The Traitors finale proved a tense and bloodthirsty affair, with traitor Rachel emerging as the series' most ruthless player. Her machinations kept viewers on edge throughout the final episode, cementing a victory that split the £95,750 prize fund between herself and fellow traitor Stephen.
The concluding episodes highlighted growing cracks in the format, according to one reviewer. Mid-episode challenges were dismissed as filler that stalled momentum, while the early reveal of the Secret Traitor and unresolved secret connections left several narrative threads dangling. The series also appeared to reward more reserved contestants, as colourful personalities were banished early, leaving a final five dominated by two traitors and three quieter players.
Rachel's plotting proved decisive. She worked relentlessly to convince others that Jade was untrustworthy, leading to Jade's tearful banishment. Faraaz followed, only realising his fate in the post-banishing interview, and Jack was then eliminated, sealing the traitors' triumph. Despite her promises of teamwork, Rachel's inherent untrustworthiness kept the outcome uncertain until the very end.
After the victory, the other finalists notably did not join Rachel and Stephen at the table, a response to the betrayal they had experienced. The finale was nonetheless described as effectively stressful, with Stephen's last-minute doubts about Rachel's loyalty likened to watching a man place his head inside a crocodile's mouth.
While the series was deemed uneven, the finale rescued it. The reviewer expressed hope that eliminated contestants such as James and Jade would return in future formats, and noted that the celebrity version of the show has become more bloodthirsty than earlier, more reputational-conscious series.
