As The Handmaid’s Tale wraps up its long and intense run, Yvonne Strahovski has given a glimpse into what’s coming next and it sounds like fans should brace themselves. Talking about the sixth and final season, Strahovski hinted at dramatic turns, especially when it comes to Serena Joy Waterford, the controversial character she’s played since the beginning.
In a chat on CBS Mornings Plus, Strahovski didn’t confirm any clear direction for Serena, but she did say that this season might be the character’s biggest reckoning yet. “This is probably Serena’s biggest opportunity to truly face the weight of her actions,” she said. Whether that leads to redemption or a deeper descent remains to be seen, but it’s clear her arc is far from over.
As The Handmaid’s Tale nears its end, Yvonne Strahovski teases Serena Joy’s most dramatic reckoning yet in the final seasonGetty Images
Serena has always been a complicated figure: equal parts cold and quietly desperate and fans have noticed. Strahovski admitted that people sometimes keep their distance when they recognise her, likely because Serena’s presence on screen has left such a strong impression. “People tend to act a little cautious around me,” she laughed. “She’s so harsh on the show, I think it freaks people out.”
As the story nears its close, the cast is definitely feeling the pressure to deliver a meaningful payoff. Strahovski shared that co-star and executive producer Elisabeth Moss emphasised the importance of this final chapter being one for the fans. “This is the season where everything builds. The rebellion, the resistance, it all comes together,” she said. “It’s emotional, it’s bold, and some moments will truly catch people off guard.”
Looking back, Strahovski spoke about how far Serena has come since the early episodes. Once defined by cruelty and control, Serena’s journey into motherhood seemed to shift something in her. “Becoming a mother was all she ever wanted. That experience forced her to see things differently and opened her up, even if just a little,” Strahovski reflected.
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The Handmaid’s Tale might be ending, but it’s definitely not going out quietly. The final season is streaming now on Hulu, with new episodes dropping every Tuesday. Expect tension, surprises, and maybe even redemption.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.