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Joseph Fiennes as Commander Fred Waterford in 'The Handmaid's Tale'

This Handmaid’s Tale Season 4 Finale Promo Sets Up A June And Fred Showdown

"I need Fred to get what he deserves."

by Ani Bundel
Sophie Giraud/Hulu

After a full year away, The Handmaid's Tale reclaimed its place in the dystopian fandom with Season 4. Although it resumed where the series had left off, with June still trapped in Gilead having missed her escape (again), there was a major pivot by the season's halfway point. June's exit to Canada may have altered the show's perspective, but June herself has not changed. She's still a soldier at war, but now she’s trying to find a way to live off the battlefield. As for how this season will conclude, The Handmaid's Tale Season 4, Episode 10 finale promo promises June’s fight will go on.

Warning: Spoilers for The Handmaid's Tale Season 4, Episode 9 follow. When June arrived in Canada, she discovered that Gilead refugees weren't the only ones in Toronto. Both Waterfords were there as well, imprisoned for their crimes. June then became the star witness in a trial that would serve to indict all of Gilead and tell her story to the world. And she was ready for it. Although Serena Joy begged her for mercy for herself and her unborn child, June had none to give. She was an avenging angel who would bring down the force of the law on them both.

That is, until the state got a better witness: Fred Waterford.

Upon learning that Gilead was fine with leaving him to rot, the former Commander flipped like a low-level mobster in The Godfather II. In exchange for his testimony against Gilead, he would be given a full pardon.

The final moments of Episode 9 showed June not taking this news well at all. The Episode 10 promo promises that she will seek her revenge, one way or another.

The Handmaid’s Tale Season 4 finale is titled “The Wilderness.” There is no synopsis yet available, but the trailer speaks for itself: June needs Fred to get what he deserves.

She’s not the only one. In a recent interview, actor Joseph Fiennes, who plays the Commander, hinted that the coming showdown between himself and June was one of his favorite scenes all season.

Speaking to TVLine, Fiennes revealed, “This has been the season of [two-person scenes]. Because of COVID restrictions, we’re rendered to just two people in a room — but I have to say, it’s gotten richer because of it.” But these two-person scenes also mean that when he and June meet, it will likely be one-on-one. “We do get to see, in terms of Fred and June, one of my favorite scenes, if not the most favorite scene of the season for me.”

June sticking it to Fred will be a catharsis worthy of a four-season wait. But the real question is whether words will be enough for June, or if Season 5 will see her decide to take action as well.

The Handmaid’s Tale Season 4 finale streams starting Wednesday, June 16, 2021.