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The Handmaid’s Tale season 6, episode 8 review: Exodus

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It’s somewhat puzzling that June Osborn, who is infamously known as Gilead’s most wanted woman, seems to believe she can casually stroll around dressed as a Handmaid without being noticed. After all, how many people at that wedding have ever seen her in that attire? However, the scheme to equip the Handmaids with weapons and overthrow the Commanders is certainly underway.

As a movie critic, I must say that if you’ve delved into Margaret Atwood’s novel, you’ll remember Offred, who remains nameless in the book but is referred to as Katherine in this series, isn’t the fierce rebel portrayed in this show. Instead, it’s Moira who shows more courage and manages an early escape from the Red Center. In this adaptation, however, June (previously Offred) is given a name, a backbone, and the persuasive abilities to rally others time and again, risking their lives for a noble cause.

As a devoted cinephile, I must admit that the profound exploration of attire and the color scarlet was truly captivating, yet it felt somewhat misplaced at this juncture within the narrative. The production’s aspiration to inspire is commendable, especially amidst the growing surge of fascism globally. However, the unabashed symbolism was a bit too on-the-nose for me, considering we’ve been pondering these themes since season one. That being said, the visual spectacle of the crimson-dyed fabric and the assertion that red is emblematic of fury, transforming into battle uniforms? Absolutely brilliant!

This week, a palpable anxiety hung in the air, an irritating sluggishness that was infuriating to endure. Every glance that missed its mark, the carelessly discarded utensil, Lydia’s sudden appearance back home…the anticipation of June and the discovery of the cake – it all built up tension, yet painted a dismal picture. At any moment, things could take a turn for the worse.

At Serena’s wedding, her words to the handmaids mirrored her consistent attitude. ‘You might remember I had a handmaid, the same one my husband… with, who wasn’t always kind to me. But things between us are better now, and I hope the same will soon be true for all of you!’ Quite a chilling sentiment. At times, it almost feels like Serena senses June is present, yet she couldn’t possibly know that, could she?

It’s clear that Serena doesn’t grasp the consequences of her actions; instead, she focuses on what pleases her. The wedding proceeded smoothly without any significant issues. The event was extravagant and had an almost royal aura. During this time, all handmaids were armed—with one exception: OfGabriel, or Christina. We’ll delve into her later.

At the wedding reception, Rita secretly added sedatives to the cake – resulting in unconscious commanders being found and eliminated by the handmaids within the luxurious homes. Although we might feel elated, a gloomy atmosphere pervaded the scene, serving as a stark reminder that this is not a moment for jubilation. Even Janine’s rescue and the brutal killing of Bell Jr., despite his mother’s likely pleasure at the news, was devoid of joy. Nice to make your acquaintance, it certainly seems so! I imagine Mrs. Bell Jr would be quite pleased with this turn of events, as she probably holds him in contempt.

Aunt Lydia appeared to observe a great deal of untouched cake. Commander Lawrence was insisting that everyone, including Aunt Lydia, take some cake. By the way, Serena observed Lawrence’s obvious nervousness at the reception. Given that she and Gabriel might be the only ones left alive, this could spell trouble for Lawrence. The sight of the cake hidden under the seats made Aunt Lydia suspect something was amiss. She felt enraged, drained, and high on sugar from the cake. She’s certain June is part of it. Her shouting and outbursts have never been less convincing.

In the end, June comes back, Moira scolds Lydia, and a Gilead guard stays there for an unusually long time (did he collude with Aunt Phoebe?). Eventually, Aunt Lydia recognizes her mistake, understanding the pain she’s caused to countless women and children. Janine appears to forgive her immediately. I’m not sure if I could do the same. However, Ann Dowd’s lower lip seems to be quivering all season long. The repeated phrase “You Did This” erodes Lydia, just as she used to break her girls down. She deserved it, but one can’t help but feel a pang of pity for her. After all, Aunt Lydia was a devoted follower.

Immediately after Serena steps over the doorstep, Wharton reveals his true character. Commander Bell Sr sends him a magical maid who becomes pregnant with twins in a single ceremony, leaving Serena shocked. What upsets her isn’t that the maid is a person, but rather she finds out she’s fertile herself. In Serena’s eyes, nobody is as important as her. The situation turns unpleasant, and we start to worry if the Commander might harm her. Just as we observe fear on Serena’s face, the baby starts crying, which is said to be a real phenomenon where babies can sense their mother’s emotions. As I’m not a mom, I can only imagine so.

It would be delightful if Christina could join in and deal with Wharton, but unfortunately, we don’t witness that scenario unfold. Instead, we see Serena attempting to leave the house after Wharton initially refuses, only for him to assert his dominance. He criticizes his new wife, stating that his previous accommodations and consideration were merely for show, and now she is under his control. Eventually, Serena realizes that he’s just like other men in power. With good reason, she quickly takes her child and flees before things escalate physically. However, one might wonder where she could possibly go now.

Wharton’s quiet accusation, “you lied to me,” sent a shiver. Could Serena face antiquated Gilead penalties such as imprisonment in a stockade or a public flogging? I can hardly wait to see how this unfolds. It seems probable that she will encounter the group of fleeing handmaids who are now sprinting down the street. Their escape is feasible due to the fact that much of the town remains under the influence of wedding cake.

After an extended discussion about god (it’s just puzzling how some individuals continue to believe in the Bible’s Yahweh), the story in Exodus ends with Lydia conceding, letting the handmaids flee, and they dash off down the street towards…anywhere. New Bethlehem seems like a probable destination, unless they aim to join Mayday. Rita could prove effective at recruitment given her newfound dedication to the cause.

Chaos is about to erupt since numerous top commanders have been killed. Wives will undoubtedly be furious. Meanwhile, Serena, Phoebe, and Lydia have joined the resistance, with two out of three being considered reliable in their commitment. Additionally, there’s a possibility that Wharton may seize control over all of Boston. With only two episodes left, I can hardly contain my excitement!

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2025-05-13 16:15

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