THE TRAITORS SEASON 4 RECAP
BY ABBY MENZA PHOTO COURTESY OF PEACOCK © PEACOCK TV LLC. A DIVISION OF NBCUNIVERSAL. ALL OTHER PROGRAMS AND/OR MARKS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS. All Rights Reserved.
As a first-time watcher of “The Traitors,” I was unsure of what to expect, but I came out pleasantly surprised with a new binge-worthy TV series under my belt. Season 4 of the reality TV show, “The Traitors,” wrapped up with the release of their finale on Thursday, Feb. 26. The season included stars such as “Dancing with the Stars” pro Mark Ballas, “Real Housewives” royalty, Lisa Rinna, and reigning champion, Rob Rausch, known for his time on the show, “Love Island.”
Scottish actor Alan Cumming hosted the Emmy-winning murder-mystery reality show. Cumming always sports glamorous outfits, usually in coordination with his co-host, his dog Lala.
During the premiere, Cumming secretly selected three “Traitors,” which ended up being Bravo stars Lisa Rinna and Candiace Dillard Bassett, and “Love Island” heartbreaker, Rob Rausch. The rest of the contestants are called “Faithfuls,” and they work together throughout the season to scope out who the Traitors are. The season is also filled with challenges where both Traitors and Faithfuls work together to collect money for the prize pot.
The ultimate goal of a successful Traitor is to be trusted within the group. Any suspicion that you’re not who you say you are can get banished from the castle. Thinking strategically and sticking to a plan are also key tactics to successfully deceive the masses.
Rob Rausch, who ended up winning the entire show, used not only his good looks but also his strategic thinking to gain trust within the group, manipulate the narrative, and ultimately win the prize pot. While Rausch played a smart game in the end, he reached his success by throwing both his Traitor counterparts under the bus and betraying his strongest friend and ally, Maura Higgins.
Fellow “Love Island” alumna, Maura Higgins, stayed by Rausch’s side throughout the entire show until she was blindsided during the finale. Rausch’s Faithful facade sent Higgins into a state of shock, but, at the end of the day, the show is called “The Traitors.” During the season reunion, the two seemed to have made up, and Rausch promised to buy Higgins a new Hermès Birkin bag.
The season was filled with other notable moments like Michael Rapaport’s interesting eating habits, the dynamic Olympic skater duo, Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, and the drama-filled “Black Banquet” scene.
While the show’s main focus is the Traitors versus the Faithfuls, there were some pretty noteworthy fashion-forward cast members. In my opinion, the top two best-dressed players were Lisa Rinna and Maura Higgins. Rinna did not disappoint with her eccentric taste and elegant outfits. The most notable fashion choice was her elaborate, multi-tiered gown, which she wore to the Black Banquet, including the brooch that evidently raised suspicions among the group and caused her to be sent home. Higgins, on the other hand, came prepared each episode with an impressive set of wigs and hats that completed each one of her outfits.
“The Traitors” season 4 was filled with betrayal, reality TV icons, and unforgettable style choices. In the end, Rob Rausch played a strategic, smart game and won the prize pot without having to share a penny. I am definitely hooked on what the next season will bring and can confidently say I have been converted to a die-hard fan of “The Traitors.”
