The Housewives are Murdering The Traitors

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Peacock’s The Traitors has become a haven for veteran reality stars – specifically, former Real Housewives cast members who still know how to play the game. They bring the glamour, the sharp wit, and the strategic thinking that made them famous. Last season featured a cutthroat group of gamers, but this year, two favorites from Andy Cohen’s shows, along with Love Island’s Rob Rausch, are surprisingly cooperating – a shocking move for anyone familiar with the Housewives franchise.

Life is tough for the Housewives on this show, largely because their skills often go unnoticed, and they always make up the biggest group of players. As Michael Rapaport, a dedicated fan (and someone who gets under people’s skin!), points out in the first episode, there are five Housewives and five other players competing in Alan Cumming’s castle. He assumes that one of them must be a Traitor. However, he’s completely wrong – this season, there are actually two Housewives who are secretly working against the others.

Okay, so I just finished the first three episodes of The Traitors, and I have to talk about it! I’m breaking down how each of the contestants seems to be doing and who I think has a real chance of making it to the very end. Fair warning: major spoilers ahead! Seriously, if you haven’t watched yet, pause right now and go finish the episodes – what are you doing reading this instead?!

Porsha Williams

Porsha Williams, the only Housewife with a consistent role on Bravo, was surprisingly the first one eliminated. It’s disappointing, because she consistently provided comedic moments – like when she playfully warned others not to target strong personalities. She also delivered classic ‘Housewife’ behavior when she immediately confronted Michael Rapaport about his comments regarding the Housewives, creating tension and drama with Candiace Dillard Bassett and himself.

Porsha is known for being outspoken, and while that’s usually a strength, it led to her elimination from The Traitors. She accidentally said, “When I killed Ian,” referring to the first player murdered, and then claimed to know there were four Traitors. This gave comedian Ron Funches a reason to target her, even though the show is really about trusting your gut feeling, not actual evidence. The other players bought into it, and Porsha became the first Faithful player voted off. Ironically, when people discussed her slip-ups, several cast members unknowingly echoed a famous line from The Real Housewives, showing she’d cleverly planned the moment.

Porsha Williams

The only remaining cast member from Real Housewives of Dubai, and formerly of the London series, hasn’t had much screen time yet – aside from making a statement with oversized jackets. While she’s known for being outspoken and a natural leader, she hasn’t shown that side of herself in Scotland so far.

Caroline has made a clever move by befriending Colton Underwood, known from The Bachelor. He bravely helped eliminate Donna Kelce, who was secretly working against the group, earning him a reputation as someone who can identify the “Traitors.” Last season, Dolores Catania won by staying under the radar and aligning with a loyal player, and Caroline might be able to repeat that strategy. It’s classic Housewife behavior to find a supportive and enthusiastic ally.

Dorinda Medley

Everyone felt bad for Dorinda when she was nominated for elimination after the first challenge, as it looked like she might be the first one voted out again. Some joked that it would be a clever idea to bring back the character who nominated her every season just to eliminate her early on. Luckily, she survived, and her relief and tears at making it to breakfast were genuinely moving. It seems like the other players are rooting for her this time.

I’m really noticing a shift in her gameplay this season! Unlike last time, where she immediately went on the attack, she’s now keeping a low profile and trying to fit in with everyone else. It’s smart – she’s even siding with Lisa Rinna during challenges and pushing the group to stay united. Honestly, it’s a pretty good strategy. Being close to the ‘villains’ – or in this case, two of them! – seems like a way to keep herself safe. But knowing Dorinda, it won’t take much – a stressful conversation and maybe a couple of drinks – before her temper flares and we see that side of her again.

Lisa Rinna

My only complaint about Lisa Rinna on the show is that her usually voluminous hair seems a bit lifeless. Considering she does her own hair and makeup, you’d think she’d have a variety of styles by now! But beyond that, the real issue for Rinna is what Candiace pointed out before meeting the other ‘Traitor’: it makes perfect sense that the show would cast her as one. Caroline Stanbury agreed, saying Lisa would betray anyone, even her own grandmother. And these are supposed to be her friends!

People mainly know her from shows on Bravo, but she’s been surprisingly strategic in the castle. She’s acting a bit ditzy and clueless, when really she’s playing a very smart game. As an experienced actress – you might remember her from Melrose Place – she’s using those skills well! Her partnership with fellow Traitor Rob has been brilliant, using coded language and cleverly hiding their plans. She’s also been great at keeping the other ‘bad guys’ united. However, the previews suggest others are starting to figure her out, and given her time on RHOBH, she doesn’t usually handle being under pressure very well.

Candiace Dillard Bassett

Just like Candiace pointed out Lisa’s obvious fit for the role, I think few Housewives are better suited for it than the person who coined the term “cryangle.” So far, though, she hasn’t displayed the kind of harsh, aggressive behavior that made Candiace so controversial with viewers. There was a moment in the first challenge—when they were deciding who would be a target—where Ron suggested using a Housewife, and Candiace quickly shut it down, firmly stating they wouldn’t go that route. It was clear everyone heard her! That’s the kind of assertive gameplay I’m excited to see more of from Candiace.

Candiace hasn’t fully taken control of the game yet, but she’s in the best position among the players to do so. She’s very good at hiding her true allegiance, and her help getting Donna out will earn her favor with the Faithful. Plus, if Rinna is exposed as a Traitor before her, the other players will likely assume there couldn’t be two Traitors among the Bravo stars. Right now, I’d put my money on Traitor Rob to win, but Candiace is a strong second. She’s smartly aligned herself with Tara Lipinski, a Faithful player she plans to deceive until the end to win the prize money. She claims she’s only keeping Tara around because her curling iron broke, but that’s what makes Candiace so dangerous – she combines clever strategy with a playful facade.

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2026-01-09 21:55