‘The Traitors’ Season 4: Episode 1-3 Recap of Banishments and Murders

Alan Cumming returns to the Scottish Castle for the much-anticipated Season 4 of “The Traitors.” This season features a roster of 23 celebrities, including former “Real Housewives” stars, Olympians, and well-known game show winners. The premiere kicked off on January 8, introducing a compelling twist: the selection of a “Secret Traitor” whose identity remains hidden from both players and viewers until late in the game.

The Traitors: Overview of Episodes 1-3

This season maintains the chilling game mechanics that fans love while adding new dimensions to the rivalry. By the end of Episode 3, the tension escalated as players faced banishments, murders, and the revelation of at least one Traitor.

Episode 1: Introducing the Secret Traitor

The premiere opens with all players arriving at the atmospheric castle. After brief introductions, Cumming reveals the “Secret Traitor” twist. Each contestant receives a personalized box, where one of them holds a grim reaper card, signifying their selection as the Secret Traitor, unknown to the audience.

• Cumming selects three additional Traitors: Lisa Rinna, Candiace Dillard Bassett, and Rob Rausch.
• The Secret Traitor, once identified, wears a distinct red cloak and has the power to decide which players face murder each week.

During their first mission, the contestants split into teams to locate coffins marked with dollar signs, placing nine players in jeopardy of being murdered. As tension builds, Porsha Williams confronts Michael Rapaport over rumors about him targeting housewives. The episode concludes with the revelation that the Secret Traitor has shortlisted four victims, including Ian Terry from “Big Brother.”

Episode 2: The First Murder

In a suspenseful start, the players assemble for breakfast, only to find that Ian Terry has been murdered at the hands of the Traitors. His final words reflect his regret for not being able to change his fate.

• Drama unfolds during the second mission with a belligerent confrontation between Yamil “Yam Yam” Arocho and Maura Higgins.
• Williams mistakenly claims involvement in Terry’s murder, drawing attention from suspicious players.

The first Round Table banishment takes place, where Williams receives the most votes and ends her journey in the game, expressing her confusion and determination as she exits. Following this, the Traitors execute their second murder of the night through a clandestine action revealed to be successful.

Episode 3: Unmasking a Traitor

The atmosphere heightens as players gather for breakfast, but one participant, Rob Cesternino, is absent—revealed to be the latest victim. During a chaotic vote, Donna “Mama” Kelce is banished, only for her to be revealed as the Secret Traitor at the episode’s close.

• Kelce’s strategy involved portraying herself as a nurturing figure while secretly influencing the game.
• She took pride in her performance, reflecting on the unique experience of playing the game.

As the episode wraps up, Cumming organizes another mission where players must pair with their allies, leading to new threats as the Traitors make another attempt to eliminate players face-to-face.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Episodes

The intrigue continues as Episodes 4 and 5 of “The Traitors” Season 4 will be available for streaming on Peacock on January 15 at 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET. Viewers are left eager to see who will be the next to fall victim to the ruthless game of deception and betrayal.