9 The Handmaid's Tale Season 5 Finale Theories

The Handmaid's Tale ended its penultimate episode of Season 5 on a cliffhanger with shots ringing out and June trying to shield a little girl from bullets. So, what will go down in Season 5’s finale? Here are a few theories.

1. Mark Tuello Dies

If Mark is the victim of the gunman, that would be a massive blow to June. It wouldn’t make her feel as guilty as, say, Moira or Luke, but he’s still her bureaucratic champion. Without him, her connection to the Americans would be severed.

2. June Learns The Shooter Was Targeting Her

Lawrence deflected the commanders who wanted to kill June, but they could go rogue. Or, the Canadians might aim for June to get Americans out of their country. Either way, June would almost certainly decide it’s time to leave.

3. The Wheelers Recapture Serena

Serena Joy managed to escape at the end of Episode 9 with the help of a random stranger. But as long as she’s in Toronto, Mrs. Wheeler will do everything to retake her and her baby, and they’ve got eyes everywhere.

4. June Goes To Gilead Alone

Having failed to get Hannah to Canada, June’s obvious next step is to head to Hannah. All signs point to her going back to Gilead.

5. Serena & June Go To Gilead Together

June helped Serena; now it’s time for Serena to return the favor. Besides, how else will she learn Mrs. Putnam got the proposal from Lawrence that she was after?

6. Rose & Nick Move To New Bethlehem

Someone has to, right? And Gilead's ladies are rude AF to Rose. She won’t go to Canada, but New Bethlehem might be the best option for them.

7. Esther Dies

Aunt Lydia needs more trauma, and fans will lose it if Janine isn’t in Season 6. So, Esther is the most logical candidate to die, probably in childbirth, since that seems to be a theme this season.

8. Mrs. Putnam Marries Lawrence

Does she have a choice?

9. Mrs. Putnam Kills Lawrence

June burnt her bridge with Lawrence; he’s served his purpose on the show. Considering he sentenced Mrs. Putnam’s husband to death, she could take revenge on their wedding night.

The Handmaid's Tale Season 5 concludes on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2022, on Hulu.