Recap: The Traitors US 2, Episode 5 – “Pour your own cup!”

Recap: The Traitors US 2, Episode 5 – A Killer Move

First of all, I was quite disappointed by the resolution of the Parvati-Phaedra drama in the turret. It was a non-issue. Honestly, it should’ve driven them to start targeting each other and throwing each under the bus. Especially against Dan who seems to be stumbling his way through this game. Definitely not the Dan Gheesling who owned BB10 or even the funeral-leading Dan from BB14. And it’s probably only a matter of time before he is banished and found out.

I’m definitely leaning more toward rooting for the Faithful now, no question. At least, some of the Faithful.

This episode was definitely all about Janelle and the Bachelor Boys. Definitely sad about Janelle. Though the way she played The Traitors is exactly how she has played on Big Brother.

Janelle, like Rachel Reilly, comp beasts her way through these contests. That’s how she did so well on Big Brother. Because it’s true that she’s faithful and loyal to those she works with. But at the same time, that’s probably what causes her downfall every time. She is unable to ever gain the advantage to strike first. That is, she will always be the one that gets taken out instead because she really is that big of a threat.

Janelle definitely made the mistake of throwing out CT and Sandra’s names though. Like, no one is suspecting them. Why not focus your energy on Dan who other people already have doubts about. Both CT and Sandra are, sadly, non-entities so far in the game. She basically lost two potential votes for her to stay. And maybe Parvati and Dan voting against her could’ve been yet another clue they needed to expose them.

The way I cried seeing two CBS reality show icons in Janelle Pierzina and Sandra Diaz-Twine cussing each other out in a Scottish castle on Peacock though 😭 #TheTraitorsUS pic.twitter.com/r4kMI4NEZR

— DryedMangoez (@dryedmangoez) January 26, 2024

At least though we were able to get that awesome scene of Janelle and Sandra cussing each other out lolol Hated seeing the CBS foursome crumble, but loved that scene and the fact that it was between two CBS alums lol

Speaking of, I think that’s the opposite with the Housewives. I feel like they basically just stick together. That’s understandable since, I assume, they’re most familiar with each other rather than these people from other non-Bravo shows. But for now, they all basically are fodder for the other bigger gameplayers. Especially Phaedra who can easily take them out later on.

Kevin was my MVP last week. And he definitely continued to deliver this week. I love that he really does not give a shit and is not afraid to talk. I was sad he had to target Janelle. But at the same time, he’s not someone to back down and I appreciate that a lot.

👏 to Kevin! lol He's awesome. And the fact that it was Kate Chastain herself that he snapped at is hilarious. I just wish he was a bit more clued in to what's going on though. Then he'd be unstoppable lol #TheTraitorsUS pic.twitter.com/R5kWDjCHkt

— DryedMangoez (@dryedmangoez) January 26, 2024

Which is why I was even sadder when thinking about the possibility of a team of Janelle, Trishelle and the boys Peter, Bergie and Kevin. Like, how amazing would that be? I’d throw in CT too, but he seems to be just playing the goofball role so far. And John is good for the numbers game. And in this game, he’s probably someone they can trust as a Faithful.

I am honestly surprised how much I have grown to like the Bachelor boys. I think the way we don’t expect them to be strategic or be able to think thing through, just because of perhaps a stereotype of dating shows, makes the way they are playing now even more great to watch.

Bergie’s defense of Janelle and case against Dan was actually so good. And the way the others did not buy it is very telling. Especially considering Dan did absolutely nothing to turn the tide, if we are being honest. It was all more about the others’ existing feelings re: Janelle and her competitiveness. They’ve all talked about how selfish she is for going for Shields. And how she has been actively trying to suss out the Traitors. And instead of considering Dan, who really is much more suspicious, they go with a more personal vote against Janelle who they didn’t like to begin with.

Now, let’s backtrack to the challenge. It was hilariously absurd. And a lot of fun. Even Alan was having fun with the contestants running around doing bird sounds and barking. John was the most hilarious during that segment too.

But how amazing that this absurd task helped Peter come up with his bigtime plan. Which I definitely hope works. The way the cliffhanger was, it seemed like they are playing Bergie up as the murder, which I immediately assumed meant he would end up not being their murder choice.

SPOILER ALERT because the show actually spoiled the murder in the preview! WTF! Lol Hilarious how the show ended with a cliffhanger that lasted for two seconds.

Based on the Round Table in the preview, all 13 contestants are still present the next evening. That means that Dan was able to convince Parvati and Phaedra of murdering Bergie instead of someone else. And with Bergie in possession of a Shield, he is protected and still alive to see another day. Thus, the initial part of Peter’s plan worked!

Now, hopefully this means Peter and his boys (plus Trishelle, I guess?) finally get the proof they need to directly target Dan and/or Parvati. Considering they were two of the people Peter told about the Shield.

If neither Dan nor Parvati are banished next episode, then there is no hope for the Faithful. And honestly, I don’t have any hope in Dan or Parvati being able to finesse their way out of trouble. At least, based on what they’ve shown so far on this season. They’re definitely years removed from their peaks on their respective shows.

I honestly think Dan should be banished. Parvati being correct about Peter’s plan is one thing. But it is something they should’ve considered at least and instead make a safer choice. Why take the chance and feed into whatever Peter was telling them? Them deciding to murder Bergie is probably now the reason I hope Dan, Parvati and Phaedra implode their games. And why I am now rooting for a Faithful win.

SPOILER END

Honestly, the Round Table this episode was the perfect time for Parvati and Phaedra to get rid of Dan. It would be a win-win for them. They get some heat off them once Dan reveals he is a Traitor once banished. And they wouldn’t even have to do anything except vote with the rest of the contestants. That’s another reason I’m now rooting against them because of this missed opportunity.

Finally, I don’t understand the need to bring Kate back. Sure, she can bitch out everyone else and play up the “I hate everyone and everything” act. But the show honestly does not need her this season. There’s plenty enough drama to fill an hour without her snarky comments. And honestly, her novelty in season one had everything to do with who she was with (lol Rachel) and the way no one knew what to expect going into the series. That is, all these challenges and whatnot. So if she were to just repeat her shtick from the first season, there’s no reason to have brought her back.

Oh, and how embarrassing for Big Brother that even Kate Chastain knows about their unanimous votes/vote with the house nonsense? Lol

Overall, another drama-filled episode. Sad outcome. But definitely still lots of fun and from the most unexpected sources too!