Serena Joy (played by Yvonne Strahovski) and her husband Fred Waterford (Joseph Fiennes) were both arrested at the end of season three of The Handmaid’s Tales for the atrocities they had both committed during their time in Gilead. But with a war on the horizon, it unknown whether they will be free to fight. However, Yvonne has now opened up on what she finds difficult to accept in her character and which day of filming was the hardest for her.
The Waterford family was introduced back in the first season when June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss) was handed over to them as their handmaid.
It quickly became clear that the only thing Serena wanted in the world was a baby, but unable to do so, it was up to the handmaid to provide, and so the “ceremonies” with Fred began.
As it turns out, Fred wasn’t able to father any children, leaving Serena desperate and looking for another way.
June and the Waterford’s driver Nick Blaine (Max Minghella) had already struck up a relationship at this point, but in a last-ditch attempt at a child, Serena forced Nick and June to conceive baby Nichole.
This wasn’t the only indecency Serena committed during her time in Gilead, and now she is being punished for her crimes.
The Handmaid’s Tale: Serena Joy star reveals uncomfortable scene (Image: HULU)
The Handmaid’s Tale: Serena and Fred betrayed each other at the end of the last season (Image: HULU)
Before this though, Yvonne Strahovski who plays Serena has now opened up about what she enjoyed least about filming and it came in season three in the episode called “Household” when Fred and Serena make a public call to get baby Nichole back.
Yvonne said that in the episode the Waterfords stand in front of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument.
She explained: “To stand in an area known for people exercising their First Amendment rights to peacefully assemble and object felt dirty.”
The Handmaid’s Tale: Serena Joy has been fighting to get baby Nichole back (Image: HULU)
The Handmaid’s Tale: Fred and Serena were both arrested by the federal police (Image: HULU )
She explained: “As actors, when you play these horrid characters, [you know] that yes, they have feelings and they have hearts.
“And they have moments where you, as an audience member, can sympathize.
“And selfishly, as an actor, I want you to feel pity for Serena and be confused [by her choices].
“But you just feel kind of gross sitting there and justifying all these horrendous actions.”
The Handmaid’s Tale fans last saw Fred and Serena locked in a silent battle as they betrayed one another for their own gains.
In trying to get power over her husband, she attempted to get him arrested.
But, when the police came asking questions, the weak Commander Waterford gave up his wife without a second thought.
As soon as Fred and Serena crossed over the border to Canada, they were arrested by the Federal Police, and it seems this could be it for them both.
Joseph who plays Fred also spoke out recently about what is to come for Fred and Serena once Season four airs next year.
