The Traitors Recap: Queens & Pawns

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When I use a dating app, it seems there are only two scenarios: either someone wants to court me sincerely or they’re attempting to manipulate me. This same dilemma faces Carolyn and Danielle, long-time adversaries who also happen to be co-traitors. Despite Danielle’s persistent begging and whining, Carolyn sensibly declines to involve Britney in their group. She understands that once Danielle aligns with her friend, it would mean the end for Carolyn. In truth, Danielle is so keen on leaving the situation that adding almost anyone else into the mix would be detrimental to Carolyn’s position, and thus, she skillfully prevents such an outcome entirely.

Instead, they face the difficult task of selecting someone to eliminate, a choice that doesn’t come naturally. In truth, every single decision made in the turret this season feels like an uphill battle. These two women have such deep-seated animosity towards each other that it’s hard to envision them agreeing on something as simple as breakfast, let alone a matter of life and death. However, despite appearing stuck, they manage to whittle down their options to Sam, Dylan, or Dolores.

When Dolores entered during breakfast, I crumpled to the floor in gratitude. Just like when Dylan arrived, yet for distinct reasons. Undeniably, this implied that Sam, who had started speaking out and participating after a week, was eliminated. May this serve as a warning to all men pondering on voicing their opinions – refrain. As Sam prepares to depart, I can only wish he recalls that even though others may strip him of possessions, they can never seize his truth. Perhaps he’s puzzling over the chatter surrounding him and why they don’t leave him be. However, ousting him from the game was solely Carolyn and Danielle’s decision.

Beyond the tower, it’s evident that the ongoing conflict is primarily between Carolyn and Danielle, while Tom continues to persist with his theory against Dolores, hoping to be the last one standing among the Bravolebrities. However, his idea seems to lack appeal, so discussions within the castle revolve mainly around Danielle or Carolyn, both of whom appear poised to strike at the other as soon as given the signal.

In her private conversation, Danielle admits that she’s tired of collaborating with Carolyn, and she seems unaware of what’s in store for her next. Let me explain something, Danielle… Carolyn is well aware of your strategy. It’s not smart to pretend you’re some kind of secret strategist when Carolyn has been aware throughout the game that all you want is to eliminate her. That’s why she didn’t allow you to bring Britney into the alliance! She knows you want to betray her because you keep getting caught in the act. So, don’t pretend like you’re about to catch her off guard with your disloyalty when you’ve been disloyal to her the entire time. If you really wanted to surprise her, you’d work with her and make a smart move for the first time this season.

This season has been quite unusual, and during this episode, Gabby hinted that the Traitors could potentially betray each other if they haven’t done so already. I found myself yearning to communicate through the screen and share my thoughts with her about how ruthless the Traitors have seemed. Has their behavior ever been this cutthroat in the past?

Before witnessing their confrontation at the meeting table, there’s an important journey ahead of us this week, which I’d liken to a game of chess. However, it’s not the traditional board game we’re talking about here; these individuals would struggle with checkers, so let’s call it a game that mimics chess in appearance. The night before, the Traitors were asked questions regarding the players, and now everyone must try to decipher which player’s name was mentioned for each answer. This leads us to wonder: how long did Carolyn and Danielle remain trapped in that tower last night?

Alan adds two esteemed figures, Parvati Shallow from Survivor and Kate Chastain from Below Deck, to enrich the game, just like how a game of chess wouldn’t feel complete without a queen or two. The excitement among fans was palpable, almost as if a grateful nation erupted in applause. Last year’s headband-wearing sensation Parvati and season one hit Kate have been so popular that they’ve returned annually since then. Here’s to their continued dominance! In essence, they should be present every week to serve as the stylish Statler and Waldorf, offering commentary on each mission.

In this scenario, Dylan sees the task of identifying the stealthy player as a fantastic chance to observe how individuals respond, which could help him detect potential Traitors. If someone consistently gives correct answers, it might be because they were the ones providing the responses in the first place. When the group selects Britney as the one slithering unnoticed, Danielle humorously comments, “It’s Britney, bitch,” waiting until Sam was dismissed before making the pop culture reference.

As the group debates who their leader might be, Parv and Kate offer insightful commentary, showing their expertise. In fact, it seems like Peacock should consider giving these two a show similar to Gogglebox, where they can discuss The Traitors each week. That’s a suggestion for you, Peacock, but I’d appreciate a cool million dollars in return! It’s during this commentary that Kate notices a resemblance between Dylan and Pilot Pete – a comparison we’ve been making all season. Remarkably, she figured it out after only a few minutes of watching everyone.

