Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Handmaid's Tale Season 5, Episode 3!
Serena Joy Waterford is one of the main villains in The Handmaid's Tale, and after the death of her husband Fred Waterford, it seems that she had one more plan: marrying Commander Lawrence. Back in Gilead for Fred's funeral, Serena spends some time with the various Commanders as they discuss what their next actions should be amidst the growing hostility between Gilead and Canada. In The Handmaid's Tale season 5, episode 3, "Border," Serena hints at wanting to marry Commander Lawrence, and while it doesn't work out, her plan to marry him has some major implications.
The Handmaid's Tale season 5 continues the series' grand story, which follows a woman named June Osborne as she attempts to escape and end the theocratic nation of Gilead. The Handmaid's Tale season 4 and is currently seeking revenge on the Waterfords and the rest of the powerful figures in Gilead. After June and a group of escapees violently killed Fred in the season 5 finale, June now has her sights set on Serena, who has traveled back to Gilead in order to bury Fred in his home country. During the televised funeral, Serena interacts with June's oldest daughter Hannah, heightening tensions and establishing an explosive setup for The Handmaid's Tale season 6.
Before leaving Gilead in "Border," several of the Commanders and their wives suggest that Commander Lawrence and Serena should both remarry, with Commander Lawrence having lost his wife in season 3. Although Commander Lawrence is apprehensive to the idea, Serena seems to be on board with the idea. Serena continues to hint at the idea throughout the episode, with Commander Lawrence eventually asking if she expected something of him. In The Handmaid's Tale season 5, episode 2, Serena is still mourning the death of Fred, which (on top of her never showing romantic interest in Commander Lawrence) makes her plan in "Border" fairly surprising. However, by looking at Serena's motivations throughout the series, her plan starts to make perfect sense.
What Serena Marrying Commander Lawrence Would've Meant
Fred Waterford's death has sparked something in his wife, with Serena trying to accrue more and more power throughout The Handmaid's Tale season 5. She has been gaining the sympathy of Canadians, shifting public opinion against June Osborne, and is now an international ambassador for Gilead. Because of this, it is clear that Serena's motivation for marrying Commander Lawrence isn't love - it's power. As Agent Mark Tuello tells her, Gilead isn't friendly to unmarried women. Getting married to anyone would help Serena Joy's plan for Gilead, but marrying Commander Lawrence - one of Gilead's top Commanders - would greatly increase her influence, allowing her to continue the mission that her husband started.
Why Serena Joy Cannot Marry Commander Lawrence
Out of all the people in Gilead, Serena is probably the last person Commander Waterford wants to marry. Waterford has been constantly involved with anti-Gilead activities, helping Handmaids escape and even aiding in the murder of Fred Waterford. It isn't known exactly how suspicious the Commanders are of Lawrence, but considering that they intervened in a conversation between Nick and Agent Tuello, it's safe to say that they probably have their doubts regarding Lawrence's allegiance to Gilead. Out of all of them, Serena is probably the furthest down the Gilead rabbit hole, meaning that Commander Lawrence needs to stay far away from her.
What Does Commander Lawrence Actually Want In The Handmaid's Tale?
Commander Lawrence's role in Fred Waterford's death proves that his allegiances do not lie with Gilead - but his plan still isn't certain. From his debut, it was clear that Lawrence went against some of Gilead's ideological beliefs, allowing Emily to read when she was his Handmaid. He doesn't seem to be particularly religious, only reciting Biblical phrases around other Commanders. Lawrence also didn't participate in the Ceremony with Emily or June, cementing his moral high ground above the rest of Gilead's men (although the bar is very low). While Lawrence has clearly shown his disdain for Gilead, he still assists them. He takes part in planning sessions with other Commanders, remarks about Gilead's successes, and even continues to run the Gilead economy, something he is credited with building. Commander Lawrence's motivations are still a mystery, but with The Handmaid's Tale ending after season 6, his true plans will inevitably be revealed in the near future.
New episodes of The Handmaid's Tale season 5 release Wednesdays on Hulu.