The Handmaid's Tale is back for its sixth and final season, and the latest episode, titled "Shattered," aired on May 6, 2025, delivering shocking twists that left viewers on the edge of their seats. Following the devastating betrayal by Nick, who revealed Mayday's plan to Commander Wharton, June Osborne finds herself grappling with the fallout while plotting a new strategy to strike at the heart of Gilead.
As the episode opens, June and Nick are hiding in a closet at Serena Joy's home, reeling from the consequences of Nick's actions. The previous episode ended with a brutal massacre at Jezebel's, where Commander Wharton sent Gileadean gunmen to execute most of the women, sparing only Janine. This horrific act serves as a grim backdrop as June attempts to regroup and refocus her efforts against Gilead.
With June's heart heavy from Nick's betrayal, she confronts the reality that his actions have led to the deaths of countless women. Nick, attempting to defend himself, argues that he was merely trying to survive, but June sees through his excuses, accusing him of being just like the other Gilead commanders. "You’re just like them," she tells him, highlighting the moral decay that has permeated their lives in this dystopian world.
Meanwhile, Aunt Lydia is also grappling with the aftermath of the massacre. Upon discovering the bloody scene at Jezebel's, she weeps for the lost women, holding Charlotte's drawing close to her chest. However, her emotional turmoil is compounded when she learns that Janine has been taken in by Commander Bell, who has made her his Handmaid. Lydia's conflicting feelings about Janine's fate reveal the complexities of her character, as she oscillates between her duties to Gilead and her emotional ties to the women she oversees.
In the midst of this chaos, June returns to Mayday headquarters, where she reveals Nick's betrayal to Luke and the others. Luke's anger is palpable as he lashes out, saying, "Don’t be in love with a f**ing Nazi," reflecting the deep scars that Gilead's regime has inflicted on their relationships. Moira, trying to comfort June, reminds her of Nick's past kindness, but the damage has been done, and June struggles with feelings of guilt and betrayal.
As the episode progresses, June's resolve begins to solidify. With Commander Lawrence encouraging her to continue the fight, she devises a new plan to attack Serena Joy's wedding. Recognizing that the Handmaids will be present at the event, June sees an opportunity to strike back against Gilead's commanders during a moment of celebration. She plans to smuggle weapons into the wedding, arming the Handmaids with knives wrapped in cloth, and potentially using bombs that were previously planted.
Lawrence's suggestion that the American military could invade Gilead during the chaos adds another layer of urgency to June's plan. With most Guards pulled from the borders to attend the wedding, Boston would be left vulnerable, providing the perfect opportunity for a coordinated attack. The stakes are high, and June knows that this could be their chance to turn the tide against the oppressive regime.
Amidst the planning, June quotes Psalm 23 to inspire Moira, seeking strength for their impending assault. "The Lord is our shepherd; we shall not want... and please, dear God, give us the strength to murder those goddmn motherf***ers," she adds, blending her faith with her fierce determination. This moment encapsulates the duality of June's character—her struggle with the oppressive religious overtones of Gilead and her reliance on that same faith to fuel her rebellion.
In a surprising twist, Aunt Phoebe, a new character introduced in this episode, plays a crucial role in assisting June and Moira. As a plant within Gilead, Phoebe helps distract Aunt Lydia, allowing June and Moira to navigate the Red Center without detection. Her presence adds a new dynamic to the narrative, showcasing the lengths to which the resistance will go to disrupt Gilead's machinations.
As the episode reaches its climax, June and Moira are smuggled into Gilead in the trunk of Lawrence's car, ready to execute their plan. They are determined to rescue Janine, who is now under the oppressive thumb of Commander Bell. The urgency of their mission is palpable, as they know that time is running out, and the stakes have never been higher.
Throughout "Shattered," the themes of betrayal, resilience, and the fight for justice resonate strongly. June's journey is emblematic of the broader struggle against tyranny, as she rallies her allies to confront the horrors of Gilead head-on. With three episodes left in the series, viewers are left wondering how this final chapter will unfold and what sacrifices will be made in the name of freedom.
The Handmaid's Tale continues to captivate audiences with its poignant storytelling and complex characters, reminding us of the enduring power of hope and the fight for justice in the face of overwhelming odds. As June prepares for the imminent clash at Serena Joy's wedding, fans are left eagerly anticipating the explosive events that lie ahead.
