A major reminder: Commander Fred Waterford (Joseph Fiennes) is dead, killed in a brutal act of revenge by June (Elisabeth Moss) and former handmaids at the end of season 4. Meanwhile, Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski) gave birth to her son Noah in season 5 and had him taken by Canadian authorities, only to later escape with him from a pro-Gilead household.
June’s daughter Hannah remains in Gilead, renamed Agnes, and is being prepared for marriage at just 12 years old. June and Luke (O-T Fagbenle) attempted to flee to Vancouver after Luke killed a pro-Gilead sympathizer, but Luke was arrested, and both he and June boarded a refugee train—only to find Serena aboard with her baby.
Commander Lawrence (Bradley Whitford) continues to pursue reform within Gilead, launching “New Bethlehem,” a more progressive enclave. He also marries Naomi Putnam following the execution of her husband.
One character absent from season 5 was Emily (Alexis Bledel), who returned to Gilead offscreen and exited the series after Bledel’s departure.
With the final season premiering with three episodes, The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 promises a dramatic conclusion to the dystopian saga. Catch it now on Hulu.