Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Handmaid’s Tale season 6, episode 6!
Commander Wharton gets some more screentime inThe Handmaid’s Taleseason 6, episode 6, finally revealing the truth about the villain and why it’s worrying for Serena Joy. Commander Wharton was introduced in season 6 as the new High Commander of Gilead, with him acting as areplacement for Fred Waterfordwithin the show. Although he stayed in the background for the first few episodes,The Handmaid’s Talehas established him as a massive threat, showing just how dangerous he is.
The Handmaid’s Taleseason 6, episode 6sees June and Moira attempt to escape Gilead after their mission in Jezebel’s. With the help of Commander Lawrence, the duo makes it to Nick. Nick continues helping them escape, before realizing that Commander Wharton has paid him a visit.This tense conversation leads to some major reveals, with Nick’s reactions proving how horrifying Commander Wharton can be.
He Is Just As Evil (If Not More So)
Previously, Commander Wharton was attempting to trickThe Handmaid’s Talecharactersinto thinking he was different from the other Commanders of Gilead. Commander Wharton didn’t go to Jezebel’s, was supportive of the New Bethlehem project, and seemed to actually believe in Gileadean doctrine. This is what led to Serena Joy falling for him, as he seemed juxtaposed to the kind of man who Fred Waterford was.
However, this mask didn’t stay on long. In Commander Wharton’s conversation with Nick, he proves that he is just as dangerous as the other Commanders. In fact, he is even more dangerous,with him being so manipulative that he is able to convince Nick to tell him about Mayday’s attack on Jezebel’s. Wharton is willing to do anything to protect his family and Gilead, and he won’t hesitate to hurt anyone who gets in his way.
What Marrying Commander Wharton Means For Serena Joy
She May Be In Trouble
Now thatCommander Wharton is engaged to Serena Joy, this makes their upcoming marriage even scarier. Although Serena Joy sees Wharton as nice, she will eventually see his true nature as well. Commander Wharton has the potential to be even more abusive than Fred, landing Serena Joy back where she was at the start ofThe Handmaid’s Tale.
Serena Joy has gone through a major redemption arc in later seasons ofThe Handmaid’s Tale, and her marriage to Commander Wharton may see all of that get undone. On top of Wharton’s usual villainy, Serena Joy is now able to have children. This may affect her standing in Gileadean society, meaning that she would have been safer staying in Canada. With a few episodes left ofThe Handmaid’s Tale’sfinal season, the fate of Serena Joy’s relationship with Commander Wharton is one of the scariest storylines.
