Understanding the Major Book Change in ‘The Testaments’

If you caught the Hulu adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s “The Testaments” after reading the novel, you probably noticed a major change to the character of Daisy. Even though the series holds onto Daisy’s essence from the book, there’s one significant difference that sets the show apart. The brains behind the series, Bruce Miller, shed light on this change.

Taking place roughly four years post-events of “The Handmaid’s Tale” finale, “The Testaments” shares a coming-of-age story that follows a new generation of young women in Gilead facing a daunting future. Growing up under Gilead’s rule, they’re devoid of any memories of life before this oppressive regime. They confront the idea of being married off and living as servants, seeking allies to help them fight for a better life.

Agnes/Hannah, played by Chase Infiniti, is June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss) and Luke Bankole’s (O-T Fagbenle) daughter, snatched by Gilead as a child and given a new identity. Daisy, portrayed by Lucy Halliday, is among Aunt Lydia’s Pearl Girls, immigrants seeking a life in Gilead and aspiring to be wives. Daisy is revealed to be an undercover Mayday agent in Gilead after her parents are killed in Toronto by the regime. While Daisy connects with June in the book, her early interaction with June takes place on the Hulu series.

The big twist here is that Daisy is actually Nichole, the child of June and Nick (Max Minghella). The show’s plot necessitated this change from the book to align with the time gap between “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “The Testaments” novel. Though the show hints at Nichole’s relationship with June in Toronto, Daisy’s role as June’s chosen daughter amps up the drama.

Miller explains that maintaining Daisy’s core characteristics from the book was crucial despite the alterations. He wanted an actor who bore a resemblance to Moss to reinforce the familial bond between the characters. The evolution of Daisy’s character was influenced by the dynamic between Lucy and Elisabeth Moss, making it feel naturally fitting that Daisy possesses traits similar to June.

As the series continues, watch for how Daisy mirrors June’s behavior and whether Agnes uncovers memories about her real mother as the story unfolds.

“The Testaments” airs on Hulu on Wednesdays, so don’t miss out on following Daisy, Agnes, and the rest of the captivating storyline.