The finale of The Traitors left viewers with a mixture of excitement and frustration, proving to be incredibly intense and cutthroat right up to the very last moment.
This season’s installment was somewhat lackluster, especially when compared to the thrilling heights of previous seasons. Throughout the series, I couldn't help but notice that the flaws in the structure were becoming increasingly apparent.
One significant issue was the mid-episode challenge, which felt more like an awkward intermission rather than an exciting twist. It was reminiscent of a scenario from 12 Angry Men where the jurors inexplicably abandon their deliberations for a lengthy stroll in the park, thereby draining any suspense from the story. Additionally, the new changes introduced this season did little to enhance the experience. The revelation of the Secret Traitor came far too soon, and the secret alliances—such as Judy and Roxy, Ellie and Ross—simply fizzled out without any satisfying conclusion.
Perhaps the most critical criticism one could make about The Traitors is that it seems to favor the less interesting contestants. While this season featured some captivating personalities—like the perplexing James, the explosive Harriet, and the complex Fiona—these standout players were quickly eliminated as soon as they exhibited any signs of charisma. In the end, the final five consisted of two traitors and a trio of players who, frankly, seemed incapable of stringing together more than a handful of coherent sentences throughout the entire series. This scenario certainly did not leave a favorable impression.
After a cliffhanger left James unexpectedly banished in the preceding episode, the remaining contestants included Jade, whose nature was primarily defensive; Faraaz, who fluctuated between silence and unexpected insight; Jack, who only recently became noticeable, akin to a red-shirt character from Star Trek; and the last two traitors.
Among them were Stephen, who was notably passive and enjoyed wearing oversized collars, and Rachel. Thankfully, Rachel emerged as a pivotal player—she was the one who managed to alter the dynamics of the game significantly. To borrow a phrase from Logan Roy, she turned The Traitors into a fierce struggle for survival in a harsh environment.
Rachel's cunning strategies ultimately shaped the entire season, marking it with her ruthless approach. Even during the finale, her scheming remained relentless as she tirelessly worked to persuade others that Jade was untrustworthy.
While this deceitful trait may be detrimental in everyday life, it proved to be an asset in the world of reality television. Rachel's intrinsic unreliability kept viewers engaged until the very end. Despite her assurances to Stephen that they would work together, one had to wonder who could genuinely trust her words?
Fortunately for her, Rachel excelled at eliminating her competition. Poor Jade, who had been unjustly criticized since the first episode, was banished in tears. Faraaz left shortly after, only grasping the situation during his post-banishment interview. Following that, the traitors turned on Jack, sealing the fate of the game.
In the end, the traitors triumphed, splitting the prize of £95,750 between Rachel and Stephen. Notably, the other finalists chose not to join them in celebration, perhaps feeling betrayed by those they once considered allies. What does this say about the moral implications of the game? It highlights a troubling truth: it's all too easy to manipulate your way to the top—a lesson that feels particularly relevant in 2026.
Despite its shortcomings, the finale still delivered an impressively nerve-wracking experience. Objectively speaking, none of the last contestants were truly deserving of the winnings—they were either too inept or too deceitful. However, the final fifteen minutes provided a gripping spectacle. I once witnessed a man place his head inside a crocodile's mouth, and watching Stephen wrestle with his trust issues regarding Rachel during those critical moments was a similarly tense experience.
I hope we will see some of the other contestants return in future seasons. James appeared to treat his time on the show as an audition for an odd, unrealized children’s program about a gardener with a penchant for vomiting, so I'm eager to see where he ends up. I'm also curious about Jade, especially when she isn't weighed down by such a pervasive sense of boredom. As for Stephen, I wouldn't be surprised if he soon becomes a popular party entertainer, resembling a walking meme.
Above all, this season of The Traitors made me nostalgic for the earlier celebrity versions of the show, where contestants were more concerned about their public image than engaging in the cutthroat tactics displayed this time around. It was an uneven season, but the exceptional finale just about saved it.
