*Season 1&2 spoilers ahead*
The Handmaid’s Tale is arguably one of the most harrowing shows on television right now. Based on the best-selling novel by Margaret Atwood, the series explores a dystopian society where women are enslaved and forced to have children which they must then give away. Here’s a list of the most terrible villains on the show ranked from bad to pure evil.
5. Commander Lawrence
Commander Lawrence is introduced to the show as a quirky character who doesn’t follow the rules. He ends up helping Emily escape and aiding June in her plan to free Gilead’s children. Although Commander Lawrence tries to make amends, we mustn’t forget that he was the man who invented the idea of the Colonies. The Colonies are a brutal placement for “gender traitors” to work until they die of radioactive poisoning.
4. Commander Putnam
All of the commanders who willingly participate in the ceremonies are despicable, but Commander Putnam is a special type of evil. He convinces Janine that he loves her and wants to run away with her. It turns out that this was all just to take advantage of her and his deception leads Janine to attempt suicide.
3. Aunt Lydia
Aunt Lydia is a complex character. It genuinely seems that she is a true believer who follows the rules because she believes she is doing right by God. Although she occasionally displays a glimmer of humanity, more often than not she seems to take pleasure in torturing the handmaids. It thus seems more likely that she is a woman on a power trip who cannot accept her crimes and instead hides behind her doctrine.
2. Fred Waterford
Fred Waterford is one of the most powerful commanders in Gilead. Without his help, it is doubtful that the regime would have been made possible. What makes Fred worse is the fact he occasionally shows shreds of decency. He often acts like he actually cares about June and his wife, only to punish them when they are “defiant.”
1. Serena Joy
Serena Joy wrote the book that inspired the creation of Gilead. Even though she ends up oppressed herself, her treatment of June and the handmaids is unforgivable. The final episodes of season 2 show a more human side of Serena, only she soon backtracks and reveals what a monster she really is.
