June's DEADLY Gamble: Handmaid's Tale Season 6 Ep 5 SHOCKER!

In the fifth episode of The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 titled ‘Janine’, we see June re-entering Gilead, however, unlike before, she is now a part of Mayday’s resistance movement. Alongside her are Luke and Moira. One can only wonder about the potential complications that may arise in this scenario.

Alright, the previous remark has a hint of sarcasm, but let’s avoid spoilers for now. Just to remind you, in Season 6 Episode 4, June found herself disagreeing with Luke and Moira regarding their plan to execute the dry run at Jezebels’ penthouse.

In simpler terms, they’re getting ready for an anticipated assault against the extremist leaders, using explosives as a tactic before their rebel forces advance. The US government in exile is supporting them now, as international ties with Gilead have strengthened due to the establishment of New Bethlehem.

At the conclusion of the episode, June, Luke, and Moira managed to bury their disagreements, and they’re now ready to go undercover at Jezebels disguised as Marthas. They plan to inform Janine about their strategy in the process. Be advised: this discussion contains spoilers, and some viewers might find it distressing.

June, Moira, and Luke head to Gilead

In the opening of The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 Episode 5, a group is seen readying themselves for an infiltration into Gilead. Luke disguises himself as a bakery deliveryman, while they plan to utilize a van for secretly transporting June and Moira.

The Hulu series is renowned for its powerful music selection, and this particular scene is no exception, as it features the track ‘Atmosphere’ by Joy Division.

In New Bethlehem, it seems that Nick could potentially experience repercussions for his past deeds, considering the Guardian he wounded in Season 6, Episode 3, miraculously survived.

High Commander Wharton, in a somewhat concerned tone, reminds Nick: “That incident was quite severe, regarding security under your supervision, my boy. It’s crucial that you take responsibility for dealing with those suspected terrorists.

When Nick mentions there’s no one who saw anything, Wharton informs him that the junior Guardian has shown significant progress and is even exhibiting promising signs of recovery from his coma. Nick tries to conceal his worry, but deep down, he’s growing increasingly anxious.

Aunt Lydia and Serena talk work and weddings

At Serena’s residence, Aunt Lydia drops by for a visit, and their conversation turns out to be rather awkward due to the topic of Handmaids’ duties in the society of Gilead.

Lydia was shocked by the way the Handmaids were being treated upon discovering Janine at Jezebel’s, even though she herself had been a ruthless enforcer in the past.

Serena continues to understate her treatment towards June and the other Handmaids during her marriage with Fred Waterford.

Instead of designing a fresh strategy because of their individual misconceptions, Serena considers establishing an analogous establishment, similar to the Canadian fertility center, in New Bethlehem. This proposed location would offer retired Handmaids the chance to transition into becoming attendants.

Following her brainstorm, a lavish bouquet of flowers mysteriously appears at Serena’s doorstep. These flowers were sent by Wharton, with Lydia implying that he would make an excellent match for Serena – not based on their mutual hobbies or personalities, but because she believes a fertile woman should never be wasted in this way. Such is the straightforwardness of Lydia.

A change of plan

Luke, Moira, June, and the Mayday coordinator Ellen arrive at Gilead. Ellen explains their strategy: June and Moira are to make their way to the Jezebels’ penthouse, inform Janine about the impending attack, and then return to the designated rendezvous point within two hours.

Luke and Ellen will be ready to escort them back to their headquarters. Meanwhile, if you’re curious about how they manage to stay unnoticed, as depicted in The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 Episode 3, it’s because the Marthas conceal their identities with masks to keep the commanders from being tempted by them.

As they arrive at Jezebels, they begin searching for Janine and discover Angela’s sketch on her dressing table. One of the other women informs them that Janine is likely up in the penthouse with the Commanders, mentioning “Commander Bell,” who she refers to as a “jerk” or “nuisance.” (Timothy Simon plays this character.)

This situation alarms June and Moira, as the Commanders were not expected to arrive today. Moira voices this concern, while June suggests they should press on with their original plan, but their discussion is cut short by Aunt Miriam, who orders them to return to their tasks.

In simpler terms, June mentions that they were assigned to clean the penthouse to prepare it, followed by a moment of tension. Then, Miriam instructs them to “make it shine brilliantly.

June and Moira reunite with Janine

Upon reaching the penthouse, Moira and June encounter yet another challenge – a Guardian. He warns them to hurry, explaining that the Commanders are expected to arrive shortly.

Instead of giving an impression of busily arranging the room, they suddenly overhear Janine singing songs to boost the morale of the other girls.

In a crowded setting, Janine manages to identify June and Moira despite their masked faces, and engages them in hushed conversation so as not to be overheard by others. They inform Janine that they are on a mission for Mayday and have a strategy prepared for the following week.

Just as they’re about to wind up, the High Commanders show up – among them Bell and Joseph Lawrence, who happens to be present out of compulsion rather than enthusiasm. Quickly, Janine directs June and Moira towards room 618, promising to join them there as soon as possible.

Commander Bell requests “Kitty,” which is Janine’s alias, and she casually approaches as if all is well.

