Why Serena Joy Revealed the Gilead Commanders to June in The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6, Episode 9
In a shocking turn, Serena Joy betrays Gilead in a major way during Season 6, Episode 9 of The Handmaid’s Tale. Here’s the reason she disclosed the Commanders’ identities to June amid the pivotal attack. Serena Joy has historically been loyal to Gilead and, although she began pushing for reforms within the theocracy in recent seasons, outright betraying the regime was unimaginable for her—until now. When June ultimately asks for her help, Serena surrenders her husband and the other Commanders, leading to their demise in the show’s final season.
The Handmaid’s Tale is approaching its conclusion, with Episode 7 showing June planning an assault during Serena Joy’s wedding, Episode 8 depicting the attack itself, and Episode 9 focusing on Mayday’s next steps. After the Handmaids successfully eliminated a large number of Commanders, they must deal with the remaining leadership. Commander Wharton and other top Gilead officials remain at large, and June understands they must be stopped to topple Gilead. As a result, the U.S. military targets figures like Serena Joy and Commander Lawrence, hoping they can provide intelligence for Mayday.
Serena Joy Put Love Above Loyalty to Her Husband
June Appeals to Serena’s Feelings About Her Husband
Serena Joy happens to be at Commander Lawrence’s home when U.S. forces arrive, leading to her capture and detention. The military hopes to extract information about the Commanders’ locations from her, but she initially resists. June then steps in, visiting Serena at the church where she’s held, attempting to persuade her to betray her husband. While this seems unlikely at first, June leaves with vital intelligence on Commander Wharton’s movements, proving Serena eventually gave up her husband.
This crucial disclosure follows a tense exchange between June and Serena, during which Serena comes to realize she must choose love over loyalty to her husband. Serena had fallen deeply for Wharton when they first met, quickly marrying him. The marriage and the privileges of being the wife of a High Commander were significant to Serena, enabling her to influence change within Gilead. However, Wharton’s true nature was revealed on their wedding night when Serena discovered he had a Handmaid. June appeals to Serena’s negative feelings toward Wharton, reminding her that he once tried to hang June, hoping Serena still views June as an ally. But what finally convinces Serena is June’s question about whether Wharton is the kind of man she wants raising her son. Serena’s love for her son Noah is stronger than anything, and June helps her see that Wharton would likely corrupt Noah. Consequently, Serena reveals the Commanders’ whereabouts.
Serena Joy’s Definitive Decision in The Handmaid’s Tale
She Takes a Clear Stand Against Gilead
The most notable aspect of Serena Joy’s betrayal is that she makes a firm and lasting choice. Over the last several seasons, Serena has been torn, trying to navigate her loyalty to Gilead while seeking reform. Her involvement in projects like New Bethlehem showed her desire for compromise. Unfortunately, Gilead’s oppressive regime leaves no room for middle ground.
By handing over the Commanders, Serena finally commits to an unequivocal anti-Gilead stance. Though she may not have fully renounced the regime ideologically, she has clearly demonstrated a willingness to act against its leadership. Her readiness to sacrifice her own husband suggests she might become even more radicalized against Gilead in the show’s final episode.