Elisabeth Moss Defends The Handmaid’s Tale Ending

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Elisabeth Moss, the lead actress, expressed relief that she didn’t have to write the show, particularly considering the mixed reactions to its ending. Despite the controversial finale, she spoke highly of the series as a whole.

In a recent interview, Elisabeth Moss said she felt creatively fulfilled with the final episode of *The Handmaid’s Tale* and how the series concluded, stating, “Yes, I do.” The show followed June Osborne’s difficult journey to rescue her daughter Hannah from Gilead, and some viewers were disappointed when she ultimately failed.

Moss admitted he was relieved he wasn’t involved in writing the show, or any show for that matter. He acknowledged that ending a series is always difficult, and it’s impossible to please everyone involved.

The actress, who also directed several episodes—including the season finale—explained that she felt responsible for taking the script and bringing it to life in the most compelling way possible.

I apologize if this reveals too much, but I really wanted the ending to mirror the beginning, so I used the original voiceover from the very first episode. You hear it again when she’s sitting on the windowsill in the final scene – it’s the same recording from nine years earlier. I find that circular storytelling very fulfilling. Honestly, I would have loved to continue the show for five more seasons, but that wasn’t possible, and I’m okay with that.

Based on Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel, *The Handmaid’s Tale* first aired in 2017 and quickly became popular with both viewers and critics. The show is set in a near-future where the United States has been overthrown and replaced by Gilead, a harsh, religious dictatorship. In Gilead, women are treated as property, forced to bear children, and anyone who doesn’t conform to the new society’s strict rules faces torture, banishment, or death. Over six seasons and 66 episodes, the series became one of the most talked-about shows of its time.

The show was a huge success at the Primetime Emmys, winning a total of 15 awards, with several cast members being recognized. Among them, Moss received an Emmy for her leading role.

What’s Next for the World of The Handmaid’s Tale on Television?

Though *The Handmaid’s Tale* has finished its run, the story isn’t over for fans. A new series, based on Margaret Atwood’s 2019 sequel to the original novel, is currently in the works.

Similar to the book, the *Testaments* series will be shown from the viewpoints of three women: Lydia, Agnes, and Daisy. Lydia, in particular, experienced the beginnings of Gilead and then built a life for herself inside the regime as an Aunt. Fans concerned about the quality of the adaptation can rest assured, as Bruce Miller, who created *The Handmaid’s Tale* series, is also developing this new show.

The Handmaid’s Tale is currently available for streaming on Hulu.

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2025-10-06 02:12