Warning: The following contains SPOILERS for The Handmaid's Tale season 6, episodes 1-3.It's been over seven years since the United States fell to the Republic of Gilead, yet season 6 episodes of The Handmaid's Tale season 5's ending includes both a surge in anti-refugee sentiment in Canada and a devastating blow to the U.S. Army, as Gilead's own military successfully shoots down several American planes. As season 6 picks up directly from where season 5 left off, tensions are mounting, and the conflict is approaching a critical turning point.

The Handmaid's Tale season 6's characters step into their distinct roles in the revolution, key alliances — both within and outside Gilead — will determine the resistance's success. Notably, the odds of the United States defeating Gilead are increasingly uncertain, especially with New Bethlehem receiving global , and Lawrence's commerce initiative shifting the balance of power in Gilead's favor.

The United States Only Has Control Over Alaska & Hawai'i Of The 50 States

Rebels Have A Hold On Several Cities Within The US's Former Land

Over five seasons, the show used its characters to explore various territories within and beyond Gilead, including The Handmaid's Tale's No Man's Land. As a result, it became increasingly difficult to determine just how much control the new republic has over former U.S. territory. Season 6, episode 1 settles the confusion, confirming that only Alaska and Hawai'i remain as official and somewhat functional U.S. states. This is visually underscored by the American flag shown in the episode, now bearing just two stars, symbolizing the limited reach of the U.S. government in the world of Gilead.

Additionally, Alaska remains the only viable refuge for characters who want to stay relatively close to Gilead for occasional infiltrations, such as June (Elisabeth Moss), as she continues her pursuit of her daughter Hannah (Jordana Blake). It's important to note that, while no formal U.S. government operates within the mainland, the show previously revealed the existence of pocket cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, where the American resistance maintains a foothold. These regions are under constant siege, as Gilead forces persistently attempt to reclaim control.

The United States Has Power In Canada - But It's Dwindling

Canada Is Considering De-Recognizing The US After New Bethlehem & Commerce Initiatives

At the start of The Handmaid's Tale, Canada is portrayed as a safe haven for American refugees, with characters like Luke (O-T Fagbenle) and Moira (Samira Wiley) spending most of their time in Little America, a community in Toronto. The northern country initially offered strong , even allowing the U.S. government-in-exile to operate offices in Canadian cities. Notably, Mark Tuello (Sam Jaeger), an American representative, frequently worked alongside the Canadian military and the International Criminal Court to prosecute Gilead criminals. However, by season 4, Commander Lawrence (Bradley Whitford) hints that U.S. resources are dwindling, and the government's influence is on the decline.

The United States' fall is accelerated by Gilead's rising fertility rates compared to other developed countries, and by Serena's (Yvonne Strahovski) strategic arc in The Handmaid's Tale as a global ambassador. Her image promotes the notion that Gilead is a society living in accordance with divine will, appealing to a global longing for order and belief. Additionally, a Canadian diplomat visiting New Bethlehem remarks that "[American] refugees put an unmanageable burden on Canada," signaling a growing public and political impatience. This statement heavily foreshadows Canada may soon shut down American offices and shelters within its borders.

Canada and other countries' ive stance is influenced not only by growing public frustration with the refugee crisis but also by Gilead's increasing military strength and its promise for free trade and increased fertility.

This shift has been a long time coming since the protests depicted in seasons 4 and 5, with Tuello pretty much confirming the Canadian cabinet is considering "normalizing relations with Gilead." Canada and other countries' ive stance is influenced not only by growing public frustration with the refugee crisis but also by Gilead's increasing military strength and its promise for free trade and increased fertility. Additionally, capitalizing on the anti-refugee tension, Gilead's New Bethlehem plan is being used to rebrand the republic, as refugees are allowed repatriation and a chance to reunite with family.

Can The United States Ever Defeat Gilead?

The US's Best Chances Are To Forces With Mayday, Rebels & Refugees

If the majority of refugees return to Gilead and Canada closes its American offices, it's only a matter of time before the U.S. loses recognition. However, history suggests that refugees, still viewed as traitors, are unlikely to be safe in New Bethlehem. While Lawrence appears sincere in his efforts to reform Gilead's theocracy and prevent human rights violations, it's strongly implied that he underestimates Commander Wharton's (Josh Charles) agenda in The Handmaid's Tale. Although Gilead enjoys diplomatic interest now, it's unclear if other countries would happily turn a blind eye to violence against refugees in the current situation.

The Testaments, the highly anticipated spinoff of The Handmaid's Tale based on Margaret Atwood's sequel novel, began filming in April 2025 and is likely to premiere in early 2026.

The German ambassador in The Handmaid's Tale is clearly an ally of the United States, as he informs Nick (Max Minghella) that June wants to meet. Meanwhile, Tuello has ed forces with Mayday, the network working to dismantle Gilead from within. Though Gilead recently dealt a major blow to the U.S. Army by downing several planes, The Handmaid's Tale's trailer for season 6 suggests the American forces are preparing for a final fight. While Mayday's numbers remain unclear, with the of former U.S. soldiers, rebels in pocket cities, and refugees, a large-scale uprising may finally be within reach.