The Handmaid's Tale fans 'figure out' Commander Lawrence's 'end game' in season 6

Heads up, spoiler alert for The Handmaid's Tale season 6!

The Handmaid's Tale has made a dramatic return, with the series continuing on Tuesdays on Hulu in the States. However, fans in the UK will have to wait a bit longer as it's set to premiere on Channel 4 and Prime Video.

After Hulu released the first three episodes of the sixth season all at once, viewers have been going into overdrive with their theories about the show's finale and how it will connect with the sequel, The Testaments.

Commander Lawrence, portrayed by Bradley Whitford, has always been a character shrouded in mystery.

In the latest trailer for season six, he confesses to having a hand in creating Gilead's dystopian world but now appears determined to dismantle it with his vision for New Bethlehem, reports the Mirror US.

Reddit has been buzzing with fan theories about Commander Lawrence's true intentions and whether he's ultimately a hero or a villain.

One Reddit user speculated: "In all seriousness though, I'm very curious what Lawrence's end game is for New Bethlehem. Sounds like he eventually wants it to gradually expand and replace Gilead over time. A natural, passive coup."

Another chimed in, pondering: "I'm starting to wonder if he is going to fully turn against Gilead."

And a third shared similar thoughts: "I never took Lawerence for half a traitor [sic]."

A fourth viewer shared their thoughts: "I don't think it is a straightforward as him turning against Gilead. He stayed to try to make Gilead 2.0, even allowing his poor wife to suffer and die.

"He's a true believer in the outcomes he has achieved, he just doesn't like how the means are perverted beyond his intention. And even that is iffy, since he purposefully tied his plan to a fanatical religious group; he's not dumb, no government run by fanatical religious people has ever turned out well. Basically, I have no freaking idea what he's gonna do lol [sic]."

Another viewer was more doubtful about Commander Lawrence's real motives and penned: "i don't like Lawrence, nor do i trust him. he's just playing Serena imo [sic]."

There's certainly a feeling among fans that Commander Lawrence will play a part in overthrowing the oppressive regime he helped build, but exactly how he'll do this remains a mystery.

His lack of religious fervour when struggling to pray with Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski), referencing The Book of Mormon musical and comparing New Bethlehem to Disneyland, not only highlighted the hypocrisy of Gilead but also perhaps signalled the beginning of his own revolt against the system.

Others noted the interaction between Commander Lawrence and Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd), who was genuinely taken aback when she arrived at Jezebel's to find her beloved Janine (Madeline Brewer) now employed there as a sex worker.

Commander Lawrence didn't mince words when he pointed the finger at Lydia for Janine's dire situation, but fans have their own take. One Redditor argued: "weird, but as much as i like his snark, the entire thing is as much HIS fault as Aunt Lydia's. In fact, as a man he has always had far more power than Lydia."

They added, "Aunt Lydia is 'in the trenches' disgusting and responsible but Lawrence is no less guilty [sic]."

Another chimed in with: "Lawrence knows that though and has said so many times."

They continued, "He knows he had a very big hand in f***ing things up, he owns it, and seems to be trying to find a way to rectify it even if it is in vain."

A third fan echoed the sentiment on the forum, saying: "Exactly what I thought at that interchange!"

The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 will be coming to Prime Video on May 3 and Channel 4 later in 2025 in the UK