‘The Handmaid's Tale’ Foreshadowed Episode 9’s Redemption Arc in Season 2

As The Handmaid's Tale comes toward its finale next Tuesday, we find ourselves dealing with an unfamiliar feeling: a sympathy for a commander. Not just any commander, but Joseph Lawrence, whose arc as Gilead's architect turned rebel has drawn the attention of viewers worldwide.

From the start, Lawrence was presented as a complex character. He was an intellectual who helped create Gilead's system, but seemed uncomfortable with its brutal practices. Throughout the series, we've watched him struggle with the moral complexities of his creation, making questionable choices while occasionally displaying humanity.

When Emily was first brought into his home in Season 2, Episode 13, she was surprised to see Martha talk back at him and even call him names. This was our first glance and a start of the so-called redemption arc.

‘The Handmaid's Tale’ Episode 9 Showed the Lawrence Sacrifice

Finally, the moment of truth hit the latest episode: Lawrence hopping on a plane destined to blow up just in order to further the revolution. His final words, addressed to Nick, were about June:

“You should've listened to her,” he said.

Why does this redemption arc work? Well, his evolution has been gradual and believable. The seeds of his redemption were planted way back in Season 2 with the seemingly insignificant moments when he allowed Martha some freedom. Or when he helped Emily and June.

“I’m playing this guy who has done some really horrible things, but you could always tell a redeemable part of him was there. I also know that the show needs a villain, and I didn’t know where this guy was gonna end up. But I was rooting for him to end up on the right side of history,” Bradley Whitford (the actor behind Lawrence) told The Hollywood Reporter.

What Do Fans Think About Lawrence Redemption in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’?

“The scene in the house where he gives the book he's reading to Angela to Naomi...I knew he was not long for this world. I love that he went out with an act of bravery and not on the wall,” Redditor Still-be_found wrote.

“I said it before and I will say it again: Lawrence has the best redemption arc,” Redditor Difficult_Aioli_6631 said.

When Will ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Finale Come Out?

The finale airs next Thursday at 12 am ET.