Episode 10 of Season 5 of "The Handmaid's Tale" kicks off with June receiving a parcel - a bulletproof vest. Following the shootout the preceding night, she's determined not to leave anything to chance, although it's worth noting that facial shots remain a vulnerability. As another memorial service looms at High Park, June intends to be fully prepared. Luke assists her with adjusting the vest, muttering under his breath, "I hate this world."
News of the shooting ripples through to Commander Lawrence, who displays a striking lack of concern. Nick informs him that June isn't the intended target, but Lawrence remains indifferent. Their ties have been severed, and we are aware that other Commanders desire her "elimination."
Mark strides dramatically onto the scene, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he hastily informs June that they have successfully apprehended the gunman – a 56-year-old named John L. Lanson. With an unyielding resolve etched onto his face, Mark vows to thoroughly dissect any conceivable connections that Lanson might harbor with Gilead, ignoring the overwhelming evidence that points unmistakably to such ties. Weariness creeps into every fiber of his being, yet he battles valiantly to maintain his composure, confessing that he has attended a harrowing tally of 19 funerals in the relentless span of just five arduous days.
Meanwhile, June, now unmistakably marked by fate's cruel hand, narrowly escapes death's cold embrace when a lunatic, wielding a truck with reckless abandon, deliberately veers off course, intent on running her down shortly after this harrowing revelation. Luke, acting swiftly and instinctively, springs into action, saving June's life by violently subduing the assailant and pinning him to the ground with an unwavering grip. However, this gallant act of heroism brings Luke under the scrutinizing gaze of the police, who summon him for questioning, while June is hastily whisked away to the hospital, her condition critical and fraught with peril.
While Janine's collaboration with the Handmaids is progressing smoothly, Aunt Elizabeth reminds Lydia that she needs to find a new posting for Janine - and soon. Lydia offers a faint smile, acknowledging that this could potentially mean losing her star pupil. Her solution is to assist Janine in securing a posting at Mrs. Putnam's house, where she'll be close to Angela. Janine, however, is reluctant to be posted anywhere, but she has little room for negotiation. Her situation worsens when she learns that Angela is staying with her grandparents for the weekend. Naomi Putnam is harsh with Janine, emphasizing that this is a trial period and that she shouldn't even entertain the notion that Angela belongs to her.
Lydia finds it challenging to listen, but while Janine is alone, she receives word about the attack on June. "They never let anyone escape. Fuckers," the informant declares passionately. This revelation naturally sends Janine into a tailspin as well.
When Mrs. Putnam addresses Janine as "Ofjoseph," the latter snaps, her patience worn thin. She excoriates Naomi, branding her as one of the worst souls she has ever crossed paths with and severing their friendship in an instant. Consequently, Janine finds herself precariously perched, with Lydia urging her to grovel for forgiveness—a prospect Janine steadfastly rejects, her moral compass refusing to budge.
On Commander Lawrence's bidding, the Eyes materialize abruptly and whisk her away. Lydia, seething with displeasure, vows to exact revenge on their behalf. Janine is consigned to the rear of a truck, her fate uncertain as she's carted off into the unknown.
Upon learning of June's mishap, Nick bolts toward Canada, consumed by worry for her well-being. Though he refrains from entering her hospital room, his gaze remains vigilant from afar. Subsequently, Mark and Nick ink a deal, the latter consenting to collaborate in order to safeguard June from Gilead's relentless pursuit of her life.
Nick's fury boils over at Lawrence's wedding, as he strikes the commander in a fit of rage, fueled by June's plight. Lawrence protests his innocence, but the silent complicity of the other commanders behind him casts suspicion. Consequently, Nick finds himself incarcerated for his impulsive act. Unable to shake his bond with June, Rose reluctantly concludes that their relationship must end.
The family's fortunes plunge further when news breaks that Luke has dispatched the man who attempted to mow down June. A refugee's slaying of a Canadian on Canadian soil is a catastrophe, marking a turning point that alters everything. Luke faces arrest for murder, terrifying June, who urges him that their only escape lies in fleeing. Canada, too, is undergoing transformations, necessitating their urgent departure.
Mark's appearance confirms their dire straits. The airport is out of the question, as police lie in wait. All American refugees are converging westward, boarding trains and exiting the country. Mark assures he can facilitate June's passage, but the station teems with people upon their arrival. He bids them farewell, promising to relay the message to Nick that they are safe.
June and Luke reach the train station, yet the armed guards manning each carriage pose a challenge. Luke opts to trail behind, hoping to avoid detection with June. June and Nichole manage to board the train, while June phones Luke, suggesting he present his ticket and board. However, Luke makes a bold decision, informing her that staying together will jeopardize their safety. He vows to reunite with her and surrenders willingly to arrest. June, aboard the departing train, watches helplessly.
Ironically, the train also carries Serena, accompanied by her infant, Noah. We previously witnessed her escape, and fate has now intertwined their paths once more. Despite their mutual animosity, they share a common journey, potentially toward salvation.
