With only one episode left before the season 4 finale of “The Traitors,” viewers noticed two familiar faces missing from a pivotal mission.
During the February 19 episode of the Peacock reality competition, host Alan Cumming introduced a high-stakes carnival-themed challenge. But Eric Nam and Tara Lipinski did not participate. Alan told the group they would not be riding the attraction due to unspecified “medical reasons,” leaving fans wondering what happened.
Eric Nam and Tara Lipinski Sit Out ‘The Traitors’ Mission
The mission required contestants to strap into a spinning carousel-style ride before disembarking to search for bags of gold hidden inside carnival prizes. Players then had to return to the ride and secure a seat as spots were eliminated each round. The last person remaining would win a shield for the final murder.
“This mission is going to be all the fun of the fair. For me, at least. For you, I imagine it is going to be terrible,” Alan said. “Your mission today is as simple as it is unnerving. Strap yourselves in and hold on.”
He explained the stakes clearly: “When the lights stop, you must disembark and fight for bags of gold worth between $750 and $5,000 stuck inside some of the cuddly fair grand prizes. Once you found a bag of gold, you must run back to the ride, bank the money and seal yourselves for another spin.”
Alan added that contestants would not be allowed back on the ride without a bag of gold and confirmed, “My carousel will spin five times.
Whoever is sitting on the carousel at the end, will secure the shield. There is a maximum of $30,000 on the line today.”
He then clarified that Eric and Tara would “not be riding” due to “medical reasons.” Production offered no further explanation. Two dolls were strapped into seats in their place.
In past seasons and international versions of the show, contestants have occasionally sat out missions because of injuries, pre-existing conditions, or other medical limitations. The show does not typically provide detailed explanations.
Executive producer Sam Rees-Jones previously avoided addressing a similar absence during an interview with Variety, instead focusing on the cast dynamic.
“Donna showed up, and she was great. I love watching Donna,” Rees-Jones said. “It was like watching America’s mom in the castle.”
Rosie Franks added, “We were so excited that she was a fan of the show, that she wanted to play the game. She really did want to play — she came with so much strategy.”
Pre-Finale Drama Intensifies on ‘The Traitors’
The episode marked the final roundtable before the finale and the last time a banished player would reveal their role.
It also featured the first use of the dagger advantage, which grants an extra vote. Rob Rausch, one of the remaining traitors, used the dagger during a tense roundtable discussion, though the outcome suggested he may not have needed it.
Natalie’s elimination left the remaining players shaken. Tara and Johnny Weir had previously aligned with others in suspecting Rob. However, when suspicions shifted at the roundtable, Natalie’s name ultimately received enough votes to end her game.
As of the end of the episode, the remaining players are:
Traitors: Rob Rausch (“Love Island”), Eric Nam
Faithful: Maura Higgins (“Love Island”), Mark Ballas (“Dancing With the Stars”), Tara Lipinski, Johnny Weir
With the finale approaching, every vote, advantage and mission outcome carries significant weight.
“The Traitors” streams on Peacock, with new episodes dropping Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.
