Escaping Gilead! The Handmaid's Tale Podcast (Episode 602)

The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 Episode 2, “Exile,” aired alongside the premiere—and we’re back with our thoughts, theories, and plenty to say about these seismic shifts.

In this episode, we finally get a long-awaited reunion: June and Nichole are with June’s mother, Holly, living in the remote safety of Alaska. It’s a rare moment of peace for June, but you can feel the storm building on the horizon.

Meanwhile, Serena’s journey takes a major turn. After arriving at a tranquil farm that shelters women and children refugees, it seems like she’s found a safe haven—but it’s short-lived. Gilead knows exactly where she is. And when Commander Lawrence offers her a way back—not just as a citizen, but as a leader in New Bethlehem—Serena chooses power over peace.

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Paul and Caroline dive deep into the emotional weight of the mother-daughter reunion, the symbolism behind the episode’s title, and what Serena’s latest decision says about her ongoing struggle for identity and control.

We’re witnessing a season that’s not pulling any punches—and “Exile” proves that safety and freedom are never guaranteed in The Handmaid’s Tale.

Season 6:

601

SEASON 5:

501 | 502 | 503 | 504 | 505 | 506 | 507 | 508 | 509

Season 4:

401 | 402 | 403 | 404 | 405 | 406 | 407 | 408

Season 3:

301+302 | 303 | 304 | 305 | 306 | 307 | 308 | 309 | 310 | 311 | 312 | 313

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Caroline | Paul

Music:
“Ominous Ambience” by Viljami Mehto, licensed by Pod Clubhouse.

This podcast was recorded, edited, and produced by Paul and Caroline Daley at Pod Clubhouse Studios and is a Pod Clubhouse Original Production.