Tension rises, two opposing forces either prepare for war or endlessly reflect on good and evil. The final season of 'The Handmaid's Tale' approaches its midpoint. Let's see what they have in store for us in episode 4.

We continue recapping the new season of The Handmaid's Tale. If you missed the previous ones, here's the link:

Recap of episodes 1-3

Maria Kulizhnikova

Building a New World. Recap of the First Three Episodes of 'The Handmaid's Tale' (Season 6)

In 2017, the series 'The Handmaid's Tale' was dubbed 'the main dystopia of our time,' and Margaret Atwood's novel of the same name was read by millions. Today, Hulu presents...

Open material

Now let's move on to the review of the fourth episode, which had a lot of interesting things!

If you want peace, prepare for war

Luke Osborne (O.T. Fagbenle) is obsessed with the idea of a coup in Gilead, pouring all his energy into developing bombs for the assault. June (Elisabeth Moss) meanwhile contemplates returning home and hopes her husband will support her decision to leave the revolution behind. After a brief conversation, it becomes clear that Luke won't abandon Mayday and will continue helping them for the sake of their daughter Hannah, who still lives in Gilead. June, however, is convinced the opposition is not ready to fight Gilead, which has weapons, soldiers, and years of military experience on its side.

Commander Lawrence's (Bradley Whitford) life goes on as usual; he has finally earned a promotion—his new wife prepares him for the important event, much to Lawrence's visible irritation.

Meanwhile, Serena Waterford (Yvonne Strahovski) meets her former housekeeper (Martha) Rita (Amanda Brugel) in New Bethlehem, who has returned to find her sister. They find each other in front of a moved Serena—she is convinced her idea of a better world is coming to life.

The leaders of Mayday discuss a plan to assassinate the top Commanders to decapitate Gilead's government. June unexpectedly speaks out against the raid, as they are completely unprepared for what awaits them in 'real hell.' The group's leader, Ellen, suggests a reconnaissance mission to the Jezebel's brothel to warn the girls working there and then blow up the place along with the Commanders. Moira (Samira Wiley) used to work at the brothel, so she volunteers to go on the reconnaissance. This inevitably leads to a conflict between the friends.

In the best traditions of British Camelot, Commander Lawrence is promoted to High Commander, anointed with a knightly sword. After the official part, all the Commanders unequivocally invite Lawrence to the brothel, which raises a number of questions: at the very least, one wonders since when has Gilead allowed such liberties even for Commanders? The strictness of the early seasons seems to have vanished...

Feast during the plague

While everyone is arguing and thinking about war, Serena unexpectedly starts a romantic story with High Commander Wharton (Josh Charles)—they chat amiably over dinner at his home, discussing the great cause they have dedicated their lives to. It's interesting to observe how the value system of those who built Gilead transforms depending on their specific surroundings.

Moira's desire to infiltrate Jezebel's meets sharp rejection from June, leading to a quarrel. In June's opinion, it's an unjustified risk, and Moira doesn't understand the seriousness of this choice. Moira, of course, disagrees. It feels like June emotionally cannot handle the situation—her attempt to bring loved ones to safety away from Gilead has failed.

For the first time in a long while, we see the Commanders in the brothel. Bright red-haired Janine (Madeline Brewer) is given as a 'gift' to Commander Lawrence, and they have a chance to talk. Let me remind you that Janine's daughter lives in Lawrence's house, and any news about the girl brings disappointed Janine back to life. Lawrence gives the former handmaid a drawing of her daughter, assuring her that the girl will be fine.

Rita makes the difficult decision to stay in New Bethlehem to find her family members. She meets Nick (Max Minghella), with whom she once worked in the Waterford house, and he promises to help her find her relatives. It feels like this decision could be fatal for Rita.

June continues to make impulsive emotional decisions: she persuades the group leader to replace Moira and volunteers to go to the brothel herself. This offends Moira and Luke, who intend to fight Gilead's system to the end and don't understand why June doesn't respect their choice.

Evening romance in New Bethlehem: Serena accepts compliments from Commander Wharton and recalls her unhappy marriage to her ex-husband. They slow dance in the middle of an empty street—exactly like a scene from 'The Notebook.'

Time to make a choice

The episode's fragmented narrative culminates in a very powerful and balanced finale: Luke and June have a heart-to-heart talk. June admits that she lost faith in the revolution and the struggle she devoted herself to long ago. Even the motivation to find and bring back her daughter no longer gives her strength, because every time June tried to save her, nothing worked. Luke convinces her to see this path through to the end—and June agrees. The choice is made.