In viewing The Handmaid’s Tale for the first time, audiences are prompted to question how the dystopian and oppressive society of Gilead was formed. Throughout the six seasons, the series has revealed Gilead’s backstory through flashbacks integrated into the main narrative. This storytelling approach serves as a precautionary narrative for American viewers in 2025, and the Hulu series has also elaborated on the backgrounds of its key characters. A recent episode provided additional insights into one character’s past life.
Serena Joy Waterford, portrayed by Yvonne Strahovski, has intrigued audiences as a character who originally supported Gilead’s right-wing Christian doctrine. She married Fred Waterford, who rose to become Commander Waterford after the transformation of the United States. Originally a successful author and political speaker, Serena set aside her career to fulfill the role of a dutiful wife, at least temporarily.
As the series progressed, Serena’s character was revealed to be more complex than originally perceived. Her aspiration to become a mother motivated many of her questionable actions. However, she eventually demonstrated the capacity to recognize her mistakes and began to feel remorse for her contributions to the upheaval of society.
In episode two, titled "Exile," Serena’s father is introduced to viewers for the first time. Her mother, who appeared negatively in season three, resides in Gilead and hasn’t been featured since. The episode includes flashbacks and follows Serena’s choice to return to Gilead, specifically to the reformed New Bethlehem region, where she hopes to alleviate her guilt and reconnect with her perceived divine path.
According to Bruce Miller, the creator of The Handmaid’s Tale, the show sought to examine Serena’s relationship with her father, a pastor. In an interview with The Wrap, Miller explained that understanding Serena’s character involves exploring her relationship with her father, not one she chose like her relationship with Fred. He implied this exploration reveals Serena’s inner resilience and character development.
The flashbacks depict interactions with her father at different times; initially, she shares news of her book tour, and in a later scene, her father listens as she enthusiastically speaks about impending societal changes. These changes, initially meant to be transformational in a positive sense, ultimately bring about tragedy and horror, contrary to Serena’s vision of “a new Garden of Eden.” It remains to be seen if New Bethlehem will align more closely with her original hopes.
New episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale are available for streaming on Hulu every Tuesday.
