Season 3 of The Traitors is in full swing with six action-packed episodes currently available to stream on Peacock. The first three episodes, released on Thursday, January 9, featured two murders and two banishments. If you’re new to reality competition shows and need help unpacking where these players went wrong, don’t worry, I got you. Here’s what you need to know.
WARNING SPOILERS: DO NOT KEEP READING IF YOU ARE NOT CAUGHT UP ON THE TRAITORS SEASON 3: EPISODES 1-3
Dorinda Medley – Murdered by the Traitors in Episode 2
Real Housewives of New York alum Dorinda Medley was the first victim of the Traitors. The group chose to murder the former Housewife in her sleep to paint a target on Ivar Mountbatten’s back. The Traitors suspected the group would blame the royal for the murder given that he and Dorinda got into a fight earlier that evening. Initially, Traitor Carolyn Wiger disagreed with the plan, pointing out that keeping a chaotic player like Dorinda in the castle would be a good distraction. But in the end, she could not persuade her teammates, and Dorinda’s fate was sealed.
So, where did Dorinda go wrong? Well, I’ll tell you. Her first mistake was volunteering to get off the raft. I understand that some players needed to put their game at risk for the group to win money, but in my opinion, she gave in too easily. Three Housewives had already exited the raft, forfeiting their chance at a shield. When it came time for the Traitors to pick a victim, they looked at their options and saw four women from the same franchise who would likely protect each other and vote together. It seemed like an obvious choice to break them up.
Her second mistake was causing a scene after the first challenge. She returned to the castle and began fighting with the players who remained on the raft. Her behavior put a huge target on her back. Better luck next time D. We will miss your beautiful, chaotic energy in the Traitors castle.
Wells Adams – Banished at the first roundtable in Episode 2
Bachelor in Paradise star Wells Adams was the first player banished at the roundtable. Wells’ elimination wasn’t entirely his fault. Robyn Dixon threw out his name for superficial reasons that weren’t entirely convincing. However, the first few days in the castle are tricky. The players have so little evidence that even a weird look can tarnish your game.
In my opinion, Wells’ weak social game is what cost him the grand prize. Similar to Dan Gheesling, Wells felt he was better seen and not heard in the castle. The 40-year-old kept quiet and didn’t engage in strategy talk. It wasn’t a terrible strategy, but it did make him dispensable to the players. He didn’t form alliances, which hurt him at the roundtable. No one stepped up to defend him when Robyn threw his name out.
Chanel Ayan – Murdered by the Traitors in Episode 3
Similar to Wells, Chanel Ayan’s lack of strategy is what led to her demise. She was well-liked in the castle, but it was clear she was not a game player. In Episode 3, the Traitors wanted to create chaos in the castle by murdering someone that no one would suspect. Chanel had no enemies, which made her the perfect victim. The Faithfuls would be left scratching their heads and the Traitors would buy themselves more time. I don’t think Chanel played a bad game. Her murder was a bit random and there is another world where his charm carried her to the finale. But unfortunately, that is not what happened.
Tony Vlachos – Banished at the second roundtable in Episode 3
Tony, Tony, Tony. I was not surprised to see Survivor legend Tony Vlachos banished at the roundtable in Episode 3. It’s true that Tony’s notorious reputation made his Traitors journey more difficult than some of his fellow players. However, he could’ve done a better job at lowering his threat level. He should’ve played it cool knowing everyone would suspect him of being a Traitor. But he didn’t do that. He talked over people, controlled challenges, and overall, made himself into a huge target. He rubbed people the wrong way, which made him an easy choice to banish in Episode 3. Sorry Tony, but that was not your best showing on a reality TV show.
New episodes of The Traitors are released every Thursday on Peacock.
TELL US – WHICH FALLEN PLAYER WAS YOUR FAVORITE? WHO DO YOU HOPE IS THE NEXT PLAYER BANISHED OR MURDERED?
