She tells him to give her a ride somewhere and listen.
June apparently approached him with a deal for Fred.
Lawrence says Gilead wants Fred home.
Mark says Gilead is scared of Fred talking.
Lawrence then offers a prisoner trade for Fred: 22 women imprisoned by Gilead.
Mark agrees to take the proposal to his superiors.
That night, June and her posse discuss Fred’s fate.
Luke is confident and satisfied that he’ll be imprisoned.
With that, Emily and June share a mischievous look.
It seems June’s efforts prevailed.
Fred realizes they’ve reached Gilead, and he’s part of a prisoner exchange.
Or power?).
Then Nick arrives with the Eyes and takes over jurisdiction, and Fred’s fear increases exponentially.
He only becomes more afraid when Nick marches him silently into the woods.
As Nick tells Fred they’ve entered No Man’s Land, June emerges through the trees.
She and Nick kiss, then Nick walks away, leaving Fred alone with her.
June blows a whistle and out from the shadows steps a horde of other Gilead refugee women.
June tells Fred to run.
As she and the women give chase, the episode opening voiceover and flashback return.
Eventually, Fred trips.
June stands over him and begins to beat him savagely with a wild look in her eyes.
Emily and the other women join in, and June bites Fred’s face.
That morning, June leaves the wilderness, satisfied.
She apologizes and says she’ll leave after five minutes with Nichole.
That’s where season 4ends.
At last, one of our main villains is dead.
But what does the unsanctioned execution mean for international relations with Gilead?
Will June finally be able to move on?
How can she if Luke doesn’t forgive her for Fred’s murder?
Will June be prosecuted?
Here’s to that acidic stunner and whatever comes next season!
