After a critically acclaimed and Emmy-winning second season that made Phaedra Parks a beloved figure in America, The Traitors has returned to our TV sets once more. The charm of this popular Peacock competition series lies in its dual aspects. Firstly, the game itself – essentially a mafia-style game but with an abundance of kilts – where secret Traitors must eliminate the Faithfuls one by one without being discovered, is engaging enough on its own. Secondly, it’s the thrill of watching this game unfold among a diverse cast from various entertainment backgrounds (referring to different reality shows and franchises).
This year’s group of newcomers, ranging from Real Housewives to a royal figure identifying as gay, arrive at Alan Cumming’s foreboding mansion, causing unease when they pass enigmatic, hooded figures reminiscent of those in Eyes Wide Shut. However, the most unsettling aspect of approaching The Traitors’ mansion isn’t these haunting, mysterious figures; it’s the possibility of being overlooked by fellow celebrities. One of the highlights of this show is observing these individuals (effectively famous people) attempting to determine whether they need to introduce themselves. For instance, Carolyn Wiger from Survivor 44 is taken aback and delighted when Tony Vlachos and Jeremy Collins recognize her. Bob the Drag Queen seems unaware of Bob Harper but manages to connect with him by sharing their common name. On the other hand, Dylan Efron (Zac’s brother) makes sure to introduce himself right away.
On the other hand, these sometimes awkward introductions serve a purpose, as they allow us viewers to become acquainted with contestants from various reality shows. Since each contestant comes from different programs, it’s possible that even the most dedicated reality TV fan might not recognize them all. For instance, I am very familiar with every Bravolebrity in this cast and consider Chrishell Stause like a family member. I also follow Survivor players closely. However, my knowledge of Big Brother and Bachelor Nation is less extensive, so meeting contestants such as Britney Haynes and Wells Adams will be a new experience for me.
Due to the varying levels of familiarity we all have about each player’s background, our perspectives while watching the show can significantly differ. For instance, my previous impressions of Tom Sandoval or Dolores Catania might influence how I perceive their actions, whereas I can solely assess a player like Gabby Windey based on her current gameplay. However, the show does make an effort to fill us in on everyone’s reputation and relationships with other players, such as clarifying the animosity between Danielle Reyes and Britney that exists due to ‘Big Brother’ conflicts.
As I was beginning to familiarize myself with this motley crew, along comes Alan Cumming, astride a majestic steed, causing the hooded figures to scatter like leaves in the wind. The solitary figure left behind, Alan informs us, is a potential newcomer who could join the game if one of our contestants were willing, but at the cost of sacrificing another.
When it was disclosed that this enigmatic figure was none other than Boston Rob, all eyes fell upon his fellow Survivor veterans. Carolyn seemed intrigued, yet no one stepped forward to claim a spot for him in the castle, considering his formidable reputation as a Survivor champion and a significant threat. Thus, like an alternate juror, he departed, leaving us to ponder what could have been.
Upon entering and having the freedom to mingle, the group grows more acquainted with one another. It’s only natural that they are drawn towards the person least known among them – Lord Ivar Mountbatten. He is a second cousin to the king, which might surprise some as not all British people are related in such a direct manner. Interestingly, his main claim to fame is that he married a woman first, and then “a man,” which is a term used in Britain for a male partner. This fact intrigues Chrishell, who shares similarities being a queer royal herself, as well as Gabby Windey, who has recently started dating a woman following her stint on The Bachelorette.
As a cinephile, let me switch gears here. It’s high time we unmask our Traitors in this intriguing game of allegiance. Each character, during their private chats with Alan, presents their case, either appealing to be a Traitor or a Loyalist. While veterans like Carolyn and Tony crave the role of Traitors, the unexpected Tom Sandoval yearns for loyalty – quite an interesting twist! When Alan hints at betrayal by tapping him on the shoulder, Cumming retorts with a touch of sass, “Betrayal doesn’t feel so pleasant, does it?” That’s a good burn, Tom! Fortunately, Tom escapes this round, and instead, Alan selects Danielle, Bob the Drag Queen, and Carolyn as our Traitors. Although I dislike the thought of a Housewife missing out on the cloak, this trio is an exciting combination. Here’s hoping they can sway Dolores Catania to their side in the future.
Immediately, the players begin to ponder and discuss. Tom Sandoval quickly mentions Chrishell’s name, causing her to assume it’s because he thinks she’s on his ex Ariana Madix’s side. However, if Tom were to remove everyone in that house who supports Ariana, he’d be left with no one. It seems the only exception might be the royal family, as they are often supportive of infidelity.
