'Handmaid's Tale' Penultimate Just Aired, and Fans Can't Stop Saying This

Newsweek

20-05-2025

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The end is almost here for the heroes and villains of Gilead and beyond. The penultimate episode "Execution" not only lives up to its name, but according to most fan reactions, it's one of the best and most powerful episodes of the series so far. Here's what happened and what the fans are saying.
Read More: When Does the Finale Episode of The Handmaid's Tale Season 6 Come Out?
Does Nick Die in 'The Handmaid's Tale'?
Nick (Max Minghella) does not survive the events of "Execution" and it doesn't seem like a lot of fans are going to be shedding tears for June's former lover. Having chosen finally to side with Gilead, Nick boards a plane filled not only with the remaining commanders, but also carrying a bomb meant to kill them all. The plane explodes, all the commanders perish, and Nick dies along with them.
Taylor Swift Re-Releases 'Reputation' in 'The Handmaid's Tale'
Thrilling fans of both "The Handmaid's Tale" and Taylor Swift, "Execution" opens with "Look What You Made Me Do" as handmaids scatter into the dark of Gilead.
What's particularly exciting is that this is a version of "Look What You Made Me Do" most fans couldn't possibly have heard yet. It's from the album "Reputation" which is the next of Swift's albums to be rereleased as "Taylor's Version".
Other Spoilers in 'The Handmaid's Tale's Execution Episode
Nick isn't the only main character to die in "Execution" but the other loss is much more tragic. Commander Lawrence (Bradley Whitford) knowingly sacrifices himself to take out the other commanders. The initial plan is for Lawrence to board the plane, plant the bomb, and then get out safely. But when the commanders arrive early, Lawrence is forced to either die along with the other commanders, or scrap the plan. He chooses the former.
How Viewers are Reacting to Handmaid's Tale 'Execution' Episode
Fans reacted strongly to the events of "Execution", including grieving the heroic loss of Bradley Whitford's Commander Lawrence. Though to say they simply grieved his loss isn't complete; they also celebrated his redemption.
I have never been so completely shattered and satisfied to this extent in my entire life. Bravo Handmaid's Tale. Bravo. 👏🏽 #TheHandsmaidsTale pic.twitter.com/keO5ORywRn — no one (@mehjee_850) May 20, 2025
Tonight's episode of The Handmaid's tale has me crying, screaming , throwing up on the floor. I knew Lawrence was gonna redeem himself some way I didn't expect this 😭😭 #thehandsmaidstale pic.twitter.com/3zDtWtWYFw — Claudia _Morningstar (@wcake_wo) May 20, 2025
There were those who couldn't help but not only praise the heroism of some characters, but to throw the late Nick some final shade.
The pure satisfaction of the Handmaid's Tale right now after all those years of bullshit—it's elite.
Lydia, we've been waiting so long! And Serena, you did the right thing! Ava, you're new and I love you, CIA girl! But Lawrence, damn. Eleanor would be proud. And Nick, well… pic.twitter.com/FxJSWicoXB — Complain Factory (@ComplainFactory) May 20, 2025
Overall, it seems clear that the general consensus is that "Execution" succeeds as one of the most satisfying episodes of "The Handmaid's Tale" ever.
Just finished episode 9 of The Handmaid's Tale and I was screaming, crying, shaking the ENTIRE time. Hands down the best episode of the entire series. I need a moment. #TheHandmaidsTale pic.twitter.com/cJKHEz54h3 — Alice (@ArmoAlice) May 20, 2025
The Handmaid's Tale - Season 6 - Episode 9 - 'Execution'.
Chef's kiss. pic.twitter.com/Caj9Uo61K6 — Manu Bergher (@manuelbergher) May 20, 2025
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