Elisabeth Moss, best known for her haunting portrayal of June Osborne, has once again taken center stage in entertainment headlines following the highly anticipated finale of The Handmaid’s Tale. As of May 27, 2025, Hulu released the final episode of the award-winning series, and fans are buzzing about Moss’s dual role as both lead actress and director. The key question on everyone’s mind: Is Gilead finally destroyed?
Elisabeth Moss Bids Farewell to June Osborne
In the final chapter of The Handmaid’s Tale, Elisabeth Moss delivered one of her most powerful performances to date. The last episode is steeped in symbolism, emotional closure, and a surprising twist of fate. The character of June walks back through the remnants of her past—specifically, the Waterford household—wearing the symbolic teal dress typically assigned to the Commanders’ wives. This full-circle moment parallels the first episode, bringing the entire arc of June’s harrowing journey into perspective.
Moss, who directed the finale, described the closing scene as “the ultimate reclaiming of identity.” She revisits her old room, repeats the line “My name is Offred,” and stares defiantly at the camera. This moment isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a declaration of ownership, survival, and resistance.
Is Gilead Finally Over?
The biggest plot development in the finale is the partial liberation of Gilead-occupied Boston. Here’s what happens:
- Commander Lawrence’s Sacrifice: In a dramatic twist, Commander Joseph Lawrence boards a plane alongside other top Gilead leaders—only to trigger a suicide bombing. His action takes out a major part of Gilead’s infrastructure and leadership.
- Boston and Massachusetts Freed: With key figures eliminated, resistance fighters regain control over Boston. For the first time, a major U.S. city is declared free from Gilead’s grip.
- June’s Ongoing Fight: Though Boston is free, June’s personal mission remains unfinished. Her daughter Hannah is still held captive in another region of Gilead. The finale doesn’t offer a complete victory, but rather a step in a longer battle.
The show doesn’t definitively destroy Gilead—it weakens it. This approach leaves the door open for future stories and keeps the central tension alive.
Elisabeth Moss and “The Testaments”
For fans wondering what’s next, The Testaments is the answer. This upcoming series is set fifteen years after the events of The Handmaid’s Tale and will shift focus to Aunt Lydia and Hannah. While Elisabeth Moss won’t reprise her role as June in front of the camera, she remains attached to the project as an executive producer.
This continuation will dive into the eventual collapse of Gilead and explore new character arcs while maintaining the dark, thought-provoking tone of its predecessor. It’s clear that Moss’s creative influence will continue to shape this dystopian universe, even if she steps away from the screen.
Moss’s Next Move: Imperfect Women and Beyond
Beyond Gilead, Elisabeth Moss is expanding her creative portfolio. Her upcoming project, Imperfect Women, is already generating buzz. The Apple TV+ thriller follows a decades-long friendship tested by betrayal, secrets, and a violent crime. Once again, Moss is not only starring but also producing—a testament to her growing authority in the industry.
This transition shows Moss isn’t slowing down. She’s pivoting toward complex, layered roles that mirror the depth she brought to June Osborne. With multiple projects in development, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for her career.
Final Thoughts: A Powerful Goodbye, But Not the End
Elisabeth Moss has led The Handmaid’s Tale through six unforgettable seasons. The series finale is not just an ending—it’s a turning point. It closes June’s chapter while keeping the broader war against Gilead alive for future exploration.
Gilead may be weakened, but it’s not completely destroyed. That ambiguity is intentional. Just as real-world struggles for freedom and justice rarely end with a single victory, The Handmaid’s Tale leaves us with the understanding that the fight continues.
Want more updates on Elisabeth Moss, upcoming TV series, and what’s next for Gilead? Stay tuned for exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes content.