They venture to the lake for their initial hurdle and an opportunity to boost their winnings. However, as Alan elucidated the guidelines, my thoughts meandered, and I found myself pondering if Robyn Dixon had uttered a word in this episode instead. Indeed, she probably didn’t, and I find that delightful for the famously laid-back former Real Housewife of Potomac. Suddenly, they were rowing a boat, barely managing to do so. Bob the Drag Queen showed them how to work together, and upon reaching the first dock, they had to swap two team members (who would then not be immune from elimination that night) for fuel.
It’s Robyn Dixon who would take on such a task, as she describes herself as selfless, though I have a feeling she’s also grown weary of the oars. She’s accompanied by Chanel Ayan from The Real Housewives of Dubai. At the next dock, Dorinda Medley and Dolores Catania from RHONY and RHONJ step forward, demonstrating their generosity and courage. Truly, these housewives are amazingly selfless and brave.
Not only is this situation showing another consistent trend, Lord Farquaad (or whatever his name may be) repeatedly demands the females to stay behind, which displeases Chrishell significantly. Eventually, Bob the Drag Queen confronts him fiercely, advocating for a man to leave instead. This certainly shows support for women’s rights! In the end, both Bob and Danielle make sacrifices, but since they are Traitors (unaware of this fact as of now), their actions don’t fully count against them in this context.
In the narrative, Bob Harper and Sam Asghari initially step up to disembark at the next stop, but when they perceive that no other individuals are inclined to follow suit, they elect to return instead, thereby forfeiting an opportunity to collect some money. Consequently, only six players remain vulnerable to potential harm that fateful night, a decision which is met with disapproval by those who had previously made personal sacrifices. With a simmering anger, Dorinda declares, “If I survive tonight, all thanks to God, I’ll remember each and every face on that boat tonight.” (She’s getting heated.)
As a cinema enthusiast, I found myself caught off guard when they began dining without us back at the manor. This set Dorinda off, leading her to confront them sternly. Poor Dylan Efron, unaware of what lay ahead. Bob the Drag Queen and Danielle played their parts of annoyance flawlessly, maintaining an aura of Faithfuls. Yet, Dorinda persisted in her anger. She justifiably took aim at Lord Mountbatten, who’s been garnering a villainous reputation following that questionable boat ride – a development Tom Sandoval must find quite relieving. It’s only fitting that the esteemed Dorinda, often referred to as Bravo’s very own Princess Diana due to her striking resemblance and shared elegance, is squaring off against another royal figure.
After surviving the first day filled with deceit and excitement, it’s now time for us to rest, marking my favorite scene of the show: the carefully crafted scenes where the cast prepares for bed, captured on camera. It’s pure art at its finest. Here, we see Sam taking a shower, Chanel perfecting her nails, and Robyn relaxing in a bubble bath with a glass of red wine, embodying a Shonda Rhimes character – all these scenes are designed to give the impression that they’re lodging within the castle instead of some nearby motel like the Ramada.
Towards the finale, it’s the climactic moment when our Traitors are unveiled by donning their cloaks – an item I wish was available for purchase at the NBC Universal Store to lounge around with at home. Danielle expresses a mischievous delight, echoing Elphaba’s sentiment in “As Long As You’re Mine.” First to expose themselves are Bob and Danielle, reunited from their time on the dock, each basking in their unique performances. They are equally excited when Carolyn arrives, confident nobody will suspect her, and Danielle refers to them as a “wicked crew.” It seems NBCUniversal is weaving an intricate tapestry, but one can’t help but wonder if Cynthia Erivo might step into the game. Although Erivo may not be joining, someone else will – hailing not from Oz, but from a much bleaker realm: Boston.
Even though Boston Rob wasn’t initially included in the game at the start of the episode, it doesn’t necessarily mean his journey is over. In fact, Alan reveals that despite being left behind, he’ll enter the game tomorrow… but with a twist – as a Traitor. Watching Rob learn about this surprise is reminiscent of a child unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning. Additionally, Alan mentions that two other players are prepared to join the game soon. These newcomers could be fresh faces or popular figures from the previous two seasons. Although Parvati Shallow and Kate Chastain have been confirmed to return, their roles seem to be more as advisors rather than active players. The mystery surrounding these hooded newcomers is heightened by Alan keeping them and Rob in cages suspended in mid-air. As of now, we don’t know the identities of two of these cage inhabitants, but Rob displays a look of familiar excitement upon learning their true identities.
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2025-01-10 07:55