Here are some spoilers for the initial three episodes of The Traitors‘ third season, which debuted on Peacock on January 9.

As a movie reviewer, I’ve found that “The Traitors” masterfully blends strategic gameplay with the unique vibes of its competitors. Each player, like Tom Sandoval, brings a distinct energy from their past reality show appearances to Alan Cumming’s enchanting Scottish castle. In previous shows such as “Vanderpump Rules,” Sandoval was often portrayed as smug, pathetic, and infuriating. However, in this series, his blunders have become the source of endless laughter. It seems that his redemption didn’t come from a romantic tale with Rachel Leviss, but rather from being immersed alongside his reality TV colleagues who can’t hide their delight as he stumbles repeatedly in this game.

In the initial three episodes of season three, several strategic approaches have surfaced. Some contestants are adopting a tactic of watching and learning rather than acting impulsively, much like Sam Asghari, Britney Spears’ ex. Others, such as Wes Bergmann from ‘The Challenge’, are navigating the game by siding with multiple players, expressing agreement with Robyn Dixon’s distrust in ‘Survivor’ winner Tony Vlachos, while later reassuring Tony that he wouldn’t vote him out. The contestants who appear to be here for friendship-building include Chrishell Stause from ‘Selling Sunset’, former professional wrestler Nikki Garcia, and ex-Bachelorette Gabby Windey, who have formed a group they call “the Bambis”. Lastly, Dylan Efron, like his brother Zac, seems to be a skilled player but is struggling with the same issue – being too attractive for others to take him seriously.

Tom’s approach to the game relies on a blend of overly sweet flattery and misguided guesses, which, indeed, reflects Sandoval quite well. He’s making every effort to fit in, sweating through the physical tasks (possibly to distract us from the time JoJo Siwa carried him during Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test), and sharing unsupported theories at the Round Table. These tactics aren’t unusual for competitors. Sandoval’s initial move – quickly identifying the Traitors after Cumming covertly picks them based on unusual behavior in other players – is a strategy many past contestants have used. However, the issue with these strategies for Sandoval lies in his lack of self-awareness and social skills to execute them effectively. Instead of emerging as a potential winner, he appears more like someone the Traitors will keep around as a useful naïve player – and potentially some very engaging TV. Here, 20 highlights from Sandoval’s season three of Traitors.

Arriving at the castle with sunglasses, a well-known bolt-shaped earring, and a kilt on. However, it’s gloomy old Scotland we’re talking about here. Could it be that you’re trying to protect your eyes from some particularly dismal Scottish weather?

2. At the start of their first appearance, Nikki and Gabby as future Bambis develop camaraderie by joining forces against Sandoval. This made me chuckle.

3. Glancing at the character portraits from the series “Traitors”, Sandoval mumbles under his breath that he appears to be a convict. In essence, you could say he’s found himself in a figurative prison of disrepute he himself constructed.

4. Within just 12 seconds, Alan pondered Sandoval’s fervent wish to become a Loyalist, gave him a skeptical sniff due to his tartan skirt, and accused him of unfaithfulness. Remarkable!

5. During the initial gathering, Sandoval:
– Removes his covering from his eyes
– Sits up straight
– Examines carefully each person’s face, as if they were data points in a database

Kudos to Chrishell for accurately depicting him as “suddenly becoming a mystery in a detective novel” and “raising an eyebrow like Spock under the spotlight.

6. Sandoval’s observation turns out to be quite amusing since he swiftly informs Carolyn and Danielle that they are Faithfuls, unbeknownst to them that this isn’t true. A clever edit team member added a subtle musical cue to emphasize the shock on Carolyn and Danielle’s faces at Sandoval’s misjudgment. Kudos to them!

7. It seems, rowing can indeed be quite challenging. If you’re not familiar with handling the oars in a boat, especially when there are numerous others around you who are also novices, your forearms might endure significant discomfort. However, Sandoval appears to exaggerate that pain in this interview segment. Remarkably, they didn’t even row for the chance to win the additional $20,000!

8. Check out how Tom danced a small victory jig following the initial challenge. Does he consider himself some sort of hobbit, perhaps? (This version maintains the humor and informality, while also making the meaning clearer.)

9. Only sharing this one because you know it hurts Tom to be seen without all that hair product.

10. As soon as he had the chance, Tom hurriedly returned to the castle and, with an unnerving intensity, styled his hair again before consuming a chicken skewer in a manner that was disconcertingly intense. What’s with all the staring, Tom???

11. I nearly wished Dorinda Medley, a past cast member from RHONY, hadn’t left; see how she rattled Sandoval with her critique about the competitors eating excessively and leaving little dinner for those who gave up much during the initial challenge, only to be overlooked later on the water.

12. In the first part, at the start of episode 2 titled “Revenge is a Dish Best Served Cold,” Tom is found sitting unknowingly behind the trio who are falsely grieving the deceased Dorinda. These three individuals include two who are actually shedding tears. Poor Tom is oblivious to the truth, his instincts are completely off base.

1. Does Alan maintain the castle at approximately 85 degrees, which might improve his R-rolling ability?

2. Did Tom’s hair gel drip all over his body and pool under his arms? What kind of fabric horror is that shirt made from? Is the tension truly overwhelming Tom after 24 hours? That much sweating seems troubling!

14. Watch out, Tom Cruise, Sandoval is trying to Highlander you!

15. (Alternate Version) Tom’s lack of insight into who the Traitors truly are, continued: In an attempt to persuade seasoned competitors Derrick, Wes, and Boston Rob – individuals more adept at discerning people than he is – that Bob the Drag Queen and Carolyn are Loyalists, Tom expresses a “positive” impression about their trustworthiness. Wes labels Tom’s viewpoint as “propaganda,” albeit unnecessarily harsh, but his assessment isn’t off-base. Essentially, Tom is merely spewing biased information.

16. Tom’s response, a mix of disbelief and exasperation, was “everyone is?” when Chrishell mentioned her friendship with Ariana Madix during the second Round Table… If only he could, this guy would hide himself beneath that table.

17. It’s clear that Chrishell is expressing her thoughts, yet labeling Tom as a ‘Traitor’ seemed an unexpected move for Alan, given his creative nature. Perhaps it would be beneficial to consider other perspectives, Chrishell.

18. Former romantic partners with mutual disdain are compelled to attend a parent-teacher conference together, their strained attempts at amicability evident in stiff, insincere smiles.

19. In the initial three episodes, Tom’s single joyful instance was being drenched in glitter. Surprisingly, that fear transformed into unrestrained delight almost instantly!

20. Sandoval responds to Nikki’s remark about his apparent creepiness by saying, “It’s simply the way I look,” which makes me reconsider my previous thoughts on his understanding of himself.

As Rust Cohle would put it, this fellow seems to have a clear sense of self, which carries its own kind of triumph. But I’m guessing that triumph might not be found here among the scheming players on The Traitors.

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2025-01-15 02:54