As Hulu’s acclaimed dystopian drama The Handmaid’s Tale approaches its highly anticipated sixth and final season, stars Amanda Brugel and Sam Jaeger sat down with Where’s The Buzz host Nakia Richardson to discuss the journey that has brought them here. From their characters’ evolution to the emotional weight of concluding such an iconic series, Brugel and Jaeger offered fans a heartfelt glimpse behind the curtain.

Reflecting on the Journey: Rita and Mark’s Growth

Brugel, who has portrayed Rita Blue since the show’s inception, reflected on how her character and she herself have evolved over the years.

“I feel like Rita has really stood up and been able to find her voice, find her strength, and find that inner resistor. And I think the same can be said for me. I started this character in my early 40s, and as you won’t know for many years, girl, but you just sort of blossom and come into yourself. Sometimes, I would rely on Rita’s strength, and sometimes she would rely on mine.”

Rita has gone from a quiet, subservient Martha in Gilead to an integral part of the resistance, proving that survival isn’t just about enduring. It is about fighting back.

Jaeger, who joined the series in Season 2 as Mark Tuello, the calculated yet compassionate American operative, described his character’s resilience in the fight against Gilead.

“Mark has the long view… He’s trying to hold on to what is left of democracy, what is left of freedom. But he also has to hold space for people going through trauma. There was a time when we had more patience for those struggles, but it feels like that window is closing, and it’s hard. Mark is unraveling this season more than we’ve seen before.”

His words hint at a tumultuous season ahead, as Tuello’s dedication to the cause is put to the ultimate test.

The Strength of the ‘Strong Friends’

Richardson described Rita and Mark as the “strong friends” of the group, the ones who endure pain quietly while supporting those around them. But what happens when even the strongest allies reach their breaking point?

“That’s the thing,” Jaeger mused. “We’re so used to prioritizing others that we forget the toll it takes on ourselves. And Mark, in Season 6, will face that reckoning.”

Brugel agreed, adding that Rita has always been a survivor, but this season, audiences will see her step into an even greater leadership role.

If Season 6 Rita Could Give Advice to Season 1 Rita…

When asked what advice Season 6 Rita would give to her Season 1 self, Brugel laughed:

“Move sooner! Escape faster! Wrap this up!”

But then, in a more reflective tone, she shared:

“It’s easy to say, now that I have clarity, that I wish she had figured it out sooner. But the journey is what got her here. I think she would just tell herself to hold on, to trust, and to know that all of the strength she needs is already inside her.”

A Message to the Fans: “We Don’t Go Out Quietly”

With The Handmaid’s Tale coming to an end, emotions are running high among the cast and devoted fans alike. When asked what message they wanted to share with their loyal audience, both actors expressed deep gratitude.

Jaeger was quick to assure fans that the series isn’t just coasting to the finish line:

“Unlike a graduation, we don’t go out quietly. And we don’t just chalk it up to senior year, where you stop trying because you already know what comes next. The good thing about our show is that the people involved, Amanda, the writers, the crew, they care so much about the story. We want to send this off in a way that makes fans feel satisfied, because we know how much they’ve been through watching this show.”

Brugel added that the final season is more than just an ending. It is a statement.

“This season is a war cry of hope. It’s going to hurt, it’s going to shock, but it will also remind people why we fight, why we resist, and why we hold on to hope.”

What to Expect from the Final Season

While details about the plot remain closely guarded, fans can expect a high-stakes conclusion filled with tension, emotional reunions, and the fate of Gilead hanging in the balance.

With June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss) still fighting for justice, Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski) playing her own dangerous game, and Nick Blaine (Max Minghella) caught in the crossfire, Rita and Mark’s roles in the final battle will be more crucial than ever.

When and Where to Watch

The Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 premieres April 8, 2025, exclusively on Hulu.

This marks the end of an era, but as Brugel and Jaeger remind us, this fight isn’t over yet.

Are you ready for the final season? Let us know in the comments what you’re most excited about!