Episode 3 of “The Traitors” season 4 delivers one of the biggest twists yet. Between an early banishment, a surprise reveal, and a mission that leaves several players exposed, the game inside the castle shifts dramatically.
Breakfast Brings a Surprise Murder and an Early Twist
The episode opens, as usual, at the breakfast table, where the group learns that “Survivor” alum Rob Cesternino has been murdered. The move marks the second straight episode in which the Traitors eliminate a competition “gamer.” Cesternino had also been the only contestant to openly question whether the Traitors were attempting a murder in plain sight.
Traitor Rob Rausch reacts with a dark joke, quipping, “Sorry, but there is only room for one Rob.”
Tensions remain high between Michael Rapaport and “Survivor” winner Yamil “Yam Yam” Arocho as Alan Cumming enters the room with another curveball. Before the mission even begins, the contestants must head to the Round Table for an immediate banishment.
As players scramble to regroup, Rapaport’s name continues circulating. “Big Brother” winner Tiffany Mitchell pulls him aside and advises him to “chill,” while Donna Kelce’s name also resurfaces after narrowly avoiding banishment the night before.
Kelce knows she is in danger and openly points to Rapaport’s behavior, including his frustration over not receiving a shield in the previous mission. Despite the effort, the votes are decisive. Kelce becomes the second player banished.
In a jaw-dropping moment, she reveals she was the Secret Traitor.
During her exit, Kelce becomes emotional, sharing that she felt grateful to have the opportunity to do something as unexpected as “The Traitors” at this stage of her life.
A Dangerous Mission Leaves Multiple Players Exposed on ‘The Traitors’ Season 4
With the banishment complete, the game moves on to a high-stakes mission that requires contestants to pair up with someone they trust “with their lives.”
One player from each pair is locked inside a cage while the other searches the surrounding marsh for skulls. The uncaged players must stack 10 skulls in 10 minutes. Each freed teammate adds $5,000 to the prize pot. Ron Funches, left without a partner, is immediately placed on the shortlist for that night’s murder.
The group successfully banks $25,000, but not everyone is freed. Kristen Kish, Caroline Stanbury, Eric Nam, Funches, and Traitor Lisa Rinna remain trapped in their cages, placing them all on the murder shortlist.
Cumming then reveals another chilling twist: the players left behind will be confronted face to face by the Traitors for the murder.
As Mitchell discusses her theories, she inadvertently raises suspicion with Colton Underwood by suggesting it would make sense for “gamers” (“Big Brother” and “Survivor” alums) to target other strategic players. Meanwhile, each contestant tied to a tree pleads their case as the Traitors watch from the shadows.
The episode ends with uncertainty hanging over the castle as the group awaits the next murder.
Episodes 1–3 of “The Traitors” season 4 are now streaming on Peacock. Episodes 4 and 5 premiere Thursday, January 15.
