The second episode of ITV’s new spy thriller Betrayal ended with a moment that left audiences questioning everything. The series follows John Hughes, an MI5 agent played by Shaun Evans, who is under investigation after a meeting with an informant ends in violence. His professional life is in chaos, and his marriage to Claire, played by Romola Garai, is falling apart under the weight of his secrets. The tension peaked in the final moments of Episode 2, when his new MI6 partner, Mehreen Askari-Evans, appeared to be working against him.
What Exactly Happened In The Episode 2 Twist?
The episode, titled ‘Ordinary Milk’, saw John and Mehreen tracking a man known as The General, later identified as Oasem Asadi. After a dangerous encounter at an airfield, they escaped to their car. Mehreen then stepped out to take a phone call, telling John it was about a custody battle with her son’s father.
However, the audience heard her real conversation. She told the person on the line, “We have a problem, John got a tracker on them. John got eyes on Asadi so we’re compromised, but don’t worry. He can still be stopped, there’s no problem”. This suggested she was reporting to someone involved with the Iranian threat John was investigating, directly betraying him and MI5.
Shaun Evans On Keeping The Audience Guessing
In an exclusive interview, Shaun Evans talked about the impact of this revelation. He explained that the uncertainty around Mehreen is a core part of the story.
“The hope is that we’re never quite sure where Mehreen’s loyalties lie – whether she is loyal to MI6, whether she is loyal to MI5, or whether she is loyal to the Iranian General,” Evans said.
He praised writer David Eldridge for crafting a plot that keeps viewers on edge. “I think David’s done a really terrific job of incorporating those twists and turns and delivering on the genre, while still making it believable and plausible”.
Zahra Ahmadi On Playing The Complex Agent Mehreen
Actress Zahra Ahmadi, who plays Mehreen, was drawn to the role because of the smart writing. She noted the show balances high-stakes espionage with deep personal drama.
Ahmadi, who has Iranian heritage through her father, also connected to her character’s background. She explained that Mehreen taught herself Farsi, which makes her an effective agent for this specific case. This personal detail adds a layer of authenticity to the character’s motivations and skills.
How The Twist Fits Into The Larger Story
While the twist paints Mehreen as a potential double agent, the full story is more complicated. The series is a four-part drama, and by the end of Episode 3, more information comes to light.
It is revealed that Oasem Asadi has actually been an undercover informant for MI6 for nearly two decades. Mehreen was part of a secret MI6 operation to let Asadi appear to go along with an Iranian plot, only to sabotage it at the last moment. This operation was so secret that most of MI6 and all of MI5, including John, were kept in the dark.
So, while Mehreen was keeping secrets from John, she was ultimately working to stop the attack, not help it. Her phone call in Episode 2 was likely part of maintaining Asadi’s cover with the Iranian hardliners. This makes her a loyal intelligence officer operating in a morally grey area, rather than a straightforward traitor.
Fan Reaction To The Shock Moment
The twist sparked immediate reaction online. Many viewers took to social media to express their shock at Mehreen’s apparent betrayal. The episode also led to some viewers pointing out what they felt were plot inconsistencies or errors in spycraft.
However, the performance of the cast, particularly Shaun Evans, received praise. One viewer noted, “Shaun Evan’s performance in #Betrayal is simply phenomenal. All the little nuances. It doesn’t go unnoticed”.
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Where To Watch Betrayal
Betrayal is a four-part series. Episode 1 premiered on Sunday, February 8, 2026, and Episode 2 aired on Monday, February 9, 2026, both at 9 PM on ITV1 in the UK. Episode 3 is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, with the final Episode 4 on Monday, February 16.
For viewers who prefer to binge-watch, the entire series is available to stream now on ITVX. The show also stars Nikki Amuka-Bird, Omid Djalili, Gamba Cole, and Hayley Tamaddon.
While the show was conceived as a complete four-part story, lead actor Shaun Evans has mentioned that a second season could be possible if there is audience demand. He stated, “if there’s an appetite for more, then we will get together and discuss whether there’s more story to tell”.
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