The Spinoff faithfuls deliver their verdict on episode one of The Traitors NZ.
Still don’t know who’s who this season? Get to know the full cast here.
Lieblings, traitors, faithfuls and nudists, it’s the most wonderful time of the year: The Traitors NZ has returned and there is much to discuss. Our local attempt at the murderous reality series sweeping the globe, The Traitors NZ chucks a bunch of strangers in a mansion to play a hectic game of deception in the hope of winning $100,000. It’s a journey filled with backstabbing and nightly murders, although not a single drop of blood is actually ever spilled (for now).
Where the first season provided such dizzying highs as Matt Heath wearing pyjamas, Colin Mathura-Jeffree eating an eyeball and Brooke Howard-Smith being drenched in hissing cockroaches, this season has gone one better: no celebrities at all. With a cast full of normie New Zealanders and a brand new location, will the upgrades in season two bury season one in the dirt? Our roundtable of reviewers weigh in on the key changes from episode one.
Location, location, location
Slide me down a wooden bannister and roll my body up in a rug made from Paul Henry’s hopes and dreams, because The Traitors NZ has delivered on location this season. It’s time to banish last year’s weird little AirBnB from our minds forever, and replace it with the gothic Castle Claremont, an isolated but beautiful grand house perfectly placed for duplicitous games and spooky shenanigans. Sure, it might be chocka with weird ornaments, but did we mention it’s located on Mt Horrible Road? Paul Henry couldn’t make that up! It’s a nightmare waiting to happen! There are dolls’ limbs spread from camelia to rhododendron! What a beautiful garden to be buried alive in. / Tara Ward
Paul Henry is working overtime
Without spoiling it here, there is a moment at the start of episode two involving Paul Henry that made me outwardly gasp. It’s clear from the outset that the host has doubled down on his villainous persona from season one. His outfits are even more outlandish, his vocabulary even more elaborate (I was glad to hear “lieblings” once again), his wine drinking… well maybe that’s the same. At an advance screening a couple of weeks ago, Henry said that everything about season two was “elevated” and I think that goes for his own performance too. / Stewart Sowman-Lund
Murderously good music
From the dramatic strings on arrival to the Inception-style fog horn that blares when Jane reveals “I want to be a Traitor”, could it be that season two is scored by none other than Hans Zimmer himself? Also after watching this TikTok, I have become acutely aware of funny lyrics in reality TV songs, and boy did this episode deliver. “Byyyyy the grraaaaaace, of daaaaarkneeeess” a husky-voiced woman sung over clock chimes as the Traitors paced towards the conclave. “Keeeeeper of an aaaancient mys-ter-yyyyy.” Sure, I was laughing, but I’d also be lying if the hairs on the back of my neck weren’t prickling at the same time. / Alex Casey
The contestants are here to play the game
“I don’t think we’re in Timaru any more,” were the first words uttered this season, and you don’t have to be a funeral director from Cromwell to know that the tactics have definitely gone up a notch or two. The game began the moment the competitors got in the car to travel to Claremont Castle, and while some of them laughed like they really were still in Timaru, others played it quicker than you could say “last year’s winner is now Paul Henry’s butler”. They lied, they fibbed, they started as they meant to go on. What a treat to see these contestants arriving with such clear intent: they really, really, want to win. / TW
‘Tis the season (for murder)
The first season of The Traitors NZ appeared to be filmed smack bang in the middle of a blistering summer, with contestants frequently squinting in the blinding sun and the usually nude Paul Henry sweating up a storm in his three piece suit. This time, they’ve got it right in shooting during what looks like the crisp beginnings of a south island autumn. The leaves are yellowing, the roses are withering, and traitors and faithfuls alike are rugged up in turtlenecks, faux fur vests and beanies. Because nobody wants to get murdered wearing board shorts. / AC
It looks more expensive…
While season one was charming, it felt a bit like an experiment. It worked well enough that we’re back for season two, but this time it’s the real deal. Everything feels bigger, flashier and more expensive. The prize pool is an impressive $100,000, it’s shot in an actual (albeit quite modest) castle instead of an upmarket BnB, the challenges feel more elaborate and use the location well. The cynic in me thinks that all of this has just been done so the show can be sold and aired around the world, and that may well be true. But crucially, it means this season genuinely looks and feels as good as its international counterparts. It makes the recent truncated season of Married at First Sight NZ, overflowing with sponsored content, look like a school project. You won’t find a single KFC box or Moccona coffee at Claremont Castle, but you will find a large pile of silver bars. And this year, they don’t look like they’re made of polystyrene! / SSL
… But they still haven’t found a steamer
Maybe season three / AC
Watch The Traitors NZ 7pm Mondays and Tuesdays on Three, or here on ThreeNow.