First series of game shows Traitors was a stunning success. It won a National Television Award, two BAFTAs and was viewed over 34 million times on iPlayer. But the newness came from newness, unexpected twists and a fresh take on reality TV. Now that we’re home and the new members are familiar with the game, episode two faces an uphill battle.
Today’s first episode began as it did in 2022, with a new group of 22 players boarding a steam train in the Scottish Highlands and taking them to the beautiful but austere country house where the game is being played. If you are unknown Traitors it’s essentially a huge killing game; Of the 22, some are chosen as traitors, whose job is to “kill” the other players – the believers – without revealing their identities.
The main characters of this year became clear immediately. There was 45-year-old Welshman Andrew, who was simply impossible to miss because of his broad shoulders, retired teacher Diana, who was already wondering who the traitor might be, and brash, grumpy Harry, who hoped that his supposed stupidity ( his word) will help him remain unnoticed.
Programs such as Traitors their actors live and die, and one of the reasons the first series did so well is that the producers filled it with normal (if in some cases slightly eccentric) and, above all, likable people. The American version of the series features D-list and reality TV stars; it’s not nearly as good. As for the first series, the second season of the British edition (which itself is based on the original Dutch program) has once again amazed the cast.
And then there was Claudia Winkleman – her presentation style is crucial to the overly dramatic, campy atmosphere. Traitors Nails. Dressed in her now-signature black cape (but this time with a pop of color courtesy of super-villainous red leather gloves), she asked players to line up in order from most likely to least likely to win.
This is how the first series began, and I couldn’t help but feel disappointed at the thought that the second version might be based on exactly the same hymns. But here is the first insight from the script of the first episode: “It’s like we’re doing the same thing again,” Winkleman grinned and sent the previously unharmed candidates to the villa to get acquainted.
The rest of the episode was largely familiar territory, with Winkleman interviewing players about their intentions for the upcoming game and choosing their traitors during the series’ first roundtable, where players ultimately vote to quit the game. Even though we had seen it all before, television still bothered us. Traitors is based on secrets, lies and murder, the holy trinity of a thrilling series in any genre.
A challenge was also offered allowing players to create their own prize pool, which if they managed to complete all elements of each challenge could reach £120,000. Freed from wooden poles, players had to paddle into the middle of an icy lake to rearrange several floating docks in a predetermined pattern. Or so; This is where I lost interest. The challenges are always too difficult and unnecessary for a real game.
The producers should know this is the case, as this year they’ve peppered the challenges with “shields” that can grant players immunity from exile when it comes to roundtable voting. It’s a brilliant move: going all out and grabbing a shield puts players in the line of fire, making them look suspiciously like they need protection, but also keeps them in the game – but it’s still not enough to justify the challenge. I would say we should get rid of them altogether.
Still, Traitors it’s pretty much the same game. And this, of course, is not bad. The BBC knows they have succeeded and it would be very foolish to tinker with the formula too much. Whether this second series can keep up with the first depends entirely on how the game is played. With a cast of charming characters, plenty of twists and the magical touch of Claudia Winkleman, I’m sure.
Source: I News
I am Harvey Rodriguez, an experienced news reporter and author with 24 News Reporters. My main areas of expertise are in entertainment and media. I have a passion for uncovering stories about the people behind the scenes that bring the entertainment world to life. I take pride in providing my readers with timely and accurate information on all aspects of the entertainment industry.