Alexis Bledel will join 'The Handmaid's Tale' Season 2, but what does it mean?

Even with one season under its belt, The Handmaid's Tale is just getting started. Season 2 is already confirmed, and as of Thursday The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Alexis Bledel will return as Emily, the handmaid who kickstarted Offred's rebellion in Season 1.

Bledel guest starred in Season 1, appearing less frequently towards the end, after Ofglen received sinister punishment for her alleged crimes against Gilead. According to THR, she's now a series regular, which poses interesting questions about the show's direction.

Since The Handmaid's Tale utilizes flashbacks in the vein of Lost or Orange is the New Black, we may finally learn more of Emily's past -- her wife, her child, and her journey to becoming Ofglen (she's now known as Ofsteven).

And since Emily is the one who got June a part in the rebellion, maybe she'll give more guidance, even if she can't actively be involved. Then again, Emily is pretty indisposed after her joy ride through the farmer's market. The mere chance of her being alive seems a surprisingly merciful move from the folks in charge -- then again, she's nothing to them but a fertile womb.

Given the season finale, we don't know exactly what's next for June, but we can definitely expect these women to cross paths again in their shared quest to free Gilead.

The Handmaid's Tale Season 2 does not yet have a release date.