Reviews for "Allegiance" generally highlight it as an episode of extreme tension, though it has faced criticism for its reliance on "misery porn" and "Gilead plot armor". :
"Allegiance" effectively sets the stage for a grand finale by stripping June of her remaining faith in diplomacy. While it occasionally struggles with the repetitive nature of its "save Hannah" plotline, the episode excels in its character studies—particularly the evolving, toxic "allegiance" between June and Lawrence. Escaping Gilead! The Handmaid's Tale 509 - Pod Clubhouse [S5E9] Allegiance
: There were frustrations regarding the tactical "stupidity" of the raid, with viewers questioning how a state-of-the-art U.S. command center could be so easily outmaneuvered. Critical Consensus Reviews for "Allegiance" generally highlight it as an