The Handmaid’s Tale star Bradley Whitford has opened up about the show’s hidden message behind its darkness. As the show approaches its conclusion, it delves into Commander Joseph Lawrence’s latest concept: New Bethlehem, a propaganda tool designed to lure defectors back under Gilead’s pretense of mercy and peace.
Commander Lawrence’s character reflects real-world struggles over body autonomy and gender rights, which have grown increasingly pressing since the show’s inception. The stakes are higher for June, played by Elisabeth Moss, who now faces the task of dismantling Gilead from the outside. Her journey echoes real-world issues, including the overturning of Roe V Wade in the United States.
Bradley believes that The Handmaid’s Tale is crucial due to its portrayal of fortitude and action as the antidote to despair. He praises Elisabeth’s direction in the sixth season, which represents her deepest commitment thus far. The show’s creator, Margaret Atwood, initially wondered if the premise was too extreme to be believable.
As the show nears its conclusion, a new standalone sequel series, The Testaments, is being developed into a sequel series, focusing on Gilead’s eventual collapse through the perspectives of three female leads. The follow-up pledges to delve into the aftermath of Commander Lawrence’s character development, showcasing his transformation from moral ambiguity to humanity.
Bradley draws a parallel between Commander Lawrence and Robert McNamara, highlighting the similarities between their complex characters. The show’s dark undertones serve as a stark contrast to its off-screen camaraderie between Whitford and Moss, whose on-screen tension reflects their real-life partnership in directing and acting.
Source: https://www.themirror.com/entertainment/the-handmaids-tale-series-1119916