New Seasons on Screen: A Dive Into The Handmaid's Tale, Hacks, and More
The Final Chapter of The Handmaid’s Tale
The curtain rises on the sixth and concluding season of The Handmaid’s Tale this Tuesday, delving deep into the themes of trauma and vengeance. This week, we’re also in for the return of Hacks, and Jon Hamm takes center stage in a captivating mystery.
Given President Donald Trump’s provocative actions to restrict abortion access, amplify executive power, target diversity initiatives, and affiliate closely with conservative Christian ideologies, watching this concluding season of Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale might stir strong emotions for some viewers. Critics of Trump’s policies often invoke references to this show, which is an adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel. The narrative illustrates a harsh theocratic regime dominating much of America, where women are oppressed and those fertile among them are subjugated to become “handmaids,” bearing children in a degrading ceremony for their leaders.
In this final installment, Hulu’s adaptation shows Gilead, the theocratic government, celebrating its military triumphs while trying to introduce a new community where women could enjoy slightly more rights – a ploy to sway international opinion.
Last season aired in 2022 amid different political climates. Viewers watched Elisabeth Moss’ character, June Osborne, a former handmaid, grapple with survival in Canada while evading assassination plots from Gilead. During her escape journey to Alaska, June stumbled upon Serena Joy Waterford, portrayed by Yvonne Strahovski. Serena is the spouse of a former official who had wronged June.
The upcoming season picks up from this cliffhanger, pondering over whether trauma victims can or should extend forgiveness to those who shaped their suffering. The narrative probes recurring themes such as whether seeking revenge harms the avenger as much as it does the target, whether love can bridge deep ideological divides, and whether resistance is wise when outnumbered by a powerful rival.
Throughout this season, the show faces challenges defining the destiny of Moss’ June, who has evolved from merely surviving to a rebellious insurgent and then a vengeful seeker. Now, she’s compelled to reassess her stance as ex-enemies turn into unstable allies. Moss’ own journey mirrors the series arc – celebrated with Emmy wins as both actor and producer while transitioning into a directorial role.
At times, The Handmaid’s Tale might feel like a dramatic soap opera finale, with June and her loyal crew miraculously outmaneuvering their hostile enemy. Yet, it also raises the prospect of forging uncertain alliances with those willing to step back from extremism – perhaps a hopeful reflection in today’s fractured world.
What’s New on Screen
Turning to lighter fare, Hacks is back Thursday on Max for its fourth season. The Emmy-winning series follows an aging comedian, played by Jean Smart, who finds her stride alongside her quirky young writer. Now, in its fourth season, the focus shifts to a new frontier: revitalizing late-night TV talk shows. Jean Smart’s astute character, Deborah Vance, is reluctantly roped into hiring Ava Daniels, played by Hannah Einbinder, as the head writer for her new late-night show.
Doctor Who also makes a return this Saturday with its rebranded second season on Disney+. As a dedicated “Whovian,” it’s a thrill to witness this iconic British sci-fi series reinvent itself with Ncuti Gatwa, a Black and queer star in the lead role, returning showrunner Russell T. Davies, and an enhanced budget courtesy of Disney, all contributing to a bold creative revival.