‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Continues To Develop Side Characters For Season 2

The Handmaid’s Tale adaptation by Hulu has been no stranger to developing and changing storylines. While some of the changes have been to create a present day setting, some have been to allow the show to continue for another year. Episode 9 continued with the side character development, preparing for The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2.

There are some limitations to the book. Margaret Atwood chose to focus on one character: Offred. Everything that the readers know is through her eyes. And readers only know the amount that those in the future, as the Gilead regime falls, know about Offred. There are many uncertainties, including whether Offred escapes or is captured by the Eyes.

Hulu had to make adaptations to the book to make sure there was a story to tell. Viewers have had the chance to watch Ofwarren (later Ofdaniel) struggle with the loss of her child. As a handmaid, she gave birth to a child that was for her commander and his wife. The baby was never hers, but that doesn’t stop her from going through the pregnancy and feeling every kick the baby made. To Ofwarran, also known as Janine, the baby was hers, and biologically it certainly was.

Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale have also seen Ofglen, as she was found guilty of “gender treachery,” forced to watch her girlfriend get hanged, and go through FGM to “redeem” her, as The Guardian reminds its readers. The latest change for the side character is seeing Moira after Offred first sees her in Jezebels. In the book, readers have no idea what happens to Moira, and Offred feels like she’s lost the fight within her. Episode 9 saw the push to get that fight back, creating a potential storyline for Season 2.

The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2 has to take on a different storyline. The storyline within the book is starting to come to an end, but with the development of the side characters, there is still more to know. Luke is in Canada, searching for his wife and daughter with the mute that was tagged by Gilead as a handmaid. Moira is now out on the streets after killing a commander. Mayday (the rebellion) is growing in force, as more women and men fight against the Gilead regime.

There’s also a look at the commanders and their households. Previous episodes have hinted at different personalities in households, but Episode 9 focused on it the most. While Fred and Serena Joy have grown apart, Daniel and his wife were happy for Janine to become their handmaid. According to The Hollywood Reporter, showrunner Bruce Miller notes that the differences in the households need to be shared.

It will be interesting to see where The Handmaid’s Tale Season 2 takes viewers. There will certainly be a follow-up of Warren and Naomi after Janine shared the truth about Warren’s promises and lies, but what else is in store in side character development?

The Handmaid’s Tale Season 1 finale airs on Wednesday on Hulu.

[Featured image by Hulu]