A death years in the making — The Handmaid’s Tale finally drops the hammer in season 6, episode 8, and the impact is instant, brutal, and strangely… incomplete. The execution hits like a jolt of long-awaited justice, but just as the revolution seems near, the emotional aftershock pulls its punch. Was this Gilead’s collapse — or a cruel tease dressed as closure? Fans are torn between satisfaction and sorrow, celebrating the fall of a villain while mourning the deeper reckoning that never came. One scene. One bullet. And a thousand questions still bleeding under the surface. If this was the turning point… why does it still feel like we’re waiting?

The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6, Episode 8: A Satisfying Death with a Missed Opportunity

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Handmaid’s Tale season 6, episode 8!

In a pivotal moment of “The Handmaid’s Tale” season 6, episode 8, viewers witness the long-anticipated demise of Commander Bell, marking a significant turning point for June and the Mayday resistance. While his death is undoubtedly satisfying, one aspect could have made it even more impactful.

Throughout the series, the Commanders embody the oppressive regime of Gilead, and Commander Bell, portrayed by Timothy Simons, stands out as particularly detestable. Introduced in season 6, he emerges as a patron of Jezebel’s and a brutal abuser of Janine. His horrific treatment of her, including physical violence and emotional manipulation, showcases the depths of his cruelty. This makes his eventual death at June’s hands all the more gratifying.

In episode 8, as the attack on the wedding of Serena Joy and Commander Wharton unfolds, June confronts Bell in his home. The scene culminates in a brutal stabbing, with Bell slowly succumbing to his injuries. While this moment is cathartic, it raises the question: should June have been the one to deliver the fatal blow?

Janine’s Missed Opportunity for Agency

A more poignant narrative choice would have been for Janine to kill Commander Bell herself. Unlike June, Janine has a deeply personal history with Bell, having suffered at his hands throughout the season. This personal stake would have made her act of revenge far more meaningful.

Allowing Janine to take control of her own fate would have restored some agency to her character, who has been systematically stripped of power in Gilead. Instead of being saved by June, Janine could have been given the choice to confront her abuser, reclaiming her autonomy in a world designed to suppress her.

Imagine a scenario where June enters Bell’s home and offers Janine the chance to face him. This act would not only serve as a powerful moment of empowerment for Janine but would also highlight the themes of resilience and vengeance that permeate the series.

Conclusion

While Commander Bell’s death in “The Handmaid’s Tale” season 6, episode 8 is a satisfying moment for viewers, the choice of who delivers that death could have enhanced the narrative. By allowing Janine to take vengeance into her own hands, the show could have provided a deeper exploration of agency and empowerment, making the moment even more impactful. As the series progresses, fans hope to see more character-driven decisions that reflect the struggles and triumphs of those oppressed in Gilead.