The Traitors: a masterful storytelling endeavour
The gripping finale of 'The Traitors' has left millions of viewers reeling, capturing a rollercoaster of emotions throughout its three-nights-a-week runtime. From the stellar set and cast to unforgettable moments like the poisoned chalice and dramatic funeral of ar Di, stunning fashion, and sharp quips from Claudia Winkleman, the show has cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Once again, the casting for this show was on point. Comprising Clairvoyants, a Chess Coach, and even a secret mother-and-son duo, it was the perfect combination of personalities gunning for the prize.
This year's group of Faithfuls eagerly sought to expose the traitors but, unfortunately, came up short in terms of their gameplay. With only a handful of standout players like Jaz (dubbed Jazatha Christie in the fandom), the rest were too preoccupied with internal conflicts, engaging in banishments based on popularity and herd mentality rather than strategically uncovering traitors. Aside from Jaz, ar Di (mother will always get a pass), and Zack (the human embodiment of chaotic good), based on gameplay, imo, they weren't truly deserving of the win. The Faithfuls only discovered a traitor when a Traitor initiated it.
The approach from The Traitors this year sharply contrasted with that of series 1. While the Traitors in the first series played more as a cohesive unit until forced into error or, in the case of Wilf, ousted in the final moments, the Traitors of series 2 experienced more infighting and betrayal right from the start. Paul emerged as a significant instigator, shaping the course of gameplay for both factions until his subsequent banishment.
To watch the gameplay, of course, is great, but the storytelling and the unfolding events were nothing short of a masterclass. It felt as though it had been penned by one of the literary greats. A particularly noteworthy observation, highlighted by series 1 contestant Ivan Brett on X (formerly Twitter), draws attention to the parallel between the cast and Shakespearean characters. Each member appears to embody a distinct facet of Shakespearean drama, contributing to the narrative's depth and complexity. Notable mentions include Harry as Prince Hal in Henry IV and to my amusement, Anthony as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, "His furious last line condemns both sides of the conflict. Let that sink in." said Brett. The penultimate mission, featuring Harry drawing the dagger from the stone, subtly foreshadowed the betrayals and backstabbing that ensued, artfully mirroring his trajectory as a central figure in the traitorous acts.
The show serves as a captivating social experiment, reflecting societal biases and relationship dynamics. Mollie's journey, in particular, exposes the naivety and strategic mistakes that can unfold in a high-stakes game. The discussion around her, among other players online, highlights the show's ability to mirror real-life social biases, providing an intriguing lens into human behaviour.
On reflection, Mollie’s journey is one of the more interesting ones. She didn’t factor into the game until the second act and there’s been lots of discussion about her contribution to the game along with fellow Faithful Evie. But, to be honest, they couldn’t feature in the game until Paul’s banishment and villain arc had come to its conclusion, for Harry’s arc to step into the fore. Only then could we go on their journey. Plus with 22 contestants narratives to juggle what could we really expect. Was it frustrating to see Mollie wipe Harry’s name off the board? Yes, quite. Was I annoyed? Very much so. Will she learn from this? I hope so! Sometimes the best decision is the hardest one to make. But, Harry’s game was superb, he made very few mistakes and when he did, cleared them up quickly. He was always one step ahead of everyone, even the producers. On that alone he is a deserving winner.
Engaging with the online community, especially on platforms like Twitter (X, whatever), has been an integral part of the viewing experience. For me, the communal debriefing on spaces to dissect each episode with other fans, forming a virtual bond and sharing thoughts and feelings, was an unexpected but cherished aspect of the show's discourse. (Thanks Hamza!)
The final moments, shocking reveals and heartfelt interactions, have solidified "The Traitors" as a masterful storytelling endeavour. Everyone deserves their flowers! Here’s to series 3!
#JusticeforJazatha