A run of riveting episodes lifted an already spicy series to new heights. As we buckle up for the final act, here is a breakdown of all the penultimate week’s talking points …
1. Will Ross avenge his mum, Diane?
It was the late twist that elevated a murder-mystery game into Shakespearean melodrama. Lancastrian video director Ross had already gone full Fleabag. When contestants lamented the loss of castle matriarch Diane, Ross jokingly protested: “She was my mum first” – and had the brass balls to break the fourth wall with a wink to camera. Cheeky.
Ross may have been a rubbish detective – he accused six innocent Faithfuls, while staunchly defending Paul – but he has kept up the subterfuge about his and Diane’s connection brilliantly. I would have accidentally blurted out “Mum” at some point.
Ross stabbing Harry in the back and then going on to win for Diane would be so narratively perfect it might kill me #TheTraitors
— Stephen Kelly (@StephenPKelly) January 19, 2024
When the Traitors recruited a new patsy, they settled on Ross. He wasted no time in their first turret meeting, faux-casually asking why Diane was murdered. Harry smugly explained that she “was getting too brave so we put her in her place”. Cut to Ross simmering with suppressed fury. Did Harry sign his own death warrant by disrespecting Lady Di? Will Ross bring down the Traitors from the inside, scoop the prize money and keep his mum in sparkling rosé for life? The contest’s secret familial relationship is paying off perfectly. The Traitors has accidentally become a matricide revenge drama and we’re here for it.
“We put her in her place.”
— Morgan Jeffery (@morganjeffery) January 19, 2024
The moment Harry sealed his fate. #TheTraitors pic.twitter.com/1kmgawCWPv
2. Darth Paul’s downfall was one for the ages
It was an edge-of-the-sofa moment when series supervillain Paul’s reign of terror finally came to an end. Having knifed co-conspirators Ash and Miles in the back without blinking, he had been hailed as the best Traitor ever. Yet he who lives by the sword, dies by the sword. Et tu, Harry?
While he lasted, Paul was sheer box office. He relished his role, removing emotion and treating it like a game. He read American Psycho to get into character, becoming a strawberry blond Patrick Bateman in bad jumpers. From his hammy reactions at Round Tables to calling everyone “mate”, he lied, cried and manipulated. His stone-cold gameplay recalled Swansea diva Amanda from series one.
Ultimately, though, he became a bit too cocky. Putting himself in the dungeon was a strategic error. As Paul’s power-base crumbled, Harry took over as betrayer-in-chief. Even then, Paul claimed credit, boasting that his devious young Padawan learned it all from him. His exit was pure theatre, taking a bow like a panto villain. The Faithful celebrated so wildly, chairs went flying.
It has been said that winning just 10p on Deal Or No Deal in 2010 was his evil origin story, but Paul still earned more from Noel Edmonds’ banker than he did here. Thank you and goodnight, ginger godfather. You made this series great, “mate”.
me getting my prostate checked just incase mines really enlarged too pic.twitter.com/MFNx9ZCy2D
— jack rooke 👋 (@jackrooke) January 20, 2024
3. What a way to Di
another day where getting out of my warm bed to face yet another cruel day becomes an unbearable challenge pic.twitter.com/tvsbUWwrD2
— bally singh (@putasinghonit) January 18, 2024
The plot twist of having “slow-acting poison” allowing Diane to attend her own horse-drawn funeral was just genius. An entire episode was devoted to mourning the bob-cutted cult heroine, followed by a vengeful Round Table in which she essentially nailed her killer from beyond the grave.
There was Miles’ rictus grin when Diane appeared alive and well at breakfast. There was that whispered “Bye” to Ross from her coffin. Her secret son grinned “Diane, what a legend” when Miles was unmasked. Then came her post-exit interview, calling Miles a “wee shit” and Harry “that wee bastard”. She will surely be offered free pink fizz for the rest of her life. Rightly so. Goodbye, England’s rosé.
obsessed with miles walking in and being greeted with the ghost of diane #TheTraitors pic.twitter.com/6cC6KL0M9Y
— Ruby Naldrett (@rubynaldrett) January 17, 2024
4. Harry and Andrew, the problem princes
Talk about a reluctant Traitor. When Paul and Harry invited Welsh insurance broker Andrew over to the dark side, it was half big mistake, half callous sacrifice. While Harry emerged from Paul’s shadow and grew into his full evil powers, Andrew looked like a little boy lost. “Bless little Andrew, it’s his first murder,” said Harry, ignoring the fact that the muscle-bound 45-year-old was twice his age and size. The poor love should have declined the invitation, then gone back to his dumbbells.
