The final episode of this year's The Traitors delivered a tense and gripping conclusion, despite the series being marred by format cracks and lacklustre contestants. The two remaining traitors, Rachel and Stephen, emerged victorious, splitting the £95,750 prize pot after outmanoeuvring the faithful finalists.
Rachel, described as 'terrifyingly ruthless', dominated the endgame by orchestrating the banishment of Jade, Faraaz, and Jack. Her relentless plotting kept viewers on edge, as she convinced others that Jade was untrustworthy, leading to Jade's tearful exit. Faraaz was banished next, followed by Jack, sealing the traitors' win.
The series faced criticism for rewarding dull contestants, with vibrant personalities like James, Harriet, and Fiona being banished early. The mid-episode challenges were labelled as filler, and new twists such as the Secret Traitor reveal and secret connections failed to add meaningful drama.
Despite these flaws, the finale was praised for its stress-inducing tension. Stephen's last-minute uncertainty about trusting Rachel added to the spectacle, making for a memorable end. The absence of other finalists at the winners' celebration highlighted the betrayal felt by those deceived.
Overall, the series was saved by an excellent finale, though it left viewers nostalgic for the more restrained celebrity version. Rachel's machinations ensured the show remained gripping, even if the journey there was uneven.
