‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Bosses Unpack the Tragic, Noble Deaths of Those 2 Major Characters - TheWrap
The Final Episode of The Handmaid's Tale: A Reflection on the Showrunners' Intentions
The highly anticipated final episode of The Handmaid's Tale has left fans reeling with emotions. In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, showrunners Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang opened up about their intentions behind the tragic, heartbreaking, but ultimately noble deaths that unfolded in Season 6, Episode 9.
A Masterclass in Emotional Manipulation
From the moment The Handmaid's Tale premiered in 2017, it has been a masterclass in emotional manipulation. Creator Bruce Miller's adaptation of Margaret Atwood's classic novel has consistently pushed the boundaries of television storytelling, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats. But what makes this show so expertly crafted is its ability to evoke strong emotions without being gratuitous or exploitative.
In Season 6, Episode 9, fans were subjected to some of the most heart-wrenching scenes in the series' history. The episode's central plot point – the brutal execution of Aunt Lydia and Commander Waterford's children – was a gut-punch that left many viewers gasping for air. But as Tuchman and Chang revealed, this moment was not intended to be a gratuitous or exploitative twist.
A Commentary on the System
For Tuchman and Chang, the episode was always about exploring the theme of survival in a dystopian society. "The Handmaid's Tale is about women fighting for their lives, for their bodies, and for their humanity," explained Tuchman. "When we see these characters facing unimaginable violence and trauma, it's not just about shocking our audience – it's about highlighting the system that allows this to happen."
Chang added, "We wanted to show how the oppressive regime of Gilead is designed to break us, both physically and emotionally. The children are being used as a tool for fear and control, and their deaths are a stark reminder of what happens when you try to resist."
The Power of Female Empowerment
Throughout its six seasons, The Handmaid's Tale has been a powerful exploration of female empowerment and resistance. From Offred's (Elisabeth Moss) determined fight against the oppressive regime to the various ways in which the other Handmaids find ways to survive and resist, the show has consistently celebrated women's strength and resilience.
In Season 6, Episode 9, this theme is more pronounced than ever. The episode's central plot point – the brutal execution of Aunt Lydia and Commander Waterford's children – serves as a stark reminder of the consequences faced by those who dare to defy Gilead. But even in the midst of such tragedy, there are moments of resistance and defiance that offer glimmers of hope.
A Tribute to Margaret Atwood
For Tuchman and Chang, The Handmaid's Tale has always been a labor of love – a tribute to Margaret Atwood's classic novel. "When we began working on this show, we knew we had an incredible source material," explained Chang. "We wanted to do justice to the book and its themes, while also bringing something new and unique to the table."
Tuchman added, "Margaret Atwood's novel is a powerful exploration of feminism, oppression, and resistance. We're so grateful to have had the opportunity to bring her work to life in our own way."
The Legacy of The Handmaid's Tale
As The Handmaid's Tale comes to a close, it's clear that its legacy will be felt for years to come. From sparking conversations about reproductive rights and feminism to inspiring a new generation of female writers and creators, this show has left an indelible mark on popular culture.
For Tuchman and Chang, their goal was always to create a show that would spark important conversations – not just about the themes and issues explored in The Handmaid's Tale, but also about the world we live in today. "We wanted to make a show that would challenge our audience, that would make them think and feel and react," explained Tuchman.
A Farewell to Offred
As the series comes to a close, fans are saying goodbye to one of television's most iconic characters: Offred. Played by Elisabeth Moss, who has been nominated for multiple awards throughout her career, Offred is more than just a character – she's a symbol of resistance and survival.
In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Moss reflected on her time playing Offred. "Playing this role was a privilege and a challenge," she said. "Offred is so complex and multifaceted – I felt like I was constantly learning about her and growing alongside her."
Moss added, "I think what I love most about this show is its ability to make you feel seen and heard. Offred's story is one of survival, but it's also a story of hope and resilience. I'm so grateful to have had the chance to be a part of it."
A Final Word from the Showrunners
As The Handmaid's Tale comes to a close, Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang have one final message for their audience: "This is not just a show about women in a dystopian society – it's about us. It's about our hopes, our fears, and our struggles."
Tuchman added, "We want to thank everyone who has joined us on this journey. Your support means the world to us, and we're so grateful to have had the chance to share Offred's story with you."
Chang concluded, "The Handmaid's Tale is a show about resistance – resistance against oppression, against injustice, and against the status quo. We hope that it will continue to inspire and challenge our audience long after the credits roll."