Why June and Nick Were Doomed to Never Find Happiness in The Handmaid’s Tale
With just one episode left in the sixth and final season of The Handmaid’s Tale, the fate of June and Nick’s doomed romance finally comes full circle—though their tragic ending was inevitable long before the explosive events of episode 9. Based on Margaret Atwood’s chilling dystopian novel, the Hulu series portrays a theocratic dictatorship that has overtaken America, enslaving fertile women as Handmaids forced to bear children. June Osborne, the story’s protagonist, tries to escape this brutal regime but is ultimately forced into servitude, where she encounters Nick Blaine (Max Minghella).
Nick begins as a driver for Commander Fred Waterford (Joseph Fiennes), the powerful Gilead official to whom June is assigned. Their relationship blossoms amidst the oppression, surviving through the early seasons. But it quickly becomes clear that their futures diverge sharply—Nick climbs the ranks to become a Commander, while June immerses herself deeper in the resistance against Gilead. Ultimately, Nick’s allegiance lies with the regime, and his life ends in flames when a bomb explodes on the plane he is aboard with other Commanders.
Why a Happy Ending for June and Nick Would Have Felt Out of Place
The brutal world of The Handmaid’s Tale is one of terrifying oppression and systemic cruelty, where women—whether Handmaids, Aunts, or even family members of leaders—are stripped of power and autonomy. A traditional “happy ending” for June and Nick, free from conflict or consequence, would undermine the story’s core themes. June’s character is defined by sacrifice and resistance, and ignoring Nick’s complicity and rise within the regime would do a disservice to her journey. Though Nick reveals a more compassionate side, by the end it’s clear he can never fully detach himself from the darkness of Gilead’s foundation.
Nick Was Never Truly Good
While Nick showed kindness to June, his true motivations were often self-serving. The show expands on Nick’s character far beyond the novel, revealing him as an early member of the Sons of Jacob—the fanatical group behind Gilead’s rise. This means Nick played a direct role in creating the oppressive laws June and many others suffer under. Although he aids June and the Mayday resistance, his loyalty is fluid and depends on what benefits him most. His ultimate betrayal—revealing rebel plans to his father-in-law to save June, resulting in the deaths of several Jezebels—breaks their bond permanently. Unlike before, Nick does not seek forgiveness, instead aligning himself once more with the Commanders. His choice to side with the “winning side” in the series finale confirms that, despite moments of growth, he prioritizes self-interest over morality.
Nick’s Fate Was Sealed from the Start
Even if Nick had chosen to fully atone for his past, his role in establishing Gilead likely doomed him. Had he sacrificed himself to bring down the regime, it would have marked a powerful redemption arc. However, whether as a Commander or rebel, it’s unlikely Nick could have shared a peaceful future with June. His past actions would haunt him, and any post-Gilead government would seek to hold him accountable. Commander Lawrence even acknowledges this grim reality, recognizing that Nick’s involvement with the Sons of Jacob means there is no escape from justice.
June and Nick’s Romance Remains One of the Most Powerful Elements of The Handmaid’s Tale
Despite their tragic fate, the relationship between June and Nick was a bright spot amid the darkness. Their bond offered both characters and viewers a rare glimpse of hope and love in an otherwise bleak world. June found someone who showed willingness to resist the regime, while Nick’s character was pushed toward moments of redemption. Their story evolved beyond a brief affair to a meaningful, albeit complicated, romance. Max Minghella and Elisabeth Moss’s chemistry brought depth and nuance to their tragic love story, ensuring it will remain one of the most memorable aspects of the series as it concludes.