“The Traitors” is a reality competition show which airs on BBC One in the UK and Peacock in the US. In it a large group of people are put in a large castle with a set amount of people secretly being selected as “Traitors.” The premise of the series includes deception, manipulation, murder and back stabbing. The remaining group is deemed “Faithful” and will work together to try and uncover the true Traitors.
Premise of the Competition
The players will participate in challenges which earn money for the prize pot, at the same time the Traitors secretly pick who they want to “murder” on their side. After a "murder" occurs all players at a "roundtable" will discuss who they think are the Traitors ultimately banishing them by majority vote from the group. Each elimination from the game is emotional and unpredictable for players.
Season Three Dynamics
Notable Player’s
This season has many returning characters with experience in various forms of reality TV giving them tools for both winning and deception. It shows people who know how these type of shows can function and a heightened view point in the show’s overall format.
The Three New Additions
During the series some new cast members were introduced. They have been referred to as "legends". They also become central parts of both teams due to their backgrounds. Rob "Boston Rob" Mariano, Derrick Levasseur and Wes Bergmann's entrances have created a stir within each group.
The Challenges of Being a Traitor
Traitors must use unique and deceitful ways to navigate while staying under the radar with high emotional tolls. Some Traitors form strong connections making it harder to go against each other. Others prioritize a solo view that keeps their personal progress in line before loyalty to others. The main Traitor's have unique reasons for who they plan on going against making the game intense and a constant shift in dynamics.
Navigating Suspicion
There is a constant battle of knowing that anyone could be a Traitor which builds unease among all contestants in the group making for the show’s intended affect with an unknown dynamic. Trust and strong alliances also play major roles and all are important in moving forward.
Impact of Deception and Banisment
The dynamic between the group causes a high form of betrayal and shock which often includes raw and honest emotions. It brings high drama and adds tension throughout each twist of the series’ storyline as the episodes air.
The Banishing Process
The roundtable creates an environment where suspicion is paramount as every player needs to watch how other players are engaging and using their influence. Accusations fly with a sense of chaos while voting occurs in that very high energy moment.
Viewing Perspectives From Previous Eliminations
Jeremy Collins a previous Survivor player discusses how his perspective changed while a Traitors participant as both a viewer and the actual competitor. Many prior shows with high stakes competition can create some similar feelings of betrayal and intense pressure which often leads to surprises along the journey.
Jeremy’s Gameplay and Takeaways
Jeremy states that building trust was a crucial aspect of gameplay, but found that “talking too much” would prove to be a disadvantage later. Also he believed some emotions were disingenuine and caused an uneasy feeling throughout. As a player who liked to “watch” before making assumptions he knew he moved into a very different direction when deciding to speak up and found value in observing rather than commenting. He used logic and what they were able to all see from the previous moves as their guidance with clues that have occurred.
Jeremy’s Reaction To the “Murders”
Jeremy also stated he thought many were just there for "themselves and nobody else". He was “bummed” at how fast he was removed from the game. With also stating he was a fan of “Boston Rob” and his ability to change gears, but thought some of the emotions and behaviors of other contestants where being used against others while also manipulating their trust for personal gain.
Behind-the-Scenes Details
Some of the behind the scene information showed there were some stories the fans had made theories around with many being shut down about actual events or if specific connections existed between players. Some aspects are unknown until aired giving a chance for viewers to see a more intimate version of how it has developed.
Real Life Relationships and Distortions
Some players, such as Alex Oleksy, had his real wedding overlap into the airing timeline for his show. He needed to fabricate new stories for his invitees who were other people on the set to add to the overall mystery behind the premise for those on screen to remain hidden.
What To Look For With Upcoming Episodes
Viewers may notice how some Traitors gain a better ability to control others and also blend better with groups as they move into further episodes. Some members may be getting more support, trust and building stronger alliances.
New Game play and Tactics
The series will always have people attempting to throw off the game using a large variety of techniques, such as creating confusion. New strategies such as being overtly friendly while playing a role are also key dynamics. Alliances with trusted individuals along with understanding group reactions to their moves help them navigate the ongoing mystery. Viewers are now following the contestants for those qualities.
Key Takeaways
- “The Traitors” tests social dynamics between all contestants as each must decipher those they can trust or can be fooled by.
- The main strategy for the Traitors are to secretly murder members of the other side without being banished themselves.
- Previous players use experiences to guide decisions and give perspective for what it is to be on the other side.
- The challenges that happen in each episode offer both dramatic and sometimes emotional results for players.
- The game is based on manipulation, emotion and deception while pushing all characters to their mental breaking point.