Summary
“Together” is a cracking instalment, filled with shocking twists and brutal plot reveals. Viewers are treated to a whole range of emotions as the series throws caution to the wind and delivers on some seriously cataclysmic events.
The Handmaid’s Tale season 5, episode 5 ended in explosive fashion when good-guy Guardian Jaeden was sent flying into the air after standing on a landmine. The sound of this explosion alerted the bad guys to Luke and June’s location. They raced towards the border, with freedom in sight, but were cruelly captured at the last moment and taken away in trucks. Episode 6 picks up only minutes later as the couple is escorted to a new prison. Meanwhile, Serena tries to adjust to her own imprisonment on the Wheeler’s estate.
Luke and June Captured
Luke and June are driven to a large industrial warehouse in chains. They are then placed in separate cages adjacent to one another. June asks a lot of questions of her captors, but they only respond with their own inquiries. Luke starts to stress, worried that Gilead is going to kill or torture them both, but June isn’t quite so sure. She tries to calm her husband, stating that she has been through this a couple of times before and survived. Luke wishes he could have saved her those first few times and regrets his earlier, more civilized approach to this madness.
The Handmaid’s Tale season 5, episode 6 (Credit – Hulu)
Esther is Pregnant
Lydia is informed that Esther has fallen pregnant, with the conception occurring only three weeks prior. She quickly discovers that this must have occurred on the day of Fred’s funeral. Esther confirms Lydia’s suspicions she was raped by Warren Putnam.
Our new and improved Lydia goes straight to Commander Lawrence to seek vengeance for this unholy act, but Lawrence doesn’t see any legal wrongdoings. The Commanders then celebrate the pregnancy, with Putnam grinning from ear to ear, proud of his vile achievements. It’s just one painful scene after another, as the villains do as they please.
Serena is getting a taste of her own medicine
Serena is visited by the doctor, who performs an ultrasound in the Wheeler household. To Serena’s horror, They have constructed their own birthing suite within the premises. The doctor advises Serena to continue to rest, mentioning her high blood pressure. He then asks her out for dinner.
Later, Serena discusses this odd exchange with Alanis Wheeler. Serena points out that she doesn’t want to date her gynecologist and may never remarry. Alanis is appalled by this statement, declaring that she cannot be a single mother in this society. Serena protests, but Alanis orders her guest to go to her room. Serena cries in her bedroom, fully understanding her hopeless predicament – isn’t karma a b**ch?
Serena meets with Commander Wheeler that night, fearing another telling off from her captor. He isn’t here to reprimand her, though. Instead, he has good news to deliver. June has been apprehended. Serena doesn’t have to worry about her rival anymore. Commander Wheeler explains how Ezra will take care of their enemy in no man’s land. Serena starts to well up and asks to see this in person for herself. She pleads with the Commander and eventually persuades him to let her tag along. It’s a powerful scene, Serena weighing up her options, acknowledging what is to come.
Meanwhile, Luke is beaten by the guards, who confirm that the couple is headed for Gilead. Utterly broken, Luke accepts his fate and concedes that they will surely be executed. June apologizes for getting them into this situation, but Luke accepts that he made the decision to come here himself. June tells her husband not to lose hope, and they hold hands through the bars.
Commander Warren is Executed
At breakfast, the Putnams receive some rather unsavory looks as the rumors rapidly spread. Warren is then dragged out of this quaint establishment by guards and thrown to his knees before Commander Lawrence and Blaine. He’s charged with the criminal act of rape, and then Nick shoots the deplorable offender dead. It’s a shocking twist that highlights an ever-changing political landscape. Thankfully, justice of some sort is finally served.
Putnam’s dead corpse is hung on the wall for all to see. Lydia takes her handmaids to visit this particular hanging and she speaks of justice and consequence. She reassures her girls that they will be protected by God if they are to believe. Janine looks up at her enemy, savoring her delayed revenge. It’s great to see Lydia evolving and maturing with the years, even though she deserves a similar fate for her own past evils.
The Handmaid’s Tale season 5, episode 6 (Credit – Hulu)
How does The Handmaid’s Tale Season 5, Episode 6 End?
Ezra picks up June and she is soon reunited with her enemy. These ladies have their own unfinished business to contend with. Serena orders June’s binds to be cut and for her to kneel on the ground. June rolls her eyes but submits to her killers. Serena demands to hold the gun, yearning to kill June herself. Ezra passes her the weapon, and Serena tells June to pray. June prays out loud for her two daughters, hoping that they will live in a peaceful world without violence or hate. Hoping that they would do better than their parents did. Serena agrees, responding with an Amen. She then turns the gun on Ezra and shoots him in the shoulder.
The victim falls to the ground, revealing a bulletproof jacket. Stunned by this action, June asks what Serena is doing, and she is then ordered to get in the car and drive. Serena either sympathizes with her enemy after walking a little in her shoes or contemplates every perceivable option and concludes that this is her best bet. It may have been a slightly predictable ending, but it still works an absolute treat. This is captivating TV that makes you feel a whole range of emotions.
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