The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 Secretly Sets Up Sinister Twist for D’Arcy Carden Character

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In “The Handmaid’s Tale” Season 6, Episode 7, I found myself drawn deeper into Aunt Phoebe’s story, skillfully portrayed by the talented D’Arcy Carden. However, as a cautious fan, it seems prudent not to let my feelings run too deep.

Cardine is particularly famous for portraying Janet on the sitcom The Good Place, which stars Kristen Bell, yet her talents might ring a bell from her appearances in Barry, A League of Their Own, and Nobody Wants This as well.

In the Hulu series, despite typically favoring comedic roles, she assumes an entirely new character: a shrewd Aunt stationed at Gilead’s Red Center, where she collaborates with Lydia.

In the sixth and final season of The Handmaid’s Tale, she will be joining Josh Charles as Commander Wharton and Timothy Simons as Commander Bell, both new additions to the series. However, it should be noted that her character may not make it through the climactic battle – a potential spoiler for the storyline.

D’Arcy Carden’s Aunt Phoebe may have her fate sealed

In Season 6, Episode 7, it’s revealed that Aunt Phoebe deviates from her usual role, as she actively supports the resistance. She aids Mayday in secretly transporting Moira and June to the Red Center, whispering, “Here starts our rebellion.

Although we’re cheering her on, it seems like a fatal verdict. We understand that the finale promises destruction, and characters who dare to defy Gilead from within usually don’t survive, let alone newcomers.

The danger seems more significant when taking into account that she’s subordinate to Aunt Lydia, who maintains a dominant role at the Red Center. It’s evident in the most recent episode that Phoebe occupies a lower position and the disparity in power is apparent.

This demonstrates the exceptional acting ability of Carden. Her portrayal of her character exudes tense vigor during all high-stakes encounters, be they with other Aunt Lydias or Guards.

Absolutely, things aren’t finalized as of now. In a television series where defiance often goes unchecked unless the character is a main one (like our friend Nick), Aunt Phoebe’s subtle acts of rebellion might not remain concealed for much longer.

June promises to “take care” of Commander Bell 

Despite the current challenging situation in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Season 6 Episode 7, there seems to be a potential advantage: Commander Bell appears to have an adversary marked on him. This character, thus far, has been portrayed as one of the most detestable figures in the Hulu series.

Beyond Fred Waterford, Bell exemplifies the most harsh and unjust aspects of Gilead. As a prominent commander introduced in Season 6, he misuses his authority for personal gain.

In Jezebel’s, a clandestine brothel under the regime, he frequently degrades and treats both women, like Janine, as expendable items, using them for amusement among his companions.

Furthermore, he’s manipulating Commander Lawrence and New Bethlehem as bait to attract American refugees. His long-term strategy is to gather them together, orchestrate a coup, reestablish Gilead’s tyrannical rule, and position Lawrence as a guard on the wall.

Essentially, he’s an exceptionally wicked antagonist. Simons, similar to Carden, is recognized primarily for his comedic performances – notably as the blundering Jonah Ryan in Veep. Interestingly, this comic background contributes significantly to the chilling nature of his character here.

Based on what we saw in Season 6 Episode 7, it won’t take long before Commander Bell loses his smile.

When June and Moira learn that he’s abducted Janine and holding her as a Handmaid, June vows to handle the situation. If her method of handling it is anywhere near as determined as Waterford’s punishment, Bell is in for a bleak (and thoroughly deserved) end. Blessed be!

Discover when the next episode from The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 will be available. Here’s a rundown of our release schedule for you to stay updated. Additionally, if you missed any episodes, you can review our recaps for Episodes 1 through 6.

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2025-05-06 15:34