Commander Judd's Downfall

Commander Judd's ambition and cruelty lead to his eventual loss of power and likely death.

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Rise to Power

The Architect of Terror The Mastermind Commander Judd is one of the founding Sons of Jacob who orchestrated the coup. He is in charge of the Eyes, the secret police. He is feared and respected. He has already disposed of several wives through convenient deaths. The Relationship with Lydia Judd and Aunt Lydia have a complex relationship. He sees her as a useful tool. She provides him with intelligence and controls the women's sphere. He believes he molded her, but she has her own agenda. He is confident that she is loyal. The Vulnerability Despite his power, Judd is vulnerable. The fall of Gilead would mean his execution. He is desperate to find Baby Nicole to use as a propaganda tool to shore up his position. He does not realize that Lydia is plotting against him.

The Hunt for Nicole

A Desperate Grasp The Plan to Marry When Judd learns that Nicole is in Gilead, he immediately plans to marry her to consolidate his power. He pressures Aunt Lydia to reveal her location. Lydia stalls, claiming Nicole needs to be prepared. The Raid on the Print Shop Judd orders a raid on the Ardua Hall print shop, looking for evidence of treason. He finds nothing but alienates Lydia. He is under pressure from the Council to produce results. His behavior becomes more erratic. The Betrayal Lydia arranges for Nicole to escape. Judd is furious. He threatens to have Lydia killed. He orders that Nicole be shot rather than allowed to escape. But he is too late. The microdot is already on its way to Canada.

The Final Meeting

A Clash of Wills The Accusation Judd calls Lydia to his office. He is trembling with rage. He knows that Nicole has fled. He demands to know who else knows her identity. Lydia lies, saying no one else knows. She is calm, but inside she knows the game is almost over. The Threat Judd warns that if Nicole is not found, both of them will be purged. He says that a dead Baby Nicole is more useful than a living one. He orders that she be shot on sight. Lydia agrees, but she has already sent the message. The Aftermath After Lydia leaves, Judd is left alone. He does not know that his own Wife, Shunammite, is being hidden in the Calm and Balm Clinic. He will soon be implicated in the crimes revealed by the microdot. His fate is sealed.

early in Gilead's history, when Judd is a key Son of Jacob

the weeks leading up to the escape, when Nicole is in Gilead

the night before the escape, when Judd confronts Lydia