Spoilers Ahead: Episode 9 Recap

If you haven't caught the latest episode of 'The Handmaid’s Tale,' brace yourself for a gut-wrenching ride! Showrunners Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang dive into the profound and tragic deaths of Commander Nick Blaine and Commander Joseph Lawrence in Episode 9, aptly titled 'Execution.'

A Pivotal Decision for Nick Blaine

Nick Blaine, portrayed by Max Minghella, faced a life-altering crossroads in this episode. Tuchman describes this moment as the culmination of Nick’s struggle between two worlds. He hesitates as he stands at the top of the staircase—an opportunity to turn back and save himself and his unborn child emerges, but he chooses to embrace his loyalty to Gilead instead.

A Tense Plot Twist

Episode 9 is not for the faint of heart. The tension mounts as June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss) risks it all while seeking Commander Lawrence’s assistance to sabotage the plane carrying Gilead’s commanders following a disastrous handmaid rebellion. But fate intervenes when the commanders’ arrival prompts Lawrence to make an agonizing decision—to board the plane that would seal his fate.

A Dramatic Farewell

Just when viewers thought Lawrence's departure was the peak of heartbreak, enter Nick, stepping into an all-black SUV destined for the same tragic journey. His decision is fraught with doubt, but in this moment, he opts to fully align himself with Gilead, leaving fans in shock.

A Noble End for Commander Lawrence

The creative team revealed that Lawrence's death was carefully planned. Tuchman recounted sharing the shocking twist with Bradley Whitford, who plays Lawrence. Luckily, Whitford embraced the character’s noble end, relieved that Lawrence would not descend into evil but instead find a moment of redemption.

A Tearful Conclusion

As the episode draws to a devastating close, June watches helplessly as the plane explodes into flames, tears streaming down her face—a haunting image destined to linger with viewers until the series finale.

Don't Miss the Finale!

Mark your calendars, as the gripping finale of 'The Handmaid’s Tale' airs on Tuesday, May 27, exclusively on Hulu. What will happen next in this harrowing world? Tune in to find out!