Like Machiavelli with a George Michael earring, scheming Harry is now the bookies’ favourite to win. His latest master plan? Slyly pocket an immunity shield, enabling him to look Faithful by claiming the Traitors tried to murder him, while covering up their latest recruitment. Mollie saw him nab it but trusts her pal enough to ignore the red flags. For now.
5. Smash the castle patriarchy
“Another man?” asked Claudia Winkleman. “It’s like the olden days.” There had already been grumblings about this series being too blokey. Harry and Andrew promptly preserved the boys’ club by recruiting Ross. Five out of six Traitors have been male. The sole female, Ash, was backstabbed and banished early.
Bravo to Winkleman for calling it out, telling Woman’s Hour last week that it was “problematic” that most Traitors’ victims have been women. Five out of six of the murders have been female. She also asked if the series might have an ageism problem, with only one contestant aged over 30 left. “I would like to sit down… and have quite a few conversations about it,” she said. I wonder if the producers will redress the balance by picking an all-female Traitor coven next time?
6. Myself says yourself needs to stop
Everyone on The Traitors : I’m really sorry. I love you to bits. You’re my best friend in here but I have voted for yourself
— Matt Lucas HQ (@RealMattLucas) January 20, 2024
This year’s intake have a number of verbal tics at Round Tables: “Your energy”, “deflecting”, “going with my gut”, “we’ll talk after”, saying “traitorous” rather than “treacherous”. But perhaps the most teeth-itching is “myself” and “yourself” rather than “you” and “me”.
Oh and remember how we spoke about name spellings on slates? See me after school, Harry.
Harry and Jasmine should both be murdered simply for their atrocious spelling! #Charlot #Charlote #Traitors pic.twitter.com/GdBzFUWQ68
— Jason Brautigam (@DizzyJB) January 19, 2024
7. Jaz-ica Fletcher, your time is now
Could Jaz-atha Christie get his dues at last? While Harry was hailed as a hair-gelled hero, it was unjustly forgotten how Jaz had suspected Paul from day one. He has voted for Andrew twice and is now on to Harry, too, thanks to his conversational connection to Paul. If Jaz teams up with Zack and perhaps Evie, they could bring down that turret crashing down. The Jaz warrior just needs to make them listen.
Starting to think that Jaz is the clairvoyant and not Tracey. Like he’s been on to Paul and Harry for ages, said Andrew was a traitor - he got recruited, then said Ross was recruited days before he actually was #TheTraitors pic.twitter.com/jD0ceGmBIh
— Leevs x 🌻 (@HelloItsLevi) January 19, 2024
8. Claudia was dearly beloved
Lady Winkleman of the Manor continues to be the consummate host, single-handedly raising the show several levels. She flipped from yelling herself hoarse during the cabin in the woods mission to sinister solemnity at the Round Table (“Time to avenge Diane … Sleep well, if you can”).
Her high-camp performance hit its peak during the funeral procession, when she wielded a cane, wore a veil and slammed the coffin lid shut with a flourish. A Bafta and an undertaker side-hustle beckon.
Sometimes I watch shows and think, I wish I was presenting that. But not #TheTraitors , Claud is the PERFECT host and I’m SO happy it’s the success it is because she is a diamond and deserves all this love she’s getting. It’s so lovely when the decent ones do well in this game ❤️
— R Y L A N (@Rylan) January 18, 2024
9. Those we have lost
That breakfast table is shrinking by the day. Banished were chalice-wielding Miles, Count Paul of Transylvania and his “collateral damage” Charlotte (who doubtless consoled herself with yet another bath). Murder victims were Diane (how very dare they!) and Charlie (this is for Bristooolll!).
10. The final showdown is nigh
The series has made January bearable but the endgame looms. This week’s triptych of episodes culminates with Friday’s extended 70-minute finale. Can. Not. Wait.
Scores on the castle doors
Best Traitor: Harry remains king of the castle conclave but Ross is coming for him.
Best Faithful: A dead heat between detective duo Jaz and Zack. Is Evie on to Harry too?
Quote of the week: As Paul and Miles clashed, Harry’s whispered aside to Zack: “Do you reckon that’s two Traitors going at each other?” What a seed to plant.
Winkleman wardrobe watch: Those XL weave knits were on-point but her “widow chic” veil takes top prize.
Prize pot: After nine missions, the spoils stand at £65,150 from a possible £83,000. Who will take it home on Friday?
Body count: Three traitors have fallen, with Miles and Paul joining Ash on the cloak-clad scrapheap. Faithfuls also lost three this week, taking their casualties to 11. We approach the climactic week with five Faithfuls v three Traitors. Last series, it was 6-3 at this stage.
Can the Traitors triumph this time? Will someone leave “a parting gift”? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Meet you back here on Friday night where we’ll be liveblogging the must-see finale. In the meantime, stay faithful.
