Season 5 didn't prove to be particularly fruitful for Osblaine fans. The retconning, shoehorning, and the focus on Luke and June as the primary relationship left many who cherish Nick and June's story feeling sidelined, questioning whether the writers might be drifting away from the romantic plotline that has captured our hearts. While I'm aware that the writers have the authority to steer the narrative away from Nick and June's love story if they choose, there are several compelling reasons to believe they won't. In this blog post, I'll delve into why it's crucial for Nick and June's journey to continue.🌹🖤
The love story between Nick and June in "The Handmaid's Tale" is indeed a crucial element of the show, deeply intertwined with its broader themes of resilience, rebellion, and the human spirit under oppression. Given its significance, it would be unexpected for the writers to completely abandon this arc in the final season. Here's how such a decision could impact the storyline:
1. Loss of Emotional Resonance: Nick and June's relationship has been a core emotional thread throughout the series. It has provided moments of vulnerability, hope, and human connection amidst the bleakness of Gilead. Abandoning this arc could remove a vital element that viewers have emotionally invested in, potentially leaving the final season feeling less impactful.
2. Narrative Inconsistency: Their relationship has evolved alongside the show's progression, reflecting changes in both characters and the world around them. Dropping this storyline abruptly might create a sense of narrative inconsistency, making the show's progression feel disjointed.
3. Character Development: Both characters have shown significant development, largely influenced by their relationship. Nick's transformation from a passive participant in Gilead's regime to a more active resistor is closely linked to his feelings for June. Similarly, June's interactions with Nick have shown different facets of her character – her vulnerability, her capacity for love, and her strategic thinking. Eliminating this arc could stall or reverse this character development.
4. Thematic Dilution: The relationship is a potent symbol of personal rebellion against Gilead's oppressive system, embodying themes of love, choice, and defiance. It demonstrates how personal relationships can become acts of resistance in totalitarian regimes. Abandoning it could dilute these thematic explorations.
5. Viewer Expectations: The audience has followed this relationship through intense highs and lows, creating a sense of investment and expectation. Not providing a resolution or continuation would be unsatisfying for viewers who have been engaged with this aspect of the story.
6. Contrast with Gilead's Brutality: Their love story offers a stark contrast to the brutality and dehumanization prevalent in Gilead. It humanizes the narrative, providing a necessary balance to the darker elements of the show. Without it, the show risks becoming unrelentingly grim.
7. Historical and Literary Parallel: The relationship has parallels in many dystopian and historical narratives where personal connections act as a form of rebellion against oppressive systems. Abandoning this arc would mean losing out on this rich, symbolic layer.
In conclusion, while the writers of The Handmaid's Tale could choose to evolve or alter Nick and June's storyline in the final season, completely abandoning it could undermine much of the emotional, thematic, and narrative groundwork laid in previous seasons. Their relationship is more than just a subplot; it is a fundamental component of the show's exploration of resistance, love, and the human spirit in the face of tyranny.
