The Traitors season 3 episode 2 recap: The Housewives infestation 

Episode 2 of The Traitors season 3, which aired on January 9, 2025, continues the intrigue and high-stakes strategy introduced in the premiere. Following the appointment of Bob The Drag Queen, Danielle Reyes, and Carolyn Wiger as Traitors, the episode explored their first murder and the evolving dynamics in the castle.

The episode also introduced new players, whose arrival shifted alliances and introduced additional layers of complexity. Central to this episode is the growing influence of the Real Housewives, prompting questions about whether their collective presence has become a liability to other competitors.

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A strategic turning point in The Traitors Season 3 episode 2

The first murder: Targeting the Housewives

The Traitors episode picks up where the premiere left off, with newly designated Traitors Bob The Drag Queen, Danielle Reyes, and Carolyn Wiger convening in the castle turret. Tasked with their first murder, the trio debated strategies for framing a Faithful while weakening the Housewife contingent.

Danielle and Bob agreed that Dorinda Medley should be the target, citing the opportunity to implicate Ivar Mountbatten after he argued with Dorinda earlier. Carolyn, however, preferred keeping Dorinda in the game as a shield and suggested Robyn Dixon instead.

By the following morning, it was revealed that Dorinda had been murdered. Her elimination sent a clear message to the Housewife alliance, with Robyn noting the group’s vulnerability. Meanwhile, Danