Summary
June's decision to eliminate Fred Waterford exposed her authentic nature, a facet that Luke cannot completely comprehend but Nick can. This adds complexity to her bond with Luke and draws her nearer to Nick.In spite of a brief period of being apart, June and Nick's love story continues to hold significant importance. Their mutual understanding stems from the shared ordeals they both endured in the oppressive regime of Gilead.
June's character development and trajectory suggest that Nick is the logical choice for her, especially as they face the challenges of Gilead. The future of their relationship hangs in the balance as The Handmaid's Tale season 6 approaches.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Handmaid's Tale season 6. In the season 4 finale, June made significant decisions, one of which was choosing Nick over Luke. Despite June's escape to Canada from Gilead, her relationship with Nick has not been affected as anticipated. The struggles that June and Luke have faced since arriving in Canada, coupled with the events of the season 4 finale, where June and other Handmaids killed Fred Waterford, have only intensified the complications in her love life.
June Left Luke Because He Doesn't Know Her Anymore
June's act of killing Fred in season 4 of The Handmaid's Tale was a significant moment. However, this event does not mark the end of the storyline. In the final moments of the season, June bids farewell to Nichole and informs Luke that she is leaving. The sight of Luke portrays his utter devastation, while June herself departs to create distance between them and pursue separate paths. The murder of Fred served as June's personal act of revenge. Although it was also motivated by her concern for Nichole, it prioritized her relationship with Nick over Luke, leading to Nick's pivotal role in Fred Waterford's demise. Consequently, this turn of events has left audiences questioning the fate of Nick and June's relationship.
Luke has an unwavering love for June and a strong desire to support her. However, there is a significant aspect of her character that remains unknown to him. This unknown side of June is what compels her to take the life of Fred, and it is this aspect that Nick profoundly comprehends and appreciates. So, do Nick and June ultimately end up together? As long as June remains determined to dismantle Gilead and overcome her traumatic experiences, it will prove challenging for her to fully be with Luke. Instead, she will always feel a magnetic pull toward Nick. He is the only person capable of fulfilling her desires, as evident in the fourth season finale. Furthermore, he is the one she trusts implicitly to accomplish this.
Why June Had To Pick Nick In Handmaid's Tale Season 4
The June and Nick romance, which seemingly came to an end in season 4 of The Handmaid's Tale when they met at the Maria Magdalena Academy in episode 9 titled "Progress," has taken an unexpected turn. Audiences were left wondering, "Do Nick and June end up together?" However, it becomes evident that their destinies are still intertwined when Nick pays a visit to June at the hospital in season 5. In a bittersweet moment, they share a passionate kiss just before Fred meets his demise. This poignant scene further emphasizes the deep understanding between Nick and June. Despite the darkness surrounding them, it symbolizes how Nick empathizes with June's predicament due to his own experiences in Gilead.
Additionally, actress Elisabeth Moss expressed support for the idea of Nick and June ending up together. In an interview with Elle, she stated, "She wants to be with Nick. She’s in love with Nick." Moss's statement further emphasizes June's perspective in the season 4 finale of The Handmaid's Tale. Despite the many great things Luke can offer, such as a safe and happy family life, Moss herself acknowledges that June's heart lies with Nick. Gilead has profoundly changed her, and there is something unique that she shares with Nick. Although the show deliberately obscures Nick's ultimate goal, it appears that he is increasingly aligning himself with June.
June's authentic connection with Nick surpasses her love for Luke and her desire for what the Gilead commander can offer her. Despite knowing that killing Fred will have severe repercussions for her relationship with Luke, June chooses to do so, bringing her closer to Nick once again. This fleeting moment solidifies them as the show's primary romantic pairing. It is hopeful that in The Handmaid's Tale season 6, this couple will prevail until the end.
Ultimately, the storyline of Nick and June in The Handmaid's Tale season 4 showcases that although June had a choice in whom she could be with, Nick was always meant to prevail. While Luke and June once shared a genuine connection, June's journey of revenge and the impact of her trauma have transformed her. Therefore, Nick is the logical option for her character. Being with Nick allows June to stay on her current path, whereas choosing Luke would mean leaving Gilead behind and seeking some form of peace. The potential development for June in The Handmaid's Tale season 6 could allow for this outcome eventually.
Nick And June's Happiness Is Short-Lived
With the events of The Handmaid's Tale season 5, any glimmer of hope for Nick and June's relationship in season 4 has been crushed. Despite Nick's attempts to protect June from within Gilead, their reunion has been brief, leaving audiences questioning their ultimate fate. June's life remains in constant danger, even with Nick as a Commander, as she is targeted in an attempt on her life. The attack lands June in the hospital under the care of Mark Tuello.
A conversation between Tuello and Nick reveals why Nick didn't escape Gilead alongside June. Nick explains that she has people who are there for her and that she doesn't need him, emphasizing his belief that he is insignificant. Although Nick is referring to Luke, his feelings for June resurface when his pregnant wife, Rose, accuses him of never truly moving on from her. Nick's actions take a turn for the worse when he punches Commander Lawrence at his wedding, in response to the latest attack on June. This misstep leads to Nick being imprisoned.
Regrettably, as The Handmaid's Tale's final season approaches, June and Nick find themselves more distant than ever before.
Where Do Nick & June Stand Heading Into The Final Season?
Audiences are undoubtedly curious about the fate of Nick and June's relationship in The Handmaid's Tale season 6. However, their future appears bleak as the series reaches its final season. The only glimmer of hope for audiences was when Nick openly confessed that he still harbors feelings for June, leading to his breakup with Rose. Unfortunately, Nick's power has diminished significantly after his decision to assault Commander Lawrence for failing to protect June. As a result, his chances of dismantling Gilead from within dwindles with each day he remains imprisoned.
Meanwhile, June faces a difficult choice that may ultimately determine whether she saves Nick or Luke. In an intriguing parallel to her own circumstances in season 1, Luke finds himself captured as well going into season 6. Despite June's ongoing efforts to dismantle Gilead, now with the assistance of Serena, the question of whether Nick and June will end up together will weigh heavily on her mind. Speculations circulate that Nick may sacrifice himself to save Hannah from Gilead, but the true resolution will only be unveiled when season 6 of The Handmaid's Tale is broadcasted and its accompanying spinoff, The Testaments, is released.