5 Things We Want From ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Season 3

Brittany Rivera
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WARNING: This article contains spoilers for The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2 and covers predictions for The Handmaid’s Tale Season 3. Proceed with caution.

The Handmaid’s Tale gripping Season 2 finale left fans immediately ready for Season 3. It featured a heart-pounding escape, a shocking attack, and surprising revelations. The show’s sophomore season was centered on the pregnancy of Handmaid June and the changes a baby brought to the lives of the Waterford household. It also saw June once more with the opportunity to escape to Canada — only to have her turn it down for an different future. Now with June’s freedom, the show has the possibility to explore more of Gilead than ever before.

Here are five things we want to see in The Handmaid’s Tale Season 3.

The Backstory of the Martha Underground

Rita and Nick in 'The Handmaid's Tale'

Before the season began, actress Amanda Bruegel who plays Rita teased that fans would be “shocked” by where her character stands at the end of the season. The final episode revealed that Rita wasn’t just willing to help June, but that she was also part of a secret underground network of Marthas helping Handmaids escape to Canada. After almost two seasons of wondering whether or not Rita could be trusted, she proves herself to be June’s ultimate ally.

Season 3 would be the perfect opportunity to expand the world of The Handmaid’s Tale. The show can move past June and tell the story of the wider rebellion in Gilead. Many of the Marthas seen assisting June are women of color. The way June’s rescue was coordinated evoked imagery of the Underground Railroad. Showing more of this network and the women who created it could be a way for the series to have a much needed conversation about race and the contributions of women of color in Gilead.

A Wives Rebellion

The Wives of 'The Handmaid's Tale'

While on the outside it appeared that the Wives were content to play their part in Gilead society, the season finale revealed their true feelings. Serena Joy and Naomi expressed their fears at raising daughters in a world with such strict rules for women. The two even go as far as convincing some of the other women to join them in a plea to their husbands regarding the law that bans women from reading. While not all of the Wives are on the same page, it is the first step in showing their discontentment.

The complicity of the Wives in the customs of Gilead is essential to keeping the republic running. If the Wives were to rebel it would be interesting to see the repercussions and how the men would respond. Chances are Serena and Naomi aren’t the only ones worried about the future of their children and the women could create a powerful movement if they band together to create change.

June Working for Mayday

June in 'The Handmaid's Tale' season 2 finale

For the past two seasons, Mayday has been hard at work helping Handmaids (and others) escape Gilead. June has been at the mercy of strangers willing to risk their lives to help her. Now June is free. And it is time for her to give back.

Having June actively work for Mayday would be a good way for The Handmaid’s Tale to explore the organization from the inside. It could show the steps being taken to dismantle Gilead and perhaps the varying ideologies of the group’s members. There would also be the opportunity to explore the stories of other Handmaids. It would be interesting to see how June’s experience compares to others. It would also be empowering to watch someone who has lost so much finally able to fight back.

Emily Reuniting With Her Family

Emily and Sylvia in 'The Handmaid's Tale' season 2

Poor Emily. She’s had a rough go of things in Gilead. But it looks like life may finally be turning around for her. With help from her new Commander, Emily manages to get a ride on a van (hopefully) bound for Canada. Emily’s wife Sylvia is already living in Canada with their now seven year old son Oliver. Is it too much to hope for a family reunion?

Many people have been turned off watching The Handmaid’s Tale because of the dark subject matter and grim future the show represents. One moment of joy, one family reunion would make all that misery worthwhile. After everything she has been through, Emily deserves happiness. And The Handmaid’s Tale needs to remind viewers that there is still reason to hope- and a reason to keep watching the show.

More Bradley Whitford

Bradley Whitford in 'The Handmaid's Tale' season 2

Bradley Whitford only appears in the last two episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale, but he makes his presence known. As the as the enigmatic Commander Lawrence, he is a strong addition to an already impressive cast. He is unlike the other Commanders. He displays books and art openly in his home. He shows curiosity and even friendliness towards his Handmaid, Emily. And despite being the architect of Gilead’s economy (and the creator of The Colonies), he is seemingly involved with Mayday and helps Emily escape.

Commander Lawrence is a fascinating character. Through him the series could explore more of the history of Gilead and its founding. It could also show how and why he changed his mind. An actor of Whitford’s caliber should not be resigned to only a few episodes. Hopefully Season 3 of The Handmaid’s Tale will see more of Commander Lawrence, as well as giving him a chance to interact with the rest of the cast.

The Handmaid’s Tale Seasons 1 & 2 are available to stream on Hulu now. Season 3 will return.

Brittany Rivera
Writer. Fangirl. Lover of hockey, coffee, superheroes & sci-fi. Always reads the book first. Specializes in writing about the shows that make you cry. Can also been found writing for Screen Rant & The Marvel Report.