The Traitors shocked fans on its Jan. 22 episode when contestant Rob Rausch, 27, voted to banish fellow Traitor Lisa Rinna, 62, instead of Faithfuls Colton Underwood and Ron Funches, 42. The move set off a chain of reactions that left the remaining players scrambling.
At a Glance
- Rob Rausch’s vote for Lisa Rinna broke the expected pattern of Faithfuls protecting each other.
- The banishment of Ron Funches, a 42-year-old Faithful, left the game in turmoil.
- Candiace Dillard Bassett, 39, publicly called the vote a huge risk.
- The next episode will feature a staged murder at Alan Cumming’s banquet.
- Why it matters: The betrayal shifts power dynamics and raises questions about loyalty in the game.
The Big Betrayal
During the Thursday night roundtable, Rob Rausch announced his choice on a chalkboard. He said, “I trust you Colton, and I wavered with you Ron, but I’ve looked you in the eye and asked you questions and believe you’re telling me the truth. As a Faithful, it is my job to get Traitors out of the game,” before revealing Lisa’s name. His vote led to the banishment of Ron, leaving Rob to face the wrath of Lisa and fellow Traitor Candiace.
Rob Rausch’s Calculated Move
Rob Rausch explained his rationale in a confessional: “I don’t regret anything about what I did, but I’m not ready to see Lisa’s face.” He added, “I think part of me really just wants to be a Faithful, to be honest, because I like Ron and I like Colton and I didn’t want to vote them out.” The decision was framed as a strategy to protect his perceived allies.
Key Points from Rob
- He wanted to keep Faithfuls Colton and Ron in the game.
- He perceived Lisa as a threat to his personal safety.
- He maintained that his vote was a logical, albeit risky, choice.
Reaction from Fellow Traitors
Candiace Dillard Bassett, who had been working closely with Lisa, reacted sharply: “I’m hoping Rob has a logical explanation, but even if he does, that was a huge risk,” she said in a confessional. She added, “One vote! Watching him stab Lisa in the front like he did – I don’t trust him.”
Lisa Rinna responded after the banishment: “I don’t trust you right now.” She expressed regret, saying, “I’m really, really f—ing sorry, but everyone knows that I really trust Colton, and I really trust Ron.” Lisa’s frustration highlighted the fractured trust among players.
Candiace’s Perspective
- She felt Rob’s vote betrayed their shared strategy.
- She accused him of putting the group in danger.
- She questioned whether the game’s integrity was being compromised.
Next Steps in the Game
The following episode introduces a new twist: a murder in plain sight at Alan Cumming’s banquet. The first Faithful to touch Lisa’s brooch on her outfit will be murdered. Candiace described the tension: “We’re fighting. we’re stabbing each other in the backs, everybody is on edge.” She also questioned the viability of removing Colton as a target.
What the Rules Say
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Banishing | Faithfuls vote to remove a Traitor during the roundtable |
| Murder Trigger | First Faithful to touch a designated item triggers a staged murder |
| Target Selection | Traitors decide who to target based on perceived threats |
What to Watch Ahead
- The dynamic between Lisa and Candiace will likely intensify.
- Rob Rausch’s future moves could either solidify his position or lead to his downfall.
- The upcoming banquet may reveal new alliances or betrayals.
- Viewers should pay close attention to how the staged murder is executed and who becomes the next target.
Key Takeaways
- Rob Rausch’s vote for Lisa Rinna was a game-changing moment that challenged the expected loyalty of Faithfuls.
- The fallout has fractured trust among Traitors, especially between Lisa and Candiace.
- The next episode’s murder twist adds another layer of suspense, potentially altering the power balance.
- Fans can anticipate a series of strategic moves as contestants navigate a landscape of deception.
New episodes of The Traitors air every Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on Peacock.
