Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Handmaid’s Tale season 6, episode 5!
The Handmaid’s Taleseason 6, episode 5 reveals a lot about Commander Wharton, leading to a major theory about what he may be planning for Serena Joy Waterford.Serena Joy is a controversial yet important figurein the world ofThe Handmaid’s Tale, and many charactersseem to be vying for his support in the show’s final season. Commander Wharton seems to be the one winning her over, and while his motivations aren’t yet fully known, he seems to have a plan for Serena Joy afterthis reveal inThe Handmaid’s Taleseason 6, episode 5.
The Handmaid’s Taleseason 6, episode 5 is finally here, with it pushing the show closer to its climax. This time,June and Moira have entered Gilead once again, with them going on a dangerous mission to Jezebel’s. Mayday is planning on hitting Jezebel’s to knock out some powerful Commanders, with June and Moira warning the women to watch out. Meanwhile,Serena Joy and Commander Wharton’s relationship is developing, leading Commander Wharton to make a request that may shock the world of Gilead.
Why Wharton Proposes & Serena Joy Accepts
They May Not Love Each Other
Although Wharton and Serena Joy seemingly just met, Commander Wharton proposes marriage to Serena Joy inThe Handmaid’s Taleseason 6, episode 5. Serena Joy was unhappy with her marriage to Fred Waterford, and has become unhappy with the direction that Gilead is headed. Thus, it is incredibly surprising that he accepts the proposal, with the couple presumably getting married in a future episode ofThe Handmaid’s Tale.
“Janine” received an IMDB rating of 7.8.
For Serena Joy, it could be seen as the safest option. Her past actions have put a target on her back, and marriage to a High Commander would protect her. Meanwhile, Commander Wharton may have a plan for Serena Joy. Serena Joy has been established as having tons of influence, with Commander Lawrence knowing that her public support could help get hisNew Bethlehem projectoff the ground.
Wharton may be wanting to use her influence for his own purposes. Getting a potential powerful enemy of Gilead reined back in would be a way to secure the country’s public image. It would also consolidate power within Gilead’s borders, keeping Serena Joy with a High Commander.
It Is His Main Mission
Outsiders like June, Luke, and Moira obviously want Gilead to end. However, insiders are starting to call for change too. Powerful figures likeCommander Lawrence, Aunt Lydia, and Serena Joy are advocating fora more liberalized version of Gilead, resulting in the New Bethlehem project.
Marrying Serena Joy could be a major strategic move. Serena Joy has a lot of influence over New Bethlehem, and if Wharton marries Serena Joy, he will have a lot of influence over her.
This project is controversial due to how much change it could cause, with it potentially destabilizing Gilead. If these figures become more radicalized, they could completely overturn the Gileadean order, putting an end to their old ways.Since Commander Wharton is a leader of Gilead, he obviously can’t let this happen. Thus, marrying Serena Joy could be a major strategic move.
Serena Joy has a lot of influence over New Bethlehem, and if Wharton marries Serena Joy, he will have a lot of influence over her. This would indirectly give Wharton a lot of power over an oppositional force, ensuring that Gilead proper still has influence. Wharton must protect Gilead at all costs, and his marriage could be part of this master plan.
Is Commander Wharton Trying To Make Serena A New Kind Of Handmaid?
Since She Can Have Children Now
Serena Joy has been married before, but recent developments make this new marriage far more interesting. When she was married to Fred, Serena Joy was a Wife, with Fred still having to do the Ceremony with a Handmaid to have children. However,Serena Joy had a childherself inThe Handmaid’s Taleseason 5, meaning thatshe is fertile. This could be something that plays a factor in Wharton’s decision, as she could be a new kind of Handmaid.
Since Serena Joy can have children, it is possible that this new marriage wouldn’t require a Handmaid. It is doubtful that a powerful individual like Serena Joy will be downgraded to the Handmaid class, but her ability to get pregnant probably won’t be overlooked by Gilead either. Serena Joy could be a new type of class in Gilead, although members of it will be rare. The continued increase of fertile women may change Gilead forever, with Wharton using Serena Joy to kickstart this new era ofThe Handmaid’s Tale.
