Handmaids Tale - Commander Lawrence's motivation

I have been watching "The Handmaids Tale". Up to Season 3, and am fascinated by the character of Commander Lawrence.

Played with aplomb as always by Bradley Whitfield (don't really like his politics, yet he is a great actor), he is by far the most interesting male character in the show now.

It seems he was an economics professor in the old days and has written several books. Supposedly the "visionary" and intellectual mastermind of Gilead, and high up the leadership chain.

A few points.

1. It is clear that he still has a strong belief in Gilead and the economic and political frameworks he has put together.

2. Believes he is doing good for the world.

3. Values Intellect, hard work and honesty.

4. Loves his wife.


Which makes it odd that he is running a Matha resistance cell against the regime in his home, and allowed the bomb to go off in the new Handmaid center that killed off so many commanders (and handmaids). For someone who believes in Gilead, that is an odd decision.

So I wonder if it is wife who is in charge of the resistance, rather than him. And its his love for his wife that is guiding him to overlook the traitors. Either way, it still seems a very large risk to take, especially when Mayday would be looking at high profile targets like Commander Lawrence. Killing him would put a large dent in the leadership of the Government.

Or maybe he is using the cell to gain ultimate power for himself. By allowing the cell to keep active, he keeps the Gilead leadership on their toes and focused on internal security.  And as he does not go to meetings with the other Commanders, he would be able to target the leadership with impunity, safely ensconced in his own house. Also, puts him in a very strong position to close down the resistance if he ever turned against them.

But then again, maybe he wants his ideas to go global. By controlling the resistance, and allowing potential leaders like Emily out of Gilead, he is spreading the influence of his ideas to Canada and the outside world. It is clear from his conversations with June that he is trying to "Populate the world", not just the US and so his ultimate aim may be to get other countries to follow his methods.

Really interesting stuff. Anyway, I will look forward to watching his character develop