The Handmaid's Tale explained as fans wonder about Commander Lawrence's wife Eleanor and her fate

The long-awaited sixth and final season of The Handmaid's Tale made its debut on Hulu last week, marking the show's return after an extended break.

The previous season aired back in 2022, but due to Hollywood strikes, the series was absent from our screens for almost three years.

As the Emmy-winning drama enters its concluding chapter, some viewers may need a refresher on character developments and key plot points.

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One character that has piqued the interest of many is Commander Lawrence, portrayed by Bradley Whitford, and his first wife Eleanor Lawrence, played by Julie Dretzin.

Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the poignant story of Eleanor and her unfortunate end in The Handmaid's Tale, reports .

Who was Commander Lawrence's wife and what became of her?

Before Gilead came into existence, Eleanor Lawrence was an art professor. She featured in the second and third seasons of the show.

Both Emily (Alexis Bledel) and June (Elisabeth Moss) were assigned as Handmaids to the Lawrence household.

In their pre-Gilead life, Eleanor desired children, a wish not shared by her husband Joseph and depressinly ironic given Gilead's aim of producing children through state-sponsored rape.

Despite this, the couple appeared content before the rise of the totalitarian regime, with Commander Lawrence even creating mix-tapes to woo Eleanor during their courtship.

Even under Gilead's rule, it was evident that Commander Lawrence held a deep affection for his wife, a sentiment not commonly seen in Gilead marriages.

However, the advent of Gilead brought about drastic changes, with Eleanor grappling with mental health issues - a matter Commander Lawrence later regretted not paying more attention to.

In The Handmaid's Tale, Eleanor's fragile state became increasingly evident as she made confusing statements and shocking revelations, including the fact that Commander Lawrence was the mastermind behind the Colonies of Gilead.

Ultimately, June discovered Eleanor after she had deliberately overdosed on her medication. In a moment of compassion, June chose not to call for help, instead allowing Eleanor to pass away, freeing her from her troubled existence.

June then quietly exited the room, returning to her own quarters, leaving the household Marthas to discover Eleanor's lifeless body the following morning.

A grief-stricken Commander Lawrence was left to officiate Eleanor's funeral, with June paying her respects beside him at the grave.

Speculation suggests that Eleanor's struggles with mental health may have been a result of her husband's pivotal role in Gilead's creation.

In a poignant moment, Commander Lawrence confided in June that his late wife would have wanted him to take responsibility for his actions rather than fleeing to Canada.

The storyline continued in season five with Commander Lawrence marrying Naomi Putnam, following the execution of her husband. In contrast to Eleanor, Commander Lawrence described Naomi as a traditional "old school Gilead wife" who refused to accept Janine's presence in their home after Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) suggested the idea, as seen in season six.

Aunt Lydia's efforts to protect Janine, whom she believed could have a better life after her tenure as a Handmaid, proved futile when Janine ended up at Jezebel's, shattering any illusions of a brighter future.

The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 will be coming to Prime Video on May 3 and later in 2025 in the UK