The Handmaid’s Tale series finale brought back a beloved character for one last emotional reunion. Alexis Bledel returned as Emily in the final episode, marking her first appearance since leaving the show after season four.
Bledel’s surprise cameo was a key moment in the finale, which aired on Hulu on May 27. She reunited with Elisabeth Moss’ June in a freed Boston, offering closure to her character’s journey. The scene mirrored their first meeting in the show’s premiere, bringing the story full circle.
Emily explained she had been working as a Martha for a Commander who supported the resistance. She also stayed in touch with her wife Sylvia and their son while fighting Gilead from within. The emotional reunion gave fans a satisfying end to Emily’s story.
Bledel said returning was an easy decision.
“It felt right to bring closure to Emily’s journey and offer the audience a sense of completion. Bruce [Miller] put together such a kind and talented group, and so many of the original crew were still there in season six.”
Elisabeth Moss was thrilled to have Bledel back. She pushed for the cameo after creator Bruce Miller suggested it. The two actresses shared their first scene together on the final season’s first day of filming.
“I said to him at the time, ‘You realize now that you’ve told me that, we have to do it.’ And she wanted to do it from the beginning. She didn’t need convincing at all.”
The finale also featured a dream sequence where June imagined a world without Gilead. Emily, Moira, Janine, Rita, and other handmaids laughed and sang together in a karaoke bar. This hopeful moment contrasted with the show’s darker themes.
Bledel left the show in 2022, citing personal reasons. Her character’s absence was explained in season five when Emily returned to Gilead to fight. The finale confirmed she survived and continued resisting the regime.
Other original cast members made surprise appearances too. Alma, Brianna, and Janine appeared in June’s fantasy sequence. Their return added nostalgia for long-time fans as the series wrapped up its six-season run.
The Handmaid’s Tale finale is now streaming on Hulu. The story will continue in the upcoming spinoff The Testaments, focusing on Aunt Lydia and Hannah.
Also Read:
Elisabeth Moss Almost Missed Her Iconic Role in The Handmaid’s Tale; Here’s What Changed Her Mind
Taylor Swift Surprises Fans With Reputation (Taylor’s Version) Debut on The Handmaid’s Tale; WATCH
Credits: Sources include The Hollywood Reporter, People, TV Insider, and E! News.
