These two might have more in common than audiences give them credit for.
Toward the end of Season 4, June and Luke seemed doomed to fail.
Season 5 picks up right where the finale left off and things are not looking good for June.
Image via Hulu
One of the most dramatic shifts is in June and Luke’s sex life.
Intimacy has been challenging for June since reuniting with her husband.
When she learns that Serena is pregnant, her obsession begins to take root.
Image via Hulu
What does eventually propel June towards an honest conversation with Luke is a safe space to express her anger.
In her support group, she asks in frustration, Why does healing have to be the only goal?
Why cant we be as furious as we feel?
Image via Hulu
Only then does she make progress toward her version of healing and communication.
The ever-looming question is if this love for their children is enough to keep them together.
At first, it put a tremendous strain on their reunion.
Image via Hulu
He needs her support when he wants to do things his way as well, and it works.
He successfully shut Serena out of the only refuge she has in Canada by going through the proper authorities.
But Don’t Forget Nick
Nick can never be understated as a valuable presence in Junes life.
This interaction is ripe with subtext as June needs to contain her excitement.
Immediately upon meeting Nick, the difference between her two relationships is abundantly clear.
Her banter with Nick is effortless, and physically, they cannot get enough of each other.
They share a tender kiss but continue the loving body language long afterward.
His cool distance is a different image of Nick than when they last met in Season 4.
Junes goals transcend seeking revenge on her abusers, or even reuniting with her daughters.
She struggles with this path, asking Moira What if this is who I am now?
She cant have both.