The finale of The Traitors has concluded, leaving viewers with a mix of stress and reflection on a series that, while gripping at its peak, revealed significant flaws in its format. This year's iteration, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, managed to deliver an undeniably nail-biting endgame, yet it struggled with issues that dampened the overall experience.
Format Cracks and Filler Challenges
Throughout the run, it became apparent that the cracks in The Traitors' structure are starting to show. One major point of contention has been the mid-episode challenges, which often serve as filler content, killing intrigue and momentum. These segments feel like unnecessary interruptions, akin to a dramatic play where actors pause for a lengthy, unrelated interlude.
Additionally, the new tweaks introduced this season failed to make a substantial impact. The reveal of the Secret Traitor occurred too early, robbing the narrative of suspense, while secret connections between contestants, such as Judy and Roxy or Ellie and Ross, fizzled out without resolution, leaving viewers unsatisfied.
The Reward for Dullness
A significant criticism of this series is its tendency to reward dullness over personality. Spectacular participants like James, Harriet, and Fiona, who brought baffling or explosive energy, were banished swiftly once they showed any tangible signs of character. In contrast, the final five contestants included two traitors and individuals who contributed minimally in terms of dialogue, creating a lacklustre dynamic.
After James was banished by chance, the remaining players were Jade, characterised by defensiveness; Faraaz, who oscillated between muteness and perceptive moments; Jack, who emerged late in the game; and the traitors Stephen and Rachel. This lineup highlighted a shift towards passive or ruthless gameplay over engaging personalities.
Rachel: The Ruthless Saviour
Thankfully, Rachel emerged as the terrifyingly ruthless saviour of this series. Her machinations dominated the show, bending its gravity field around her and transforming it into a fierce, muddled battle for survival. In the finale, her plotting remained in overdrive as she worked to convince others that Jade was untrustworthy, showcasing a level of cunning that kept audiences on edge until the last second.
While such traits might be undesirable in real life, they make for compelling reality television. Rachel's innate untrustworthiness ensured that suspense was maintained throughout, with viewers doubting her promises to Stephen until the very end. Her effectiveness in dispatching competitors was murderous, leading to emotional banishments for Jade and Faraaz, followed by Jack's elimination, securing victory for the traitors.
A Stressful and Bloodthirsty Climax
Despite the series' flaws, the endgame proved to be unbelievably stressful and bloodthirsty. The final 15 minutes offered a properly sweaty watch, as Stephen fretted over how much trust to place in Rachel, creating a spectacle comparable to high-stakes risks. Objectively, none of the finalists deserved the prize money due to their uselessness or duplicity, but the tension was palpable.
In the aftermath, Rachel and Stephen split the loot, while the other finalists abstained from joining them, perhaps feeling betrayed by those they considered friends. This outcome underscores a moral lesson: it's easy to cheat your way to the top, a sentiment that feels particularly resonant in today's context.
Reflections and Nostalgia
Looking ahead, there is hope to see more of contestants like James, who treated the show as an audition for a quirky project, or Jade, who might shine without the weight of ennui. Stephen, with his passive demeanour, could become a walking reaction gif for hire.
Ultimately, this year's Traitors evoked nostalgia for the more innocent celebrity version, where reputational concerns prevented such debilitating bloodthirstiness. It was an uneven series, saved—but only just—by an excellent finale that delivered on stress and drama, leaving viewers to ponder the evolving dynamics of reality TV.
