Warning: This article contains spoilers from the TV show The Handmaid's Tale.Emily, the quietly defiant servant brought to life by Alexis Bledel in The Handmaid's Tale TV series, is a character that resonates deeply with the audience. Unlike her book counterpart, the nameless Ofglen, the show granted her a distinct identity, making her a central figure in the resistance. Their journey, marked by both resilience and heartbreak, culminated in a seemingly triumphant escape to Canada.
However, Emily's sudden disappearance in Season 5 left a hole in the narrative. Although the series hints at her return to Gilead to continue the fight, this sudden departure feels unsatisfying for a character who has suffered so much. The series is one of the biggest TV shows to return to screens in 2025 and expectations are high. Now The Handmaid's Tale Season 6 has the potential to rectify this, providing Emily with a more rewarding conclusion that honors her strength and the profound impact she has had on the resistance.
What happened to Emily in the Handmaid's Tale?
Emily returned to Gilead in season 5
Emily's character is one of the many differences between The Handmaid's Tale TV show versus book. This is because she is never mentioned in Margaret Atwood's haunting novel, but is only known as Ofglen. This was a conscious choice by the TV show to give women more agency and define Offred/June (Elisabeth Moss) and Ofglen/Emily as rebellious figures. Emily is a vital character in the new narrative, as she is June and viewers' first introduction to the underground resistance group "Mayday."
However, in season 5, Emily has disappeared and June discovers that she has returned to Gilead. This seems like a strange move for Emily, who has finally returned to her family. Emilia's wife, Sylvia (Clea DuVall) explains that she thinks Emily is back to fight. There was speculation that Bledel had to step away from the show for personal reasons, and showrunner Bruce Miller confirmed that she informed them as soon as possible (per News week). However, the way it is written leaves things open for a possible return.
Emily deserves a real ending in The Handmaid's Tale
Emily endured a lot to gain her freedom
Emily is a great force in the series and very well played by Bledel, with Emily being perhaps the most critically acclaimed role of her career. Her quietness combined with her understandable anger and the way her sexuality is punished by Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) make her one of the most compelling and likable characters in the series. While it's hinted that she returned to Gilead to fight, which is in character for Emily, it's still a slightly disappointing way to write her off. after his long-awaited reunion with his family.
She deserves a more satisfying conclusion to her story.
Emily's arc is one of the things The Handmaid's Tale Season 6 should be fine. She deserves a more satisfying conclusion to her story, whether that's getting a peaceful ending or going out in a blaze of glory. His entry into Canada to seek asylum was one of the most cathartic moments in history. The Handmaid's Tale. Because of this, throwing her back into Gilead, even though she has the motivation to fight, deserves further exploration. Season 6 would benefit from bringing Emily back and making her journey back to Gilead worthwhile by having June help her fight back.
Source: News week