BBC One’s hit show The Traitors was back on our screens this January, with its brand new series airing its first episode on New Year’s Day. The TV show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, has been highly anticipated since last year’s drama-packed season ended. However, fans were left with a slightly sour taste after this year’s season, and were left asking: has The Traitors’ castle become more a place of bullying than betrayal? Fans were appalled fairly early in the season as contestant and “Faithful” Kasim Ahmed was condemned as a “Traitor”. Heartbreaking footage showed Kas wandering through the castle with his dinner, and finally resigning to eating alone as none of his fellow contestants would engage with him. Contestants were certain Kas was a Traitor due to “gut feelings” and a suspicious “twinkle in his eye”. One fan wrote on X: “Not naming names but the ‘gut feeling’ these lot had was racism I really hated watching the way they treated Kasim. #TheTraitors.” Another wrote: “I love #TheTraitors but god, that was uncomfortable. Seeing a person of colour saying they feel isolated and ostracized is not a good look. I know people say it’s just a game, but it must be hard not to take it personally. Kas was a king among men.” Kas’ banishment occurred in episode four of the season. Needless the say, the dynamic in The Traitors’ castle was one viewers were uncomfortable watching.
Kas released a statement via Instagram after the uproar at his treatment in the castle, writing: “Joe and Jake [other contestants] may have led the charge against me in the game, but have been an excellent support in the real world and are some of the loveliest people I’ve met [...] Traitors family forever!” Fans, however, remained unimpressed and accused the show of fostering a toxic environment that encourages bullying and ostracising. Fans of the show pointed out that there was a pack mentality unlike any other series. Contestant Freddie Fraser noted that a “clique” had formed within the castle, comprised of Leanne Quigley, Leon Jackman, Livi Deane, and Tyler Smith. Freddie’s observation seemed to covey the overarching takeaway from this series for viewers: The Traitors has gotten meaner. Where previous seasons did see contestants battle it out, we equally saw them leave their differences and arguments at the Round Table.
No previous season saw individuals ganged up on, ostracised from the group, and bullied en masse. Moments of this season were difficult and uncomfortable to watch, almost reminiscent of popular teenagers picking on their less popular classmates.
The contestants from this year’s season have tried to reassure fans that they are all friends “outside the game”. Though this may be true, I think there is still some merit to the criticisms made regarding the dynamic of contestants within the show. The mob-like style of eliminations this year was uncomfortable to watch, and several contestants seemed defeated before even attempting to fight their corner. I hope that next years The Traitors sees the return of light-hearted perfidiousness rather than mob mentality, for the sake of both the contestants and the audience.