Discussing shrewd insights, following Dolores’ comment about Carolyn guessing one of the answers correctly, Carolyn becomes noticeably defensive and uneasy, denying it. Dylan finds this behavior somewhat suspicious. To add to the intrigue, when she later claims to be someone ignored, it makes her seem too knowledgeable about these answers. This could be solid evidence in a forum where proof is typically vague, like a roundtable discussion. However, people are so quick to dismiss her that she might get away with anything. At one point, Ivar even ponders if she’s capable of this, stating, “If she does, she deserves an Oscar.” The Academy, are you paying attention? There’s still time!

Following the mission, Dylan shares with Carolyn that there seems to be a confrontation brewing between her and Danielle tonight, which is a predicament he’d rather avoid. Similarly, Carolyn feels even less inclined towards this situation, but it provides her an opportunity to express herself forcefully against Danielle. It’s during this discussion where she opens up emotionally to Dylan about her ongoing struggle of being disregarded or ignored by others. She even questions him, “Would you have taken heed if it were Boston Rob saying this? That’s something I face every day… people simply don’t listen.” Remarkably, Dylan acknowledges her point and admits his own complicity in the matter. However, he remains uncertain about whether she could be a Traitor.

During the onset of the roundtable discussion, there’s a tense pause reminiscent of a western standoff between two cowboys. This awkward silence is shattered by Carolyn, who launches her attack on Danielle. Her primary contention revolves around the notion that Faithfuls have no incentive to lie at all, as Danielle was exposed for fabricating a claim earlier in the season when she falsely accused Carolyn of mentioning Britney’s name. Danielle defends herself by asserting that her statement was indeed true, but what she failed to clarify is that she’s referring to something Carolyn said in the turret. She used Britney’s name in the context of a murder accusation, not a banishment decree, and her ambiguity allows her, technically speaking, to maintain truthfulness.

Danielle contends that Carolyn’s seemingly distant attitude is merely a façade, similar to the character Columbo, designed to mislead people into underestimating her abilities. However, this theory is flawed as even Dylan, after watching Carolyn’s season of Survivor, affirms that it’s simply her genuine personality. Interestingly, Carolyn isn’t familiar with the reference to Columbo, which adds an amusing touch to the discussion.

To be honest, neither of their speeches left me utterly impressed. They both made valiant attempts to sway my opinion, but it’s evident that they can’t openly reveal each other’s transgressions without exposing themselves as Traitors. The confidences shared in the turret must remain there. Frustratingly, they squander their votes on each other, which leaves Dylan’s vote as the decisive one. It seems fitting from a dramatic standpoint. In the end, he casts the vote that seals Carolyn’s fate.

I’ve grown tired to no end of this seemingly foolish TV series, yet find myself unable to look away. It’s as if watching sports and men destroying property go hand in hand. Frankly, I despised every aspect of it. In the game, Carolyn was executing an intelligent strategy that was undermined by her being partnered with a self-centered Traitor who lacked skill. However, you may question (if you’re Danielle), doesn’t the fact she’s still the last Traitor standing suggest she might be proficient at the game? No! It doesn’t! Everything that has worked for her has been in spite of her actions, not because of them. In truth, it’s remarkable she’s lasted this long with such poor performance. Her gameplay is indeed disappointing, but her main offense lies in being irritating and unenjoyable to watch.

For instance, consider Danielle’s surprisingly dramatic response when Carolyn confesses she’s a Traitor. Danielle collapses, weeping and gasping for breath. It’s as if she’s in a trial. She seems utterly foolish, but to be fair, she’s the only one left looking foolish…for the moment.

As the movie critic who’s seen it all, I must admit that Gabby, once hailed as America’s Sweetheart, isn’t off the hook just yet. The latest twist in the plot has me questioning if last night’s showdown was a case of Traitor versus Traitor, reminiscent of the infamous Rob and Bob saga. Britney is starting to entertain this idea too, pondering whether Danielle’s traitorous actions might be the reason she’s still alive amidst all the chaos. However, our dear protagonist won’t have long to dwell on these doubts. The truth will soon be revealed, and the game of cat and mouse will take a new turn.

When Danielle makes her way to the tower on her own, as she had desired, Alan unexpectedly appears to inform her it’s time to bring on a partner. She calls one of them to the castle’s dungeon, where she’ll confront them with a tough choice: team up or face death. I’d choose the latter, but everyone has their preferences! The drama here is captivating, even if it leads to the least suspenseful decision this season. We all know she’ll pick Britney, and that’s precisely what happens. Once Britney agrees, they’ll collaborate on choosing who to eliminate.

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2025-02-21 06:56