One of the traitors has been killed on The Traitors Season 4 Episode “The Black Banquet.” And it’s about time.
We’re past the halfway mark for the season, and tensions are rising as Lisa Rinna says goodbye. But it’s not like she said goodbye without doing some damage. She committed murder in plain sight. Sorry, Yam Yam. And then gave a memorable performance during the final voting process. She’s a force to be reckoned with, even to the end. But as we say goodbye to her, we have to acknowledge that Rob has taken the first of many steps to prioritize himself above his fellow traitors. And Candiace… oh, she’s got her eyes set on him.
So sit back, relax, and join us for our breakdown of The Traitors Season 4 Episode 7 “The Black Banquet”!
MORE: Need a refresher on last week’s episode? Read our breakdown for The Traitors Season 4 Episode 6 “Planning a Coup” here.
1. Yam Yam has been killed. Was it the right choice? Also Natalie?!
Lyra: Yam Yam was the right choice to kill off, just for his reaction alone. It set off a chain reaction that rippled across this episode and did irreparable damage to the traitors. But I kind of wish Yam Yam stayed, and someone else was booted. He was likeable and had a great personality. That right there makes for great TV. As for Natalie, she’s taking this more seriously than any of the other contestants to the point where it’s awkward for the other contestants. Let’s dial it back a little. But… there is money on the line and who knows how I would act if in the same situation.
Lizzie: I love how dramatic this was, truly. Top notch. But I don’t think it was the right choice, because he was someone people already kind of suspected, and it was better he stayed. I think Colton was perhaps too obvious, but I would have taken some of the people I consider way more dangerous out. Maybe Stephen. Of course, doing it in public presents a lot of challenges, so I’d say it was more a matter of opportunity than anything else. Someone had to go.
Shana: I mean, 20/20 vision and all, but it was obviously the wrong choice for Lisa. And Natalie needed to chill. Sure, everyone wants to win the game and all, but she really acted like she was going to literally die. Girl, it’s not that serious, and you put a target on your own back. The foolery.
2. Rob was called an idiot by his fellow traitors. Is he? (The answer is no.)
Lyra: Rob is smarter than people think, especially his fellow traitors. And the traitors underestimating him put Candiace and Lisa in the position they’re in now. Nevertheless, even if this is a game, you have to have your people. And Rob’s people are the traitors. So I honestly believe he could’ve brought Candiace over to his side if he was going to take this step in cutting Lisa out. But yeah, Rob’s good entertainment in The Traitors. And no matter what happens next, he’s already won because he changed people’s perception of him after Love Island USA. Well, for some people.
Lizzie: Honestly, I think he’s playing a hell of a game for someone we dismissed as a dumb, pretty face. Like, I don’t think crossing Lisa was a bad choice, strategically speaking. But I don’t know if he can sell it to Candiace in a way that’ll keep her on his side, and I think he still needs her. Sure, I don’t believe he’s anywhere near getting voted out, because he’s sold his faithful persona so well, but if Candiace is on him, that makes the game more complicated. So I’m going to give him credit, but I want to see what he does next before I say he’s actually dominating the game. Still… on Team Rob here right now.
Shana: He’s either the smartest person in the game or the stupidest. It’s hard to decide which. Crossing Lisa, and by extension crossing Candiace, doesn’t seem particularly intelligent. Then again, whew, is he milking that “aw, shucks” innocent guy personality and getting everyone on his side so they’ll never, ever suspect him. Then, there was the dagger thing. Not only did he actually live up to his brags about being a human lie detector, but then, he somehow convinced everyone he beat for the dagger to keep his secret. So, eh. I guess I’m going to actually have to land on “he’s the smartest” now that I’ve posted through it.
3. Candiace and Lisa were masterminds trying to take off the heat from Lisa. Thoughts?
Lyra: Candiace and Lisa played a good game. And it didn’t matter if the writing was on the wall, they were going to fight to the end. I respect that. And even though I love that Rob is messy, he could benefit from understanding that kind of loyalty.
Lizzie: I think they did about as good a job as you can, but I saw the writing on the wall since the last episode. Too much heat was on her. And Rob saw it too, that’s why he acted like he did.
Shana: They tried. I’ll give them that! I also really thought that, somehow, Lisa was going to come out of it unscathed. I mean, she’s Lisa effing Rinna!
4. Lisa was revealed to be a traitor. What did you think of how it went down?
Lyra: Either it was fantastic editing or people didn’t actually suspect her as much, but the contestants moved on too quickly from the Natalie of it all. That’s why I was surprised by some of the votes that came in for Lisa. What I wasn’t surprised about was Rob’s vote though. He has made it clear that his number one priority is himself. What I was surprised by was Candiace’s vote for Rob. It was a delicious warning in plain sight that said, “I see you.” And Lisa, kudos to you for fighting and then taking it in stride when you were eliminated.
Lizzie: I think the shocking thing here was supposed to be Rob, but I kinda expected Rob to do this. If anything, the shocking thing for me was that everyone backed off from Natalie so quickly. But I think they all had their questions about Lisa, and that’s why it ended up going the way it did….
Shana: MESS. But, like, I mean that as a compliment. Fitting for “the most iconic, legendary…traitor” to go out like that. Not that it matters since there was another vote for Lisa out there on the table, but I’m actually shocked Johnny flipped his vote. If nothing else, I would’ve expected him to stick with Natalie after she kept his bff Tara from drinking the antidote.
5. Another episode, even better looks. What was your favorite contestant outfit?
Lyra: Rob’s little top. I don’t know what it’s called. But I loved the red straps and how it exposed the hips on the side during the banquet.
Lizzie: Candiace’s headpiece was all I could think about. I want it.
Shana: I mean, Lisa Rinna’s banquet look. An icon. To be honest, she probably should’ve toned down the fabulousness if she wanted to keep a low profile. Oops.
In other news, I know we weren’t directly asked for our least favorite, but I’m just so utterly and completely confused by that hat Maura wore to the roundtable. It was so…big.
6. Candiace vs Rob. What do you hope happens next?
Lyra: I kind of want Candiace to lure Rob into a fall sense of security that they’re good before striking. And this fall sense of security, I don’t want to know about it. I want it to be kept from the viewer so when she strikes, it’ll be even more shocking. As for Rob himself, I hope he continues protecting himself and positioning himself in a faithful position. It’ll make things messier.
Lizzie: Can they both win? Make up and win this! I like them both.
Shana: I want one of them to expose that two Olympians who have been doing figure skating commentary for NBC together for what seems like 84 years are friends. Come on.
Traitors airs new episodes every Thursday on Peacock.
