The Handmaid’s Tale: Unraveling the Origins of Gilead and Serena Joy Waterford’s Journey

As we dive into The Handmaid’s Tale, a pressing question lingers for first-time viewers: How did a society as oppressive and cruel as Gilead emerge? Over the course of six gripping seasons, the Hulu series reveals Gilead’s origin story through carefully woven flashbacks—a narrative that increasingly resonates as a cautionary tale for audiences in 2025. Recently, viewers were offered a fresh perspective on the world “before” through the eyes of one of its most intriguing characters.

Understanding Serena Joy Waterford: From Author to Participant

Serena Joy Waterford, brilliantly portrayed by Yvonne Strahovski, has intrigued audiences since the beginning. Initially a proponent of Gilead’s right-wing Christian ideology, she married Fred Waterford, who ascended to the position of Commander once the United States underwent its radical transformation. Once a celebrated author and political figure, Serena opted to forsake her career to embrace the role of a devoted wife—at least for a time.

More Than a Simple Zealot: Serena’s Complex Character Development

As The Handmaid’s Tale progresses, it becomes evident that Serena is far more complex than a one-dimensional zealot. While her desire for motherhood spurred many of her most reprehensible actions, she later exhibited a capacity for self-reflection, grappling with the consequences of her choices and feeling profound regret for her role in reshaping society.

Serena’s Relationship with Her Father: A Key to Her Past

In the episode titled “Exile,” we are introduced to Serena’s father for the first time, adding depth to her character. (Her mother, who resides in Gilead, left a negative impression back in season three and has not been seen since.) The episode contains two poignant flashbacks set in the show’s present timeline, coinciding with Serena’s decision to return to Gilead—specifically, New Bethlehem, a reformed region where she seeks to atone for her past and realign with her perceived divine path.

Exploring Serena’s Father through the Creator’s Lens

According to Bruce Miller, creator of The Handmaid’s Tale, exploring Serena’s relationship with her father is critical to understanding her character. In an interview with The Wrap, Miller stated, “We’ve learned about her, but this is really interesting, because it’s not about a relationship she chose, like with Fred … Here, you’re like, how did you become the woman you are?” This inquiry deepens as viewers come to understand the influences shaping Serena, particularly that of her father.

Significant Flashbacks: A Glimpse into Serena’s Transformation

The two pivotal scenes featuring Serena’s father unfold several years apart. In the first, she has just met Fred, and her father congratulates her on her book tour. By the second scene, her father appears older and frailer, while Serena excitedly declares, “We’re about to change the country!”

Serena’s Aspirations and the Reality of Gilead

At this point in her life, Serena believes she is fulfilling her father’s urgings to become a force for change. However, viewers are acutely aware that her marriage to Fred will lead to heartbreak, and her actions will yield nothing but horror and tragedy, rather than the idyllic “new Garden of Eden” she envisions. Could her hopes for New Bethlehem represent her attempted redemption? With Serena, predicting her responses is challenging, but one constant is her ability to adapt and survive.

Catch the Latest Episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale

New episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale are released every Tuesday on Hulu, ensuring that fans are continually engrossed in the evolving narrative.

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FAQ: Understanding The Handmaid’s Tale and Its Characters

What is the main theme of The Handmaid’s Tale?

The main theme revolves around the oppression of women in a dystopian society, exploring issues such as gender roles, power dynamics, and the impact of authoritarianism.

How does Gilead relate to current social issues?

Gilead serves as a cautionary reflection of real-world issues such as women’s rights, political extremism, and the consequences of societal compliance.

What happens to Serena Joy Waterford in the series?

Throughout the series, Serena’s journey evolves as she grapples with her choices and the heartbreaking realities of life in Gilead. Her character arc explores themes of regret, power, and the desire for a family.

Where can I watch The Handmaid’s Tale?

The Handmaid’s Tale is available for streaming exclusively on Hulu, with new episodes airing every Tuesday.