We soon find out why Commander Waterford didn't strangle June as soon as she stepped through his door — he needs her to help save his wife. At the beginning of the episode, not long after June has escaped with Nichole, we see Waterford tell Nick and Serena that they need to call the Guardians about their missing baby. Serena (who is still missing a finger thanks to her husband, as a reminder) gives him a withering reply in response: "We should give her more time to get away . . . I did what was best for my child." Serena's not messing around anymore, y'all.
Commander Waterford is then forced to formulate a plan to protect his wife — he lies to the government, saying Serena and Offred fought to save baby Nichole, but Ofjoseph (Emily) kidnapped her and ran off. "It's the only way to keep you off the wall," he tells Serena, obviously assuming this act of kindness will make her fall into his arms with gratitude. But what he clearly doesn't understand is that Serena is a woman transformed; June's influence has reawakened the fierceness within her, replacing her submissive tendencies with a steely resolve. Needless to say, she's unmoved by her husband's plan.