1. Option 1 – Informal and Conversational: Bell’s being his typical annoying self, making June clean up his messy champagne spill and even wiping down his legs for him. Lawrence calls him a jerk and doesn’t realize he’s talking to his old fighting buddy.

2. Option 2 – Casual and Friendly: Bell’s acting like his usual pain in the neck, having June tidy up his messy champagne spill and even wiping down his legs for him. Lawrence calls him a jerk without realizing he’s talking to his old boxing partner.

3. Option 3 – Formal and Polite: Bell is displaying his habitual boorish behavior, requiring June to clean up his spilled champagne and attend to wiping down his legs. Lawrence labels him as inconsiderate without recognizing that he is addressing his former training partner.

4. Option 4 – Slightly Humorous: Bell’s being a right royal pain in the neck today, making June mop up his messy champagne spill and even giving her the job of wiping down his legs. Lawrence calls him a tool, not realizing he’s talking to his old sparring partner.

5. Option 5 – Slightly Dramatic: Bell is acting most inhospitably today, compelling June to clean up his spilled champagne and even tend to wiping down his legs. Lawrence addresses him as a tool without comprehending that he speaks to his former adversary in combat.

Choose the one that best fits your desired tone and style!

Nick makes a tough decision

In Gilead, Nick pays a visit to the guardian he wounded, who is now in the hospital. It turns out that his name is Toby.

Nick feigns care, assuring Toby’s mom that he will look after Toby if she wishes to leave and rest, which she consents to do.

Once she departs, Toby awakens. Nick covers him with a blanket and inquires, “Do I ring a bell?” Toby manages to open his eyes and recognizes Nick, at which moment his pulse quickens. Yet, it’s not due to Nick. Instead, he queries about the whereabouts of his dog, showing signs of perplexity following his injury.

It appears that the situation convinces Nick he can leave the task unfinished, but upon exiting, he reconsiders and returns instead. Anyone familiar with Gilead would concur that this decision might be prudent.

Lawrence gets some terrifying news

At Jezebels, Lawrence discusses his proposal for growing New Bethlehem and refining Gilead with the other top leaders. However, one of them clarifies that they granted him authorization, not endorsement.

Lawrence stated, “There’s no action we’ve taken before that has been as successful in improving international ties. If we increase our efforts, we could speed up the process.” He added that he has identified around a dozen locations for establishing new communities.

The other commanders appear intrigued and request that he shares his blueprints with them. However, their conversation is disrupted by Bell, who becomes enraged upon seeing Janine giving Lawrence a drink. He labels her as a “vulgar woman” and orders her to stand against the wall, threatening her with a “beating.

Instead, Lawrence steps in and responds, “On the contrary, I’ll be the one accompanying her.” With their support, the other commanders persuade Bell to relent, allowing Lawrence and Janine to retreat to a secluded area.

As he leaves, Lawrence derides Bell as a “swine” and declares, “Nobody around here cares for you or holds you in high regard.” Such minor instances of justice help to make The Handmaid’s Tale easier to endure while watching.

In solitude, Lawrence makes amends for Bell’s actions, yet Janine informs him that he is merely more virtuous compared to others; he isn’t inherently a noble character.

She mentions she must depart, and as she goes, she confides in Lawrence about a hidden viewing hole in the wall that the Jezebels’ staff occasionally utilize to observe some challenging individuals they interact with.

After Janine departs, Lawrence listens in as the top commanders converse, and unfortunately, their conversation doesn’t seem promising.

They don’t genuinely support his ideas for change; in reality, they are employing those proposals as a tactic to persuade all the refugees from Gilead to return to their land. Once they have succeeded, they plan to seal their borders again and resurrect their dreadful customs.

One person asserts that “Lawrence unknowingly will father one of the most significant coups in recent times,” and then another proposes that Bell intends to leverage his influential family connections to make sure Lawrence faces punishment, possibly leading to his imprisonment.

Janine makes a map

In room 618, June, Moira, and Janine convene and share their strategy. Their objective is to eliminate the Commanders at Jezebel’s penthouse. They request that Janine pave the way by removing any other women to ensure their safety during the operation.

She’s up for any challenge, and she’s confident that her fellow workers will also be ready. Interestingly enough, they’ve actually prepared makeshift weapons in anticipation of such a situation.

Or, more casually:

She’s all set for the game, and she’s sure her colleagues are too. In fact, they’ve even crafted some improvised knives, ready to use if needed.

As a gamer, I’m guiding you through this challenge. I’ve sketched a map leading to the Commanders’ hidden elevator. The code for that lift is mine to share. Additionally, I’ve got letters here, penned by the girls, meant for their families. June and Moira, I implore you, get them out, no matter what obstacles you face.

As June is about to depart, she unexpectedly suggests to Janine that they could manage to escort her out this very evening. However, Moira disagrees, stating it’s essential for June to remain to assist the other women present. June, however, persists by saying, “Another person can handle that task.

In the end, Janine rejects the notion, explaining that she can’t abandon her companions, and they decide to go ahead with the initial scheme instead. After she departs, June and Moira have a disagreement.

Moira exclaims in disbelief, ‘I never thought you’d do that!’ She then adds, ‘Suddenly, I feel like the uncaring person who didn’t help her.’ June responds, ‘At the moment, I was only considering her,’ but Moira retorts, ‘That’s exactly the point. You don’t even consider me.’

The conflict between them intensifies significantly when Moira accusingly claims that June often prioritizes her own trauma over others, leading to a heated argument about which of them had experienced the greater hardship: June as a Handmaid or Moira during her time at Jezebels.

Yet, a sense of camaraderie emerges as they share laughter over their silliness. They acknowledge that engaging in comparisons of hardships would only give victory to others.

Their bond forms when they laugh off their own absurdity. They understand that discussing who has suffered more would merely grant an advantage to others.

The plan turns deadly

Eventually, Moira expresses, “It’s not that I hate you… I always love you, even when I might not show it,” to which June responds, “I truly apologize if I wasn’t the best friend for you.

This time, their conversation is halted as a Guardian approaches. Acting as if tidying up the room, they reach for their masks, yet the Guardian stops them with a remark, “No need for that. Your faces are so beautiful.

The mood becomes heavy, and Moira urges them to avoid any issues, saying, “We don’t want any complications.” Yet, the Guardian notices the written documents, responding sternly, “Ah, written papers! That spells serious trouble for you.

He places the map and letters into a safety deposit box, unknowingly, without fully grasping the situation, and then guides Moira onto the bed afterwards.

Before moving into a confrontational stance, Moira and June share a quick look. Then, Moira lands a punch on him, while June snatches the phone’s cord.

A threesome finds themselves in a fierce altercation prior to Moira leaping onto his back and securing a rope around his throat. As she chokes him mercilessly, June follows up by striking him forcefully below the belt. Eventually, he meets his end. Once more, justice tastes sweet in The Handmaid’s Tale.

They’re facing a predicament because the letters and their corresponding map are securely stored in a safe, and they don’t have the combination to open it. To make matters worse, they now need to dispose of a corpse.

They’ve got a problem because the things they need (letters and map) are locked up, and they can’t open the safe without the right code. Plus, they have an unwanted item (a body) to get rid of.

Serena’s getting married… again

In New Bethlehem, Serena steps into a library that has been arranged as a delightful surprise for her by Wharton. This cozy haven is specifically designed to serve as a sanctuary for the young residents of New Bethlehem, where both boys and girls can immerse themselves in the joy of reading.

Serena’s grinning ear-to-ear, but as mentioned earlier, it might just be a facade. It’s worth keeping an eye on Wharton in The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6.

Or:

Serena’s all smiles, but we suspect it may not last. Wharton is the character to focus on in The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6.

It appears he supports the changes, but could it be that this is merely a trick to win over Serena? Only time will reveal the truth.

Currently, she’s being swayed by it. As a grand finale, Wharton reveals his plan to call the site the Serena Joy & Gabriel Wharton Library, and afterwards, he proposes.

Serena is pondering over their housing situation and if it’s alright for them to take care of another man’s son, Noah. However, Wharton provides her with the reassurance and information she seeks.

Eventually, she asserts that she feels God has returned her to Gilead to transform the nation. Wharton responds with, “Why don’t we work on changing it side by side?” This encouragement prompts her response of agreement.

June and Lawrence reunite

Moira and June successfully transport the deceased Guardian to the warehouse using a laundry cart, and then discard him in the incinerator. However, they encounter a minor problem: they hear over their walkie talkie that his disappearance has been noticed, and Jezebels is preparing for lockdown.

In the heat of the action, I found myself huddled with Luke and Ellen, waiting in our ride – the trusty old van. And just when things seemed to be at their worst, we were unexpectedly discovered by a living Guardian. Talk about a game-changer!

He orders them to exit and inquires about their activities. Luke clarifies that they’re retrieving empty barrels from the kitchen. Due to the lockdown, the Guardian instructs them to depart and return tomorrow.

Luke attempts to change his mind, but it only results in him receiving a pistol whip. Ellen informs The Guardian that they’re departing and assists Luke in getting back into the vehicle.

They manage to survive but this situation serves as their chance to leave, which is what June and Moira have been waiting for. Spotting this opportunity, the duo opt to utilize the deceased Guardian’s access card in an attempt to make their getaway.

Despite not appearing promising, they experience a change for the better when June sees Lawrence driving off. Leaping unexpectedly in front of him, she causes him to exhale deeply. “Oh, definitely not,” he mutters.

In a desperate attempt, June implores Lawrence for aid, so they can escape with Moira. After much persistence, he reluctantly opens the trunk and tells them to hop in. June was about to ask if he could take them across the border, but he closed the door on them before she could complete her sentence.

In the game of life, if I hadn’t chanced upon their plot against me, perhaps I might have hesitated to aid June and Moira. But as for my destination with them, the next episode of The Handmaid’s Tale, season 6, will reveal all.

In the meantime, don’t miss out on our summaries of Season 6’s premier episodes (Episode 1 & 2), delve into the latest developments concerning Emily, and stay tuned for updates about the forthcoming sequel series, “The Testaments”.

2025-04-22 19:24

June’s DEADLY Gamble: Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 Ep 5 SHOCKER!