The Handmaid’s Tale Finale: A Disappointing Ending for a Groundbreaking Series
Spoiler Alert: We’re diving deep into the series finale of The Handmaid’s Tale, so if you haven’t seen it yet, consider this your warning!
After six gripping seasons filled with intense drama and societal commentary, The Handmaid’s Tale has concluded on a rather disheartening note—securing the title of the lowest-rated episode ever on IMDb. Let’s unpack why the finale might have left viewers feeling more meh than mighty.
A Troubling Goodbye
Despite being a titan in the dystopian drama genre, the series finale managed a mere 5.7 stars out of 10 based on about 3,100 ratings. This is a shocking drop compared to previous finales, which boasted ratings well above 8.0. So, what happened? In short, fans expected a resolution, but instead, they got a lukewarm conclusion that felt more like a set-up for a sequel (hello, The Testaments!), leaving many feeling unsatisfied.
June’s Unfinished Journey
One of the most significant disappointments centers on June, the show’s central figure played by Elisabeth Moss. For seasons, viewers have followed her harrowing quest to reunite with her daughter, Hannah—a journey that ends unresolved in the finale. Instead of an emotional reunion, fans were left with June penning her story, a poetic touch, but one that feels forced and unsatisfying. As they say, it’s not exactly what we signed up for!
“After investing years in this character arc, the final note feels like a bad cliffhanger rather than a grand finale.”
Pacing and Focus Issues
Beyond the narrative choices, the pacing of the finale also raised eyebrows. Where its penultimate episode crackled with urgency, the finale plodded along at an almost glacial pace, focusing primarily on June—but sidelining many other beloved characters like Moira and Luke. The emotional momentum that drove the previous episodes simply fizzled out.
“One moment it’s a rollercoaster, the next it’s a slow Sunday drive—no one asked for that.”
High Hopes and Lofty Expectations
With a fanbase as passionate as a Game of Thrones fandom pre-season eight, expectations for this finale were sky-high. Tasked with crafting a fitting conclusion that also paves the way for The Testaments, the creative team faced an almost insurmountable challenge. Margaret Atwood’s original novel only covers the first season, leaving the showrunners to dance around some pretty high stakes without stepping on any narrative toes—a tightrope walk of epic proportions.
What’s Next?
While the finale may have generated more groans than cheers, it’s worth acknowledging that the show itself broke significant ground in television, raising questions that resonate beyond the screen.
As fans attempt to process this underwhelming finish, many are left pondering if they’ll even tune in to The Testaments. Will it provide the closure they crave? Only time—and a whole new series—will tell.
In the end, while the finale might have stumbled, The Handmaid’s Tale as a whole will be remembered for its groundbreaking storytelling and powerful themes—just maybe not for how it wrapped up that story.
Covers viral stories, pop culture, and breaking celebrity news.
Bio: Jamie has a sharp eye for what’s buzzing online, tracking social media trends and entertainment headlines around the clock.