Did The Handmaid’s Tale Finally Make Nick a Tragic Hero in the Season 6 Finale?

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In the final season of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” there was an effort to portray Nick (Max Minghella) as a more compassionate and pitiful character, even though previous episodes had depicted him taking sinister actions before his demise. The Hulu series is based on Margaret Atwood’s influential and ever-relevant novel that depicts an America dominated by a theocratic regime that forces fertile women to become enslaved childbearers. In “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Elizabeth Moss’s character, June Osborne, is forced into becoming a Handmaid but struggles to break free from Gilead.

When June begins working with the Waterford family, she meets their driver, Nick Blaine, who develops a romantic relationship with her as they both aim to defy the oppressive regime of Gilead. However, while June struggles to flee from Gilead, Nick advances in his position, eventually reaching the rank of Commander. In a critical moment, he betrays vital information that jeopardizes a mission involving June and the Mayday Resistance. Heartbroken by this betrayal, June ends their relationship, and Nick goes back to his duties. Tragically, he perishes alongside other Boston Commanders in an assassination attempt.

The Handmaid’s Tale Finale Reminds June Of Her Love For Nick

Several Characters Try To Highlight His Positive History

In the series finale, when June and former Gilead housewife Serena Joy (Yvonne Strahovski) meet for their last talk, Nick’s name comes up. When Serena expresses regret over Nick’s fate, June responds that he received his just due. Yet, Serena maintains that if Nick had known he had a choice, he would have remained with June till the very end.

In the series, it’s not just Serena Joy who encourages June to recall her time with Nick more affectionately; Luke, June’s husband, also does so. In their poignant goodbye before separating, he advises her to keep in mind those who were significant during her difficult experiences, among whom is Nick. The episode’s concluding montage of joyful moments shared between Nick and June, along with other friends and associates, seems to be an intentional effort to portray Nick in a more favorable light.

Serena Joy Insists Nick Didn’t Have A Choice

Nick Was Placed In A difficult position, But His Choices Afterward Defined Him

Although Serena, Luke, and the episode’s montages may suggest a resolution, they fail to encompass the full complexity of the situation. Nick has made amends for his mistakes and devoted himself wholeheartedly to June’s mission, yet his involvement in the Jezebel massacre had dire consequences. Not only did it expose the Mayday Resistance’s plans to Gilead’s leaders, but it also resulted in the tragic loss of several women. In an attempt to explain himself to June, Nick asserted that his actions were for their sake and vowed to spirit her away from this nightmare to Paris.

When June indicates that their relationship has ended, Nick decides to stop assisting the Resistance since he sees no personal advantage in it. He rejects helping Rita and her family, instead pledging his loyalty to Gilead. This choice underscores his comment to Joseph Lawrence about choosing the “Winning side.” This decisive moment reveals a significant flaw in Nick’s character that prevents him from fully transforming into a better person.

Nick Wasn’t A Hero, But He’s A More Complicated Villain

Nick’s Attempts To Be Better Show He Could Be So Much More

For Nick, his actions have generally been motivated more by personal gain rather than moral righteousness. Before the emergence of Gilead, he became involved with the Sons of Jacob’s cause and even assisted in the takeover, hoping that his actions would improve his life in the new world. Although his public role might suggest otherwise, his involvement in the establishment of Gilead and rapid ascension within the Eyes do indicate his loyalty, as he was fully aware of the nature of the regime he was helping to instate.

It could be reasoned that Nick was more suitable for recruitment given the circumstances he found himself in. His motivation for joining the Sons of Jacob stemmed from the financial struggles his family faced after his father and brother lost their jobs at a steel mill, leaving them in poverty. Moreover, it seems that Nick assumes roles and is prepared to perform wrongdoings if it ensures the survival of those he cares about, such as June.

Additionally, Nick was striving to make amends for his past actions prior to meeting June, as he felt that his role in the Eyes could help “Reform Gilead” following the realization of the Waterfords’ previous Handmaid’s fate. This may account for Serena’s understanding towards Nick, since she too, had once thought that she could improve Gilead from within when the flaws in the system became evident to her. Despite their disagreements with the system, they both believed it was worth trying to change it for the better.

Eventually, it was in this moment that Nick’s character was truly revealed. When June realized she could never forgive him for the Jezebel massacre, it became clear what mattered most to Nick: personal gain over any allegiance or belief he once held. Interestingly, we’ve seen June forgive Serena and Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) after they committed heinous acts in the past, merely because they were dedicated to the cause. Had Nick fought for something greater, he might have earned her forgiveness as well. However, when faced with the prospect of receiving no reward, Nick seemed to abandon all that he previously stood for, revealing his true priorities.

Nick’s Legacy Can Live On In The Testaments

Nichole May Redeem Her Father’s Name Through Doing What He Didn’t

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, if June, guided by Serena and Luke’s wisdom, chooses forgiveness and moves past her past wrongdoers, there’s a strong chance that the enigma surrounding her legacy will be unveiled in “The Testaments”. Although June may have entrusted Nichole to Holly (Cherry Jones), her mother, it is plausible that she might still reveal the truth about her father, emphasizing the significance of a parent’s presence in a child’s life, a lesson June herself has learned. Despite Nick seemingly making his decision at the fall of Boston, it wouldn’t be out of character for June to share her experiences with Nichole as they grow up together.

Additionally, though some viewers of “The Handmaid’s Tale” might find his most questionable actions off-putting, Nick could potentially see his legacy restored through the character of Nichole. In the upcoming novel “The Testaments,” Nichole is likely to be a significant character, and her journey may be influenced by both her mother and father in their ongoing struggle against Gilead. Although it won’t erase his past mistakes, it could help preserve his admirable qualities for future generations.

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2025-05-30 21:58