Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Handmaid’s Tale season 6, episode 4.
The Handmaid’s Talehas officially confirmed what sets Wharton apart from Fred Waterford, and his storyline keeps getting more interesting. Though earlyreviews forThe Handmaid’s Tale’s season 6weren’t quite sure what to make of him,the High Commander is quickly becoming the season’s most enigmatic character. Unlike Fred, who was a narcissistic, misogynistic, and power-hungry cynic, Wharton is being painted as an iron-willed, devoted leader with a sort of tragic and soft side, especially through his role as a protective father and grieving widower.
While Josh Charles was initially thought to play the final season’s main villain, episode 4 shows there might be more to Wharton than meets the eye. Among thecharacters in The Handmaid’s Tale season 6, he stands out as the one whose path or intentions aren’t easy to pin down, even if there remains a hint of darkness beneath a murky exterior. Notably, theending ofThe Handmaid’s Taleseason 6 episode 4features a very romantic sequence between Serena and Wharton, one that foreshadows a very different and more complex storyline than was expected for both.
Commander Wharton & Serena Joy’s Story Is Different, Unpredictable & Exciting
Wharton Is Unlike Other Powerful Men In Gilead
All along,Wharton had been visualized as season 6’s Fred replacement, however, he couldn’t be more different from his counterpart. The series' latest episode showshow opposite the High Commander is to the other powerful men in Gilead. He seems to be among the few that don’t have a double standard when it comes to reinforcing power and abusing it — firmly and openly reproving of going to Jezebel’s, as he claims service should exceed a man’s vices. Also, he confesses he’s always been the cook in his house, refusing to pass the task to a Martha.
The disparity between his actions and what he stands for only makesThe Handmaid’s Talecharacter more intriguing, especially through his puzzling relationship with Serena.
Charles has commented onthe tension between Wharton’s strict beliefs and his growing infatuation with Yvonne Strahovski’s character, who leads him into forbidden territory (viaEntertainment Weekly). So far, his desire to win her over seems to be outweighing his rigid ideals. One of the episode’s most surprising moments features Wharton serving Serena dessert — an act that subverts every expectation viewers might have for a Gilead High Commander. DespiteThe Handmaid’s Tale’s longstanding love triangle, Serena and Wharton dancing together in the street was quite unexpected, leaving their relationship and the Commander’s true nature, more mysterious than ever.
The Handmaid’s Tale May Be Setting Up A Commander Wharton Twist
Although he’s supposed to be the big bad in the series' finale,Charles' character has yet to reveal his darker side. However, the actor’s comments do hint that Wharton has a “brutality,” even if this is highlighted “by his kindness.” In other words, while he may not seem like a major threat now, the lengths he’s willing to go to “lead Gilead” could quite shock viewers. The disparity between his actions and what he stands for only makesThe Handmaid’s Talecharacter more intriguing, especially through his puzzling relationship with Serena.
The show’s history would suggest he is playing Serena, given how crucial she is to theNew Bethlehem plan inThe Handmaid’s Tale. Notably, he demonstrates himself quite opposed to the Gilead replacement, but rather seems to be interested in getting other countries to normalize relations with the Republic of Gilead. Despite his seemingly calm and gentle demeanor inThe Handmaid’s Taleuntil now, it wouldn’t be surprising if he attacks the idyllic haven once enough refugees return. In this way, he’d be the one marking the official start of war and igniting a long-brewing revolution.
