The fourth episode of Season 6 of "The Handmaid's Tale" kicks off with the rebels meticulously plotting their strategic targets for the bombing campaign against Gilead. Their primary focuses: the ammunition depot, the communications tower, and, ultimately, the Federal Building – these stand as the cornerstone of their offensive. The explosives are being covertly transported along the trade route connecting New Bethlehem and Gilead, with a surprising twist – Luke himself is steering the conveyance. His legal troubles have been cleared thanks to the vital intelligence he garnered on the commanders, and in his newfound role as the de facto leader of Mayday, Luke is hesitant to abandon his mission and rejoin June in Alaska. He has discovered a sense of purpose within Mayday that he is unwilling to relinquish anytime soon.
Though none within Mayday boasts formal military training, their strategy appears surprisingly coherent – albeit somewhat flawed. Their objective extends beyond merely bombing these strategic sites; they also aim to eliminate the commanders at Jezebel's. However, the plan's execution harbors numerous overlooked details, particularly concerning the precise timings and, crucially, the innocent girls who might inadvertently fall victim to the crossfire.
They require an insider's perspective, prompting Moira to step up and volunteer for the task. Both Moira and Luke have undergone a remarkable transformation, embracing the fight with unwavering conviction, even as June distances herself from them. As anticipated, Moira's intelligence mission takes a surprising twist when a photograph of Janine emerges from the printer. Her presence in the club was already known, but this discovery makes it all the more poignant for the duo.
Elsewhere, Lawrence encounters the High Commanders and earns a seat among them. He elucidates to Wharton and his peers that the New Bethlehem initiative is benefitting other nations as well. In Mexico and the UK, New Bethlehem serves as a means to offload refugees, with even their "barren wives" yearning to join. For Lawrence, this signifies progress.
Rita arrives in New Bethlehem and is finally reunited with her sister, Gina. Meanwhile, Serena visits Commander Wharton. Rose, now pregnant, joins the conversation, and the two women discuss Serena's burgeoning influence in this realm. They bond over light-hearted humor, breaking the tension. Wharton is taken by her fervor and informs her that a more enlightened man would have nurtured her influence rather than silencing her, as Fred did.
That night, Wharton gracefully initiates a dance with her, but their moment is interrupted by Aunt Lydia's arrival.
As for Lawrence, he is encouraged to partake in the festivities, which entails bringing in a multitude of women to entertain the High Commanders. Janine is among them, and when one of the sleazy High Commanders suggests it, Lawrence takes her into the bedroom for some private conversation. Of course, he harbors no ill intentions; this is merely an opportunity for them to speak in confidence.
Lawrence readily concedes that he did everything within his power to grant her a fighting chance at life. Deeply aware of the reasons she clung to existence, he proudly displays a drawing crafted by the now-grown Angela. The heartfelt gesture underscores Angela's fulfilling life, and Lawrence vows to continue safeguarding her well-being with unwavering commitment.
Our focus then shifts back to June and her companions. Luke has emerged as a capable and respected leader among them, earning the admiration of many. June, resolute in her defiance, decides to take matters into her own hands. She insists on being dispatched to Jezebels instead of Moira, citing her existing rapport with Nick as a strategic advantage.
Unsurprisingly, Moira's reaction is anything but favorable, and Luke too, voice laden with determination, stresses that he is hellbent on rescuing Hannah. Later that evening, the duo engages in a candid conversation, hashing out their strategies and aspirations to liberate Gilead—and, most crucially, their daughter Hannah. Luke stands firm in his resolve to exhaust every possible avenue to secure their child's freedom.
In this tender moment, June and Luke draw closer, confessing their love for each other amidst the tension that foreshadows impending turmoil. This tender reunion serves as a poignant prelude to the storm that looms on the horizon.
