The Handmaid’s Tale: Who Are The Wheeler’s?

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In Season 5 of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale‘, the captivating dystopian tale first introduced in 2017 takes unexpected turns, keeping viewers hooked as ever. June Osborne has managed to escape Gilead, while Serena Joy Waterford grapples with fresh hurdles in Canada. The series continues to keep us guessing, and this time, the troublemakers aren’t just familiar faces – a new duo has arrived on the scene, causing chaos in unanticipated ways. This fresh pair introduces an extra layer of tension that sets this season apart from what we’re accustomed to.

The narrative continues following significant events. Fred Waterford has met his end, murdered by handmaids in a harsh retribution, leaving Serena in a predicament – pregnant and isolated. She embarks on a journey to Canada, striving to preserve her status as a representative of Gilead. However, her plans don’t run smoothly; protests cause the closure of the Gilead Cultural Center, forcing her to find alternative lodgings. It is at this point that an enigmatic duo presents itself, providing her with a temporary shelter. Initially, it appears to be a fortunate turn of events for Serena, but it isn’t long before it becomes apparent that there’s more to the situation than meets the eye.

So who are these latest additions to the cast? They are Alanis and Ryan Wheeler, a well-off Canadian couple with a strong appreciation for Gilead’s principles. Portrayed by Genevieve Angelson and Lucas Neff, they reside close to the border, not only backing the regime but also abiding by its rules even in a nation that is supposed to be free.

Alanis serves as the fuel propelling their endeavor, a woman consumed by Gilead’s vow of babies amidst scarcity. Ryan, her steadier partner, supports her financially and discretely. Together, they shelter Serena once the center shuts down; however, their generosity is conditioned.

The Wheelers are quick to reveal their true nature; Alanis bows before Serena’s pregnant stomach as if she were a sacred idol, which is unsettling and foreshadows the events to come. Before long, they assert control – confining Serena within their home, seizing her phone, and even introducing medical equipment to prevent her from leaving. It appears they view the unborn child as their own possession, effectively reducing Serena to a servant under their roof, reminiscent of a Handmaid in Gilead. For Serena, who was instrumental in creating the brutal regime of Gilead, this is a harsh dose of her own medicine.

The Wheelers are distinctive due to their ability to straddle the boundary between Canada and Gilead. They aren’t military leaders or appointed figures, yet they hold influence – enough to govern a territory known as No Man’s Land, situated near the border. At one point, Alanis boasts that Ryan doesn’t respond to orders from Gilead’s commanders, suggesting they are connected to something more substantial. It could be wealth or connections, but whatever it is, their influence allows them to keep Serena captive and later claim custody of her son, Noah, following his birth and her arrest. This intricate arrangement leaves us questioning the extent of their control.

The individuals responsible for creating the Wheelers characters imbue them with a vividness that lingers strongly. Genevieve Angelson, who has appeared in series such as ‘New Amsterdam’ and ‘Good Girls Revolt’, portrays Alanis with a blend of dedication and threat. Lucas Neff, recognized from ‘Raising Hope’, maintains Ryan as calm and constant, making his quiet commands seem particularly chilling. Although they’re not in Gilead, they’ve constructed their own small replica of it in Canada, and Serena finds herself trapped in the center. It’s difficult not to contemplate that they serve as a sinister reflection of what she and Fred once were – influential, religious, and relentless.

At the conclusion of Season 5, the Wheelers leave an indelible impact. Serena manages to break free, but not before firing at their bodyguard and losing Noah in their custody. Their departure is tumultuous, and it seems likely that we haven’t heard the last from them. Will they pursue Serena? The origins of their influence are puzzling. As the series reaches its finale, there are many loose ends to tie up, and this enigmatic couple could hold the answers to some of the show’s most pressing questions. One thing is certain—they have made ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ more captivating than ever before.

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2025-04-09 15:14