The Handmaid’s Tale Finale: Elisabeth Moss Reflects on a Perfect Ending

After nearly a decade of gripping storytelling, Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale has concluded its sixth and final season, leaving fans emotional and reflective. Elisabeth Moss, who has portrayed the resilient June Osborne since the series began in 2017, recently shared her heartfelt thoughts on the show’s finale, calling it a fitting and resonant conclusion. In an interview with Variety, Moss expressed her deep satisfaction with how the dystopian drama wrapped up, stating she “can’t imagine it ending any other way.” Let’s dive into why this finale has struck such a chord with Moss and fans alike.

A Full-Circle Moment for June Osborne

The Handmaid’s Tale, based on Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel, follows June Osborne in the oppressive, totalitarian society of Gilead, where women are stripped of their rights and fertile women, known as handmaids, are forced into servitude. Moss’s portrayal of June—a fierce, unyielding woman fighting for her freedom and her children—has earned her critical acclaim, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe. The series finale brings June’s journey full circle in a way that echoes the show’s very first episode.

In the final scene, June returns to the ruins of the Waterford household, where she endured unimaginable trauma as a handmaid. As she sits in her old quarters, she begins recording a memoir, reciting the same haunting monologue from the series premiere: “A chair. A table. A lamp.” This callback to the pilot, where June (then known as Offred) reclaimed her identity by whispering her real name, is a powerful moment of closure. Moss described this scene as “television gold,” highlighting its emotional weight and its nod to both the show’s origins and Atwood’s novel. For fans, this moment is a poignant reminder of June’s enduring strength and her refusal to be defined by Gilead’s cruelty.

Why the Ending Resonates

Moss, who also served as an executive producer and directed the final two episodes, emphasized that the finale stays true to the series’ core theme: June’s relentless fight for her children and a better future. While the show doesn’t reunite June with her daughter Hannah—a point of contention for some fans due to the narrative constraints of Atwood’s sequel novel, The Testaments—Moss believes the ending honors June’s journey authentically. The absence of a neat, happy resolution reflects the harsh realities of the story, yet it leaves room for hope, as June continues her resistance against Gilead.

The finale also incorporates a surprising and powerful element: the return of Alexis Bledel as Emily, a former handmaid and resistance fighter. Emily’s appearance, reassuring June that she can be both a mother and a revolutionary, adds depth to the story’s exploration of sacrifice and resilience. Moss revealed that bringing Emily back was a non-negotiable for her, as it provided a crucial moment of connection for June.

A Cultural Phenomenon

Since its debut, The Handmaid’s Tale has been more than just a TV show—it’s become a cultural touchstone. Its chilling depiction of a patriarchal dystopia has resonated deeply, especially in light of real-world debates about women’s rights. The red cloaks and white bonnets worn by the handmaids have become symbols of resistance, appearing at protests worldwide. Moss and her co-stars, including Bradley Whitford and Samira Wiley, have noted the show’s unexpected relevance, with its themes of rebellion and survival feeling timelier than ever.

The final season, which premiered in April 2025, also made headlines for featuring Taylor Swift’s re-recorded “Look What You Made Me Do (Taylor’s Version)” during a rebellion scene led by June. This musical choice, described by fans as “dystopia’s revenge anthem,” added a modern, defiant energy to the show’s climax, further cementing its place in pop culture.

Moss’s Personal Connection

Moss’s journey with The Handmaid’s Tale has been deeply personal. Having recently become a mother, she shared that filming the final season felt “visceral” in new ways, particularly in scenes involving June’s fight for her children. Directing the finale while navigating motherhood added an extra layer of meaning to her performance, making the story’s themes of family and resistance even more poignant.

As Moss bids farewell to June (for now, as she’s set to executive produce the upcoming Testaments adaptation), she remains grateful for the role that has defined much of her career. “I love playing this character so much,” she said, noting that June’s story feels far from over, thanks to the promise of The Testaments.

A Legacy That Endures

With its powerful performances, unflinching storytelling, and thought-provoking themes, The Handmaid’s Tale has left an indelible mark on television. The finale, which aired on May 27, 2025, delivers a satisfying conclusion that honors June’s resilience while leaving the door open for future stories in the Gilead universe. For fans of the series, Moss’s heartfelt reflections are a reminder of why this show has meant so much to so many.

If you haven’t caught up yet, all six seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale are streaming on Hulu. Share your thoughts on the finale in the comments below—did it live up to your expectations? And stay tuned for more updates on The Testaments as it continues the saga!

Source: Hindustan Times, May 28, 2025