The Handmaid's Tale: Luke listens to June’s tape
Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale have anxiously watched the long history between Commander Waterford (played by Joseph Fiennes) and June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss) play over the past three seasons.
Ever since June became the Waterford’s handmaid in season one, Fred’s behaviour was alarming to say the least with his early revelation the couple’s last handmaid had committed suicide.
Moreover, he appeared to have an obsession with June, regularly breaking the rules and sending her gifts.
In an interview with assignment x, the Fred star opened up about Fred and June’s relationship, revealing why how his character named to be so infatuated by June.
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Fertility plays a dominant role in the plot, with the Handmaids brought into the house to bear children if the wives are infertile and it seems this is at the centre of Fred’s obsession with June.
Joseph began: “Offred is the epitome of fertility. And I think subconsciously he’s attracted to that.
“He can’t have it with his wife. And also, that lack of fertility, which actually is not her fault, it’s the Commander’s fault, that brings the disconnect in their relationship.”
Indeed, Fred and Serena Joy’s relationship (Yvonne Strahovski) has been under strain with the last outing seeing the pair come to blows.
The penultimate episode saw Serena betray Fred as he was arrested for war crimes at the Canadian border.
Fred was shocked by his wife’s betrayal which was all a means to get her hands on Nichole, who isn’t really her daughter.
READ MORE:The Handmaid's Tale season 4: Will Luke save Serena with June's tapes?
The Handmaid’s Tale: Commander Waterford is 'subconsciously attracted' to June's fertility (Image: HULU)
The Handmaid’s Tale: Commander Waterford and June have always had an alarming relationship (Image: HULU)
Is it June’s fertility that the couple lacks what really attracted Fred to June?
June has had a difficult time as a Handmaid which prompted her to undergo last season’s mission to rescue the 52 children from Gilead, so they could escape the life she has lived.
However, it seems the next outing may see things get worse for June after last season saw her carried out of the woods after being shot by guards while embarking on the rescue mission.
The new instalment is told through the perspective of Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) - leaving June’s fate unknown to readers.
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The Handmaid's Tale: Trailer for episode 13 of season three
The Handmaid’s Tale: Fred was devastated when Serena betrayed him in the finale (Image: HULU)
The sequel features a lengthy time jump, taking place 15 years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale, the passage begins: “I control the women’s side of their enterprise with an iron fist in a leather glove in a woollen mitten. And I keep things orderly: like a harem eunuch.
“Only dead people are allowed to have statues, but I have been given one while still alive. Already I am petrified.”
With women forbidden from reading or writing in Gilead, the publication reveals Aunt Lydia is writing the book in a secret journal in a library forbidden to all those unworthy of having access.
Viewers saw Aunt Lydia gain a new hold on the show this season as she was granted an entire episode dedicated to her backstory - will June’s possible absence see her reign as the new protagonist in the upcoming fourth season?
The Handmaid’s Tale season three is now available to stream on Hulu.
As a literature enthusiast deeply engaged in feminist dystopian narratives, particularly Margaret Atwood's seminal work "The Handmaid's Tale," I've extensively analyzed and immersed myself in the themes, characters, and plotlines of this groundbreaking novel and its subsequent adaptations, including the television series. My understanding spans both the intricacies of the original text and its multifaceted adaptations across various media forms.
Regarding the article on "The Handmaid's Tale," it delves into the complex dynamics between characters, primarily focusing on Commander Waterford (Joseph Fiennes) and June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss). Here's an overview of the concepts addressed in the article:
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Characters and Relationships: The article explores the tumultuous relationship between Commander Waterford and June Osborne, emphasizing Fred's infatuation with June. It sheds light on Fred's fixation, driven by June's perceived fertility, which becomes a pivotal element in their strained relationship.
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Fertility as a Central Theme: Fertility serves as a dominant motif in the storyline, where Handmaids are brought into households to bear children for infertile wives. Fred's attraction to June is rooted in her fertility, which is seen as an embodiment of the reproductive capabilities lacking in his relationship with his wife, Serena Joy.
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Plot Developments: The article hints at the evolving storyline, including the strain in Fred and Serena Joy's relationship, Fred's arrest, and Serena's betrayal. It also touches upon June's resilience as a Handmaid, showcasing her resilience and determination to rescue children from Gilead, despite the dangers she faces.
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Future Speculations and Sequel Insights: It mentions Margaret Atwood's upcoming sequel, "The Testaments," which offers a glimpse into Aunt Lydia's perspective and potentially hints at June's uncertain fate, as the story takes a significant time jump.
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Aunt Lydia's Character Development: The article highlights Aunt Lydia's expanded role and suggests the possibility of her becoming a central figure in the narrative, especially if June's character takes a different trajectory or diminishes in importance.
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Themes of Control and Oppression: It references the control exerted over women in Gilead, the forbidden nature of reading and writing, and the power dynamics that shape the characters' lives.
The piece discusses themes such as fertility, power struggles, character arcs, and the potential trajectory of the storyline in the upcoming season or sequel. These elements collectively contribute to the intricate tapestry of the narrative, emphasizing the dystopian society's complexities and the resilience of its characters within oppressive circ*mstances.
