It looks like a lifetime because the British public had been glued to their TVs for The Traitors season 2, ready to see what title poor Molly would write down on her blackboard. Fortunately, UK followers can fill the void barely with season 2 of the US counterpart, which not too long ago dropped on BBC iPlayer.
Whereas the American model retains the identical extravagant enhancing fashion and superb setting in Ardross Fortress, Scotland, there may be one main distinction that influences the complete ambiance of the sport – the inclusion of celeb contestants.
Season 1 of the Peacock actuality present, introduced by the theatrical Alan Cumming (who slays in each outfit like his UK counterpart, Claudia Winkleman), break up the contestants in half by having some as ‘normies’, and the remainder as principally D-list celebrities from actuality reveals akin to Survivor, Beneath Deck and Massive Brother.
Spoilers for The Traitors UK and US under
It was an odd alternative within the first place to combine regular individuals with celebrities, as you mechanically wished to root for many who want the cash over these who already had some stage of fame and a snug life-style. You’d additionally see some celebs forming cliques, chatting about their distinctive experiences and sometimes being suspicious of those that fell exterior of their golden circles.
The next season fastened that friction by merely making everybody a star. Once more, the group is essentially made up of ex-reality contestants, however there are just a few wildcards thrown in there, like boxer Deontay Wilder and ex-Speaker within the Home of Commons, John Bercow (sure, the person who shouts “ORDEEEER”).
However that also doesn’t repair the crux of the problem: celebrities simply aren’t hungry sufficient to play the sport with their full chests.
They’re on the present to spice up their private model or enterprise, in order that they’re comfortable to make rash selections that throw the sport into chaos in a means you’d by no means see on the UK model. Take Kate from season 1 – she bought so fed up with everybody that she began sacrificing cash from the pot, throwing barrels of money away throughout a bodily exerting job. Solely somebody with cash to burn would have that perspective.
Plus, lots of them have already made cash earlier than taking part in the sport. Season 2 contestant Janelle discusses on Dan Gheesling’s podcast that the producers had “deep pockets” that resulted in massive look charges for the forged moderately than the stipend of round £100 per day that standard contestants get whereas taking useful day without work work.
There’s additionally a conflict of egos within the group, with many contestants appearing as in the event that they’re a world famous person like Taylor Swift, swishing their hair again and referring to their arcs on different reveals as if each viewer is simply tuning in to observe them moderately than the sport itself.
Don’t get me mistaken, there are narcissists within the UK model too, however their confidence principally centres round their play fashion moderately than their look or previous accomplishments. Take season 2 villain Paul for example: although he was actually unbearable by claiming himself because the ‘chief’ of the Traitors, his bragging was usually backed up by credible ploys and lies by charming these round him (why they fell for it, I’ll by no means know).
It made his downfall all of the sweeter, and the gamers reactions when he revealed himself had been so real and intense as a result of they had been a step nearer to altering their lives. You’d by no means see that within the American model.
The finalists additionally had compelling causes to win – whether or not it was shopping for a home for his or her household, making a charity for disabled individuals or constructing a brilliant future for his or her youngsters. It’s not one thing that’s centered on within the US model as a lot, as a result of they’ll most likely simply be blowing the cash on superfluous stuff.
All these items make me doubtful in regards to the UK celeb spin-off, which is estimated to movie subsequent yr.
We don’t but know who the contestants of this spin-off will likely be, however I hope that Studio Lambert displays on the kinds of individuals included within the US model and opts for a spread of individuals throughout totally different industries, akin to sports activities personalities, comedians and journalists. While you primarily embrace ex-reality stars, there’s little range within the kinds of personalities in the home.
The power of The Traitors UK comes from having individuals from all walks of life – individuals of various ages, races, lessons and people with disabilities. It’s one thing that’s usually uncared for on extra shallow reveals akin to Love Island. I don’t need to see the UK model lose that coronary heart and soul.
The excellent news is that The Traitors UK season 3 will come earlier than that, so I anticipate to see it match a number of the most iconic moments from the previous instalments… however the bar could be very excessive with traces akin to “parting reward” and “however Ross is” without end etched in our minds.