The Handmaid's Tale fans 'work out' Commander Lawrence's 'end game' in season 6

The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 Airing Schedule and Fan Theories Emerge

Audiences in the United States are eagerly following the final season of The Handmaid’s Tale, with new episodes of season 6 available every Tuesday on Hulu. United Kingdom viewers will need to exercise patience, as the latest episodes are scheduled to premiere on Channel 4 and Prime Video at a later date. Since Hulu released the initial three episodes of season six concurrently, fervent speculation has arisen among supporters regarding the series’ conclusion and potential alignment with the narrative of “The Testaments,” a sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale.

Commander Lawrence’s Ambiguous Objectives

Bradley Whitford’s character, Commander Lawrence, continues to be depicted as an enigmatic figure, prompting numerous viewers to formulate theories concerning his ultimate goals. In the season six preview, Commander Lawrence acknowledges his role in creating Gilead’s oppressive environment. However, recent developments suggest he may now seek to dismantle it through the establishment of New Bethlehem, according to reports from the Mirror US.

Fan Discussions on Commander Lawrence’s Alignment

Online discussions, particularly on platforms like Reddit, showcase enthusiastic fan analyses of Commander Lawrence’s character. Viewers are actively debating whether he embodies heroism, villainy, or a more nuanced position between these extremes.

Interpretations of New Bethlehem’s Purpose

One online commentator posited, “Seriously though, I’m genuinely intrigued by Lawrence’s long-term vision for New Bethlehem. It appears he envisions a gradual expansion that will eventually supersede Gilead through a subtle, passive transition of power.”

Speculation on Lawrence’s Allegiance Shift

Another dedicated follower of the series shared their perspective: “I’m increasingly inclined to believe that he is poised to fully oppose Gilead.”

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Doubts Regarding Lawrence’s True Intentions

Countering these perspectives, a third contributor expressed skepticism: “I never considered Lawrence to be even remotely disloyal.”

Concerns About Lawrence’s Character Consistency

A fourth viewer offered a more complex interpretation: “I don’t believe his motivations are as straightforward as simply turning against Gilead. He chose to remain and attempt to create a ‘Gilead 2.0,’ even at the cost of his wife’s suffering and death.

“He genuinely believes in the outcomes he has achieved; his dissatisfaction lies with the corruption of the methods beyond his original intentions. Yet, even this is questionable, given his deliberate decision to base his plan on a fanatical religious group. He is not naive; history demonstrates that governments governed by religious fanatics invariably fail. Frankly, I am completely uncertain about his future actions.”

Distrust in Lawrence’s Motives

Another viewer voiced deeper reservations about Commander Lawrence’s genuine aims, writing: “I distrust Lawrence, and I dislike him. In my opinion, he is merely manipulating Serena.”

Potential Role in Gilead’s Downfall

A prevailing sentiment among viewers is that Commander Lawrence will likely play a significant role in the effort to overthrow the oppressive regime he was instrumental in establishing. However, the specific methods he may employ remain unclear for now.

Signs of Rebellion and Hypocrisy

His apparent lack of genuine faith, demonstrated when he struggled to participate in prayer with Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski), referencing the musical “The Book of Mormon” and drawing a comparison between New Bethlehem and Disneyland, underscored Gilead’s inherent hypocrisy. This behavior may also signal the nascent stages of his personal rebellion against the established order.

Lawrence’s Interaction with Aunt Lydia

Viewers also noted the significant interaction between Commander Lawrence and Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd). Aunt Lydia displayed genuine shock upon discovering Janine (Madeline Brewer), whom she deeply cares for, working as a sex slave at Jezebel’s.

Accusations and Shared Responsibility

However, Commander Lawrence directly confronted Aunt Lydia, asserting that Janine’s distressing situation in the brothel was a consequence of her own actions.

Fan Commentary on Responsibility

One Reddit user commented: “It’s perplexing, because despite appreciating his sarcasm, the entire situation is as much HIS fault as Aunt Lydia’s. In fact, as a man, he has consistently held considerably more power than Lydia.”

Shared Acknowledgement of Guilt

Another participant in the discussion added: “Lawrence is aware of this, and has acknowledged it on numerous occasions.

“He recognizes his substantial contribution to the disastrous state of affairs, he admits his culpability, and appears to be seeking a way to rectify it, even if ultimately futile.”

Consensus on Shared Blame

Echoing this viewpoint, a third contributor on the online forum stated: “That was precisely my thought during that exchange!”

UK Airing Details

The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 is scheduled to arrive on Prime Video in the UK on May 3 and on Channel 4 later in 2025.