The final episode of the series concluded the primary narrative and paved the way for the forthcoming spin-off series, “The Testaments,” occurring five years later. Contrary to some viewers’ expectations, the Season 6 finale, titled “The Handmaid’s Tale,” was less action-packed but effectively accomplished its mission.
During the episode, characters reconciled, progressed, and planned their next steps. As she wandered the city and the remains of Gilead, June pondered over the past, present, and future. A specific dream sequence in the show puzzled viewers. However, it represented more than just a glimpse of what might have been, or perhaps what may yet become someday.
The Karaoke Scene Had Fans Confused
At the start of the episode, following her encounter with Mark Tuello, June enters a room filled with Gilead artifacts in Boston. There, she discovers a plush rabbit accompanied by a message saying “mommy loves you, little bunny,” which instantly reminds her of her time with Hannah. As she moves forward, she reaches a storefront in her old neighborhood where she pauses to look inside. At that moment, Emily appears driving a similar car as in the initial series, resembling the scene where they once stood outside this very storefront conversing. They share a warm hug and update each other, with Emily disclosing her recent whereabouts and activities.
| Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score | Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score | IMDb Score |
|---|---|---|
| 84% | 56% | 8.3/10 |
This touching encounter brings back memories of the past for June, including the struggles and what might have been. Gazing at a wall adorned with graffiti advocating rebellion and liberty, June’s voiceover expresses her longing for a different Boston – not present-day Boston, but an earlier version of it. It’s as if there was no Gilead ever established in this alternate reality.
In a reimagined setting, June envisions herself and her companions, such as Janine and Rita, gathered in a bar, singing karaoke. They’re sharing drinks, laughter, and cherishing each other’s company – something they couldn’t do while living under Gilead’s strict rules. The tune they harmonize to is “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. It’s worth noting that Janine no longer wears an eyepatch in this scene, and even some Handmaids who have moved on are present. This gathering feels like a typical girls’ night out, free of troubles and hardships. Everyone appears happy and, above all, liberated. However, this isn’t the first time June has conjured up this image in her mind.
The Scene Is a Callback With Deeper Meaning
In season one’s Episode 9, titled “The Bridge,” viewers might remember a heart-wrenching moment when Janine, after relinquishing her child to another family, was left inconsolable. Her love for her biological daughter and the prospect of losing her were more than understandable, making it one of the numerous cruel acts inflicted upon Handmaids in Gilead – a truly distressing sight.
The following morn, I was summoned outside for aid. Janine, in a state of distress, had taken her infant and stood precariously over a bridge, threatening to leap if she wasn’t granted custody of her daughter. In this critical moment, it seemed only I could reach her. Janine was beyond control, and I felt a deep sense of responsibility to help.
| Show Premiere Date | Show End Date | Number of Seasons | Where to Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 26, 2017 | May 27, 2025 | 6 | Hulu |
Gently, June attempts to reason with Janine, urging her not to take the precipitous step. She assures her that change is imminent and there’s a glimmer of hope. According to her, this challenging phase will eventually pass, and things will return to their usual state.
It appears that Janine is attentive as June speaks, and her words seem to resonate, causing June to carry on with her artwork. “Fancy a night out drinking, just the two of us?” June suggests next. “What about Moira?” queries Janine, tears brimming in her eyes. She then asks about Alma too. The girls laugh at this point. “How about karaoke?” Janine proposes, to which June agrees. “Whatever you desire,” June assures, stating they’ll all get quite tipsy, dance the night away, and witness the sunrise together.
The discussion successfully soothes Janine; she descends from the ledge and entrusts her baby to others, acknowledging the current state of affairs but harboring optimism that this won’t be the permanent situation.
In the final episode of Season 6, when June envisions this scene, she’s remembering a conversation with Janine during one of her toughest times. The scene feels real because it hasn’t happened yet, but could in the future. However, the vision holds more emotional weight as well because at that point in the story, Janine is still missing. She is among the individuals from Gilead who have not been found. June doesn’t know if Janine is alive, dead, or taken away from Boston.
What Happens to Janine in the Finale?
After losing several of her handmaid friends throughout her journey, including Alma, June was finally able to fulfill their long-awaited plan for a girls’ night out. This was made possible because not only was Gilead in Boston overthrown, but both June and Janine were also freed, even though Gilead still existed elsewhere in the U.S.
One evening, while asleep, June is roused by a guard who instructs her to follow him, explaining that it’s an urgent matter. This situation reminds us of the morning when Serena woke June so many years ago, urging Janine to come down from the ledge.
| Janine Actor | Other Notable Roles | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Madeline Brewer | Orange is the New Black, You | Emmy Nominated in 2021 for The Handmaid’s Tale |
On this occasion, Tuello guides June to a secluded road under the cover of night, where they encounter an acquaintance. The location happens to be at the boundary with Gilead, as a car arrives. Out steps Janine, accompanied by Aunt Lydia and Naomi.
Overwhelmed with tears and discomfort, June hugs Janine as Tuello requests medical attention. Following them, Aunt Lydia and Naomi enter the scene. The unexpected moment is when Naomi relinquishes the toddler girl, whom she named Angela but Janine renamed Charlotte, to them. “I want you to be secure,” Naomi tells the child. “That’s what matters most.” With tears streaming down her face, Janine not only gains freedom but also gets her daughter back in her arms. As she sobs, little Charlotte chuckles, sensing and understanding that this is her mother. While Madeline Brewer hinted at positive developments in Season 6, things indeed turned out well in the end.
As June rises to depart, she expresses gratitude to Naomi and Aunt Lydia for their careful planning. “Please look after Janine and Charlotte,” Aunt Lydia requests. “I will,” replies June, offering her first sincere “thank you” to her former aunt. Quoting Scripture, Aunt Lydia says, “Blessed is the woman who does not walk with the wicked.” In response, Aunt Lydia tearfully replies, “Under his watchful eye, dear.
In “The Testaments,” Aunt Lydia’s decision, her emotional struggle evident on her face, and her conversation with June skillfully establish the narrative context. As it transpires, Aunt Lydia has covertly joined the resistance within Gilead. She operates as a spy, collaborating with figures like Hannah, June’s daughter, to dismantle the oppressive religious regime. This revelation aligns with the plot of the novel, which serves as a sequel to Margaret Atwood’s 2019 work.
The Scene Is Evidence of the Realness of the Ladies’ Friendship
It’s yet undecided if this upcoming karaoke night with June, Janine, Emily, Rita, and other handmaids will take place in the future. Nevertheless, the prospect of a reunion carries a satisfying conclusion to their story. Originally hailing from disparate backgrounds, June and Janine formed an instant connection upon their arrival in Gilead, having been taken captive simultaneously at the start of their respective journeys.
| The Testaments Premiere Date | Setting | Where to Stream |
|---|---|---|
| TBA (currently filming) | 5 Years Later | Hulu |
Initially, both characters were swift rebels and reacted defiantly; unfortunately, Janine suffered an eye injury because of her actions. As time passed, June emerged as Aunt Lydia’s primary antagonist, the difficult one to manage, while Janine softened and became more obedient, yet also developed a knack for surprising outbursts. Determined to safeguard the young woman, June made it her mission to prevent any similar harm befalling Janine in the future.
Essentially, June took on a protective role towards Janine, watching over her until the end. Notably, it wasn’t so much Nick revealing the Mayday plan to Commander Gabriel Wharton that disturbed June, but rather the realization that if Janine was at Jezebel’s during this revelation, her life could have been put in grave danger.
Fortunately, Janine managed to escape harm, and the impact she had on Aunt Lydia and June during her time as a handmaid left them both rooting for her success beyond its grasp. With her daughter now in her care and possibly coming to terms with the loss of her son from before, Janine may now have the opportunity to rebuild her life.
Indeed, the words in the karaoke song resonate deeply with listeners. It seems as if the songwriter is questioning: “Will the childlike spirit inside me triumph over adversity? Can I navigate through the ebb and flow of life’s tides? Am I equipped to face the various phases of my existence?” Fans feel a strong connection, sensing that these lyrics may be reflective of their own experiences.
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2025-06-06 06:22