WARNING: This article contains spoilers from The Handmaid's Tale season 6, episode 6 - Surprise

Viewers of Hulu's popular series The Handmaid's Tale have expressed their outrage over a plot twist in the latest episode of the dystopian drama. The unexpected turn of events saw Commander Nick Blaine (portrayed by Max Minghella) disclose Mayday's covert plan to his father-in-law, Commander Wharton (played by Josh Charles), reports the Mirror US.

Commander Wharton, known for his devoutness, was taken aback when he discovered that Nick had visited the illicit Gilead brothel, a place shunned by him but frequented by other Commanders.

Nick confessed to Commander Wharton that his visit to Jezebel's was for intelligence gathering and proceeded to spill the beans about Mayday's plot to assassinate high-ranking commanders and facilitate the escape of the women working there.

The revelation sparked a wave of criticism on social media as fans accused Nick of betraying his lover June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss), by divulging the plan she had confided in him.

Nick's visit to the brothel was to retrieve a map that June and Moira Strand (Samira Wiley) had left in a safe following a botched reconnaissance mission at Jezebel's.

One viewer vented on X (formerly Twitter): "Every time Nick gets himself into a hole he crawls back out, and this time he threw June's mission under the bus to get what he wants because he only cares about her.

"I get once again he had a difficult choice, but why does one life matter more than others? ? #TheHandmaidsTale [sic]."

Another user chimed in: "Nick Nick Nick, you dirty dog! #TheHandmaidsTale #handmaidstale."

One viewer was livid, exclaiming: "NICK YOU B**** HOW COULD YOU I HATE YOU OMFG #TheHandmaidsTale [sic]."

Another fan offered a more measured response: "Well. I'm not surprised, but June sure as s*** was."

They continued: "In the end, Nick is always going to save himself, no matter the consequences.

"He always has. And Lawrence better be careful saying anything at all to Naomi. She's a [snake] #TheHandmaidsTale."

A fourth viewer shared their analysis: "after analyzing tonight's episode, I have come to a sad realization that, once again, janine got f***ed over. rejected aunt lydia's proposal to work at the clinic right before nick completely f***ed over mayday's plan #TheHandmaidsTale [sic]."

However, some fans defended Nick. One person argued: "before yall pitchfork me... nick is trying to survive. wharton could put nick up on the wall. it's either lie and get found out or act like the gilead patriot and exposed a heinous plot. narrative wise it finally leads to the revolution but it sucks character wise #TheHandmaidsTale [sic]."

Another supporter wrote: "Nick has done so much to help June but has left himself exposed. He did what he needed to live.

"But this is the first time Nick hasn't came through like a hero to June.. I hope she understands his pov #TheHandmaidsTale [sic]."

A third defender simply stated: "Nick didn't have a choice #TheHandmaidsTale."

The Handmaid’s Tale season 6 will be coming to Prime Video and Channel 4 on May 3 in the UK