The Traitors Season 4 Episode 9: Faithful in Chaos Before Finale
A Castle in Complete Confusion Before the Endgame
With just two episodes remaining before the finale of The Traitors, Season 4 Episode 9 delivered one of the most chaotic, strategically layered, and emotionally volatile chapters yet. After successfully banishing two traitors in back-to-back episodes, the Faithful entered this round believing momentum was finally on their side. Instead, what unfolded was a masterclass in misdirection, manipulation, and social dominance—largely orchestrated by Rob Rausch, who continues to operate under the radar despite subtle warning signs. The castle atmosphere has shifted dramatically; suspicion now floats freely, alliances are cracking, and paranoia is thicker than ever as the finale approaches. Episode 9 didn’t just advance the plot—it detonated it.
Rob Rausch: The Untouchable Puppet Master
At the center of the storm stands Rob Rausch, who has cemented himself as the most dominant Traitor of the season. Despite Candiace Dillard Bassett voting for him twice before her banishment, suspicion has miraculously failed to land on him. His social game is so refined that fellow players openly declare their trust in him. Natalie Anderson told him she trusts him “100 percent,” while Kristen Kish previously described him as “sweet.” In a game built on deception, Rob’s greatest weapon isn’t aggression—it’s likability. Episode 9 reinforced that Rob isn’t just surviving; he’s actively controlling the direction of suspicion inside the castle.
The Recruitment Twist: Eric Joins the Dark Side
The biggest development of the Episode came when Rob recruited Eric Nam as a new Traitor. Faced with the ultimatum of either joining Rob or being “murdered,” Eric chose survival. The recruitment altered the balance of power dramatically. Unlike Rob, who thrives in deception, Eric appeared visibly overwhelmed by the gravity of his new role. His quiet demeanor, which had previously shielded him, suddenly became suspicious in the eyes of Kristen. While Rob views Eric as a strategic asset—either as a winning partner or a shield if exposed—Eric’s discomfort suggests cracks could form quickly under pressure.
Dorinda’s Dramatic Exit (Again)
In one of the episode’s most ironic twists, Dorinda Medley was murdered for a second time in the franchise. After being the first casualty in Season 3 and returning for redemption, her run ended abruptly once more. Strategically, her elimination made sense—she had little influence left in the game and her departure would not spark backlash toward Rob. With Dorinda gone, all Housewives contestants have now been eliminated, continuing the franchise’s brutal track record for Real Housewives players. Her exit symbolized more than just another murder; it marked the end of a reality-TV power bloc that never quite adapted to the game’s strategic demands.
The Box Challenge: Psychological Warfare at Its Best
Episode 9’s mission was one of the most revealing—and potentially dangerous—challenges of the season. Players were locked inside wooden boxes while the Traitors secretly emerged to answer questions such as “Who is most manipulative?” and “Who is most useful to the Traitors?” The Faithful then attempted to guess the Traitors’ answers to earn prize money. The challenge presented a rare opportunity to gather real information about Traitor behavior. Rob, however, neutralized the threat brilliantly. Rather than attempt subtle strategy, he intentionally sabotaged clarity by repeatedly writing Tara Lipinski’s name for nearly every question. By doing so, he muddied analytical patterns and redirected suspicion toward Tara.
Tara and Johnny: Olympic Allies Under Fire
Olympic commentators Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir found themselves increasingly targeted. Long suspected due to their close bond, Episode 9 saw them abandon secrecy and openly admit their friendship. While emotionally powerful, this move raised eyebrows. In a game where hidden alliances breed suspicion, publicly declaring loyalty can appear strategic—or desperate. Rob leveraged this dynamic subtly, allowing paranoia around the duo to grow organically. Their synchronized voting and failure to align with the group during the challenge only amplified doubts.
Stephen Colletti’s Downfall
At the Roundtable, suspicion shifted sharply toward Stephen Colletti. Past incidents—such as Lisa Rinna giving him gold in a mission and private conversations with Candiace—resurfaced as circumstantial evidence. Despite passionately defending his Faithful status, Stephen lacked the concrete counterarguments needed to redirect suspicion. His banishment became a cautionary tale of guilt by association. Ironically, neither Lisa nor Candiace had intentionally set him up, yet their earlier actions sealed his fate. Stephen’s exit proved once again that logic often loses to momentum in The Traitors.
Kristen Kish Emerges as Strategic Threat
Among the Faithful, Kristen Kish stood out as one of the few players actively analyzing behavioral inconsistencies. She openly questioned Eric’s silence and hinted at strategic patterns others ignored. By voicing suspicion publicly, she protected herself from immediate murder—killing her would now implicate Eric directly. Kristen’s calculated transparency suggests she may be the Faithful’s last serious hope at uncovering Rob’s empire before the finale.
Natalie Anderson’s Risky Moves
Natalie Anderson continued to oscillate between insight and unpredictability. While perceptive enough to doubt Johnny’s Traitor label, she also publicly revealed Rob held the dagger—an odd, unnecessary move that felt emotionally reactive. Her tendency to make erratic decisions under pressure could either expose a Traitor accidentally or cost her credibility at a critical moment. With her name shortlisted for potential murder, Natalie now stands at a precarious crossroads.
The Murder Shortlist and Strategic Calculus
Rob and Eric shortlisted Tara, Johnny, Kristen, and Natalie for murder consideration. Strategically, eliminating Tara or Johnny would be foolish given the castle’s suspicion of them. Killing Kristen risks validating her suspicions about Eric. Natalie remains a plausible target, as her unpredictability could threaten Rob’s long-term control. The decision in the turret carries massive implications; each potential murder alters narrative momentum heading into the final stretch.
Who Remains Before the Finale?
Eight contestants remain:
- Rob Rausch (Traitor)
- Eric Nam (Traitor)
- Maura Higgins
- Natalie Anderson
- Mark Ballas
- Kristen Kish
- Tara Lipinski
- Johnny Weir
With only two Traitors left among six Faithful, the numbers favor the Faithful—but only if they identify Rob soon. Otherwise, Rob’s social dominance may carry him to victory.
Why Episode 9 Changes Everything
Episode 9 wasn’t about shock value—it was about positioning. Rob solidified control, Eric entered dangerous territory, Kristen gained strategic traction, and Tara/Johnny became lightning rods for suspicion. The Faithful are paradoxically more lost than ever despite recent wins. Their inability to convert suspicion into accuracy remains their Achilles’ heel.
When Is the Finale?
The Season 4 finale of The Traitors will stream on February 26 on Peacock, followed immediately by a reunion hosted by Andy Cohen. The final episodes promise explosive confrontations, strategic betrayals, and potentially one of the most dominant Traitor victories in series history.
Final Thoughts: A Game of Social Precision
The Traitors Season 4 Episode 9 proved that in this game, perception outweighs evidence. Rob’s brilliance lies not in bold manipulation but in gentle influence. Eric’s uncertainty adds volatility. Kristen’s instincts provide hope. Tara and Johnny’s loyalty tests strategy. As the finale approaches, the castle stands divided between confidence and confusion. If the Faithful cannot pierce Rob’s carefully curated persona soon, they may watch the prize slip quietly into Traitor hands.