The Final Bow: Unraveling the Emotion-Packed Finale of 'The Handmaid’s Tale'

The gripping series finale of 'The Handmaid’s Tale' provided a memorable end for each character, with Serena Joy’s ending, portrayed by Yvonne Strahovski, being particularly impactful. Elisabeth Moss, the director of the final episode, described Serena's conclusion as her favorite, praising the performance of Strahovski, particularly her moving monologue addressed to her baby Noah, which highlighted her acceptance of her new realities.

However, the envisioned conclusion for Serena Joy was starkly different. The finale sees Serena as a refugee, stripped of her citizenship, and relocated to a refugee center with baby Noah, uncertain of what lies ahead. A layered narrative device sees the protagonist, June, return to Serena’s former residence, muttering a phrase that mirrored one told to Serena – emphasizing her transition from the gilded life in Gilead to a fall into uncertainty.

Bruce Miller, the creator of the show, had initially planned a darker ending for Serena, eager for her character to be killed off. However, showrunners Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang argued against this. They believed Strahovski’s character had more depth left to uncover. Elisabeth Moss also expressed hope that Serena would survive, stating she was Serena’s biggest fan and her survival was merited for the sake of her son, Noah.

Yvonne Strahovski herself was aware of the potential paths for Serena's fate and was initially open to her character's death. She found it fitting given Serena's development throughout the show. However, the final outcome had a tinge of hope and heartbreak. The series finale saw Serena embracing motherhood, an aspiration Serena desired, thus fulfilling her dreams despite her uncertain circumstance.

In relation to the other characters, Murray highlighted how June was unable to reunite with her daughter Hannah, while Janine (Madeline Brewer) was able to reunite with her daughter, Charlotte. The series ending reflected June’s journey and love for Hannah, even if they couldn't be physically together.

The final takeaway from the show is a message of hope and resilience despite adverse circumstances. While Strahovski views the legacy of her character through her destructive actions, she also sees the hope for change that Serena exhibits. The final episode of 'The Handmaid’s Tale' is now available for streaming on Hulu.