What happens to dentist Grove in The Testaments novel?

The Testaments viewers are left questioning whether Dr. Grove will be held accountable for his crimes.

*Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Testaments. It also contains mentions of sexual abuse, which some readers may find distressing.*

Episode 8 of The Handmaid's Tale sequel took a deeply upsetting turn when Hulda (played by Isolde Ardies) disclosed that she had been sexually abused by Dr. Grove (Randal Edwards) during her dental appointment.

Viewers will recall that the central protagonist, Agnes (Chase Infiniti), was also assaulted by the dentist back in Episode 4, yet chose to keep the incident to herself.

However, upon noticing that Hulda appeared visibly distressed in the most recent episode, Agnes drew her aside and enquired as to why she seemed so troubled. Hulda subsequently confided in Agnes that Grove had touched her inappropriately, before later reporting his actions to the Aunts, reports the Mirror.

Yet the Aunts urged both Agnes and Hulda to act as though nothing had occurred, apparently allowing the doctor to escape any consequences.

So what precisely became of the well-regarded dentist in the original novel?

What happens to Dr. Grove in The Testaments book?

In the book, Dr. Grove is publicly executed by being torn to pieces by Handmaids.

While Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) appears to dismiss Agnes and Hulda's allegations in the series, she actually orchestrates Grove's execution in the book.

Upon discovering that he had been abusing young girls, including his own daughter Becka (Mattea Conforti), Lydia sets Grove up to take the fall for the attempted assault of Aunt Elizabeth during a routine dental appointment.

The matter is brought before the courts, where his ultimate fate is determined.

A passage from the novel states: "As he was led out to the field, arms pinioned, he screamed, 'I didn't do it!" Aunt Elizabeth, the picture of outraged virtue, sternly blew the whistle.

"In two minutes, Dr. Grove was no more. Fists were raised, clutching clumps of bloodied hair torn out by the roots."

While it remains to be seen precisely how Grove's crimes will be addressed on screen, Lydia hinted that he will not escape justice in the most recent episode.

Viewers will need to tune in to the remaining two episodes to discover exactly what fate awaits him.

The Testaments continues on Disney+ next Wednesday, May 20

If you need support or advice on matters raised in this article, please visit www.rapecrisis.org.uk, call the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222 or chat to Rape Crisis online 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk.