The Traitors Season 4: A Deep Dive into the Castle’s Chaos
The best running reality show on TV, The Traitors, is back for its fourth season, and the stakes are higher than ever. Each week, we’ll dissect the power dynamics within the castle, identify the strongest players, and mourn those who fall victim to the Traitors’ schemes and the Faithfuls’ paranoia. Let’s break down everything that unfolded in Episode 10.
A Miscalculation and a Rising Star
I’ll admit it – I underestimated Kristen. I believed her public accusation of Eric would shield her from elimination. Surely, Eric would fear the repercussions, and Rob would steer clear. However, that was a flawed assumption.
On the other hand, Natalie’s gameplay has been consistently fascinating. Throughout the season, she’s demonstrated a willingness to abandon logic when her survival is threatened. From frantically searching for shields to her visible frustration when others acquired them, and even snatching an antidote from Tara during the banquet, her actions have been… memorable. Natalie is a strategic player, with a clear vision for reaching the end, but she’s prone to moments of irrationality.
The Roundtable Rumble and Natalie’s Downfall
Natalie entered the final roundtable aligned with Tara and Johnny, suspecting Rob. However, neither Tara nor Johnny fully committed to voting against him. Tara even questioned the timing of such a move, recognizing its potential futility – Rob held two votes thanks to the dagger and had Maura and Eric in his corner. Even swaying Mark wouldn’t guarantee success.
As Rob turned the tables on Natalie, the campaign against him initially gained traction. His arguments were unconvincing and laced with emotion, and Mark echoed Natalie’s concerns. But when Tara hesitated, Natalie abruptly abandoned her case against Rob and engaged in a heated argument with Tara for not adhering to a plan Tara never fully endorsed. Rob watched as the roundtable descended into chaos.
Ultimately, the table unanimously banished Natalie, and she didn’t even cast a vote against Rob. It’s a heartbreaking outcome – Natalie had a real chance at winning! But her indignant “good job” to the remaining Faithfuls on her way out only highlights her self-sabotage.
Power Dynamics: Tara and Johnny Take the Lead
As we approach the season’s climax, power is defined by who has the best chance of winning. And right now, that’s Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir. They’ve navigated the game with a strategic approach, reminiscent of Lord Ivar Mountbatten, but Tara deserves credit for actively pursuing leads in this episode. She was the first, outside of Candiace, to suspect Rob, and she wisely considered holding back that suspicion for a more opportune moment – a tactic Natalie failed to grasp.
After the confrontation with Natalie, Tara openly pleaded for the Traitors to eliminate her, but she’s in a stronger position than she realizes. With both Tara and Johnny nearing the end, they pose a significant threat. If they survive the Traitors’ final murder (likely targeting Mark or Maura) and one more banishment, they could replicate CT and Trishelle’s success from Season 2, splitting the grand prize.
Anyone not named Tara or Johnny should prioritize eliminating one of them, as they won’t share the prize money.
Possible Outcomes and Rob’s Shifting Persona
There are three potential outcomes, but the third feels increasingly unlikely.
Rob, who initially impressed with his calm and strategic gameplay, has begun to unravel. Losing the challenge triggered a visible shift in his demeanor – moping, throwing objects, and lashing out at Mark. He’s abandoned his cool facade, openly discussing his plans to eliminate everyone with Maura. This transformation has left the other players questioning who he truly is.
While he survived another roundtable by letting others self-destruct, his time is running out. Tara and Johnny’s pursuit will intensify, and with Natalie’s departure, Mark is likely to join their cause. Some even speculate that Maura is aware of Rob’s true identity and is strategically allowing him to carry her to the end.
The Crucial Final Murder and Maura’s Enigma
Rob’s next move is critical. With Tara and Johnny gaining momentum, he must eliminate either Maura or Mark to deflect suspicion. Mark might not be enough, forcing him to potentially betray and murder Maura, the woman he clearly cares for. Even then, victory isn’t guaranteed.
The question remains: how much does Maura know? She seems to be observing Rob’s changing behavior, and as the host of the Love Island USA aftershow, she has a unique understanding of his past tendencies. It would be brilliant to let him believe he has a chance, only to turn on him at the end and claim the prize money.
However, she consistently defended Rob at the roundtable, jumping to his defense whenever anyone implicated him. We’ll soon find out if Rob chose a shot at the prize money over a potential relationship with Maura.
The Unpredictable Mark and Eric’s Silence
Throughout the season, Mark has remained an enigma. He’s present but doesn’t actively drive the game. He’s likely to be eliminated soon. Once a player known for casual relationships, he’s likely to be targeted by Rob.
Eric, on the other hand, has adopted a strategy of silence. After being told he was too quiet, he remained completely silent during the roundtable, effectively sealing his fate.
Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the twists and turns of The Traitors Season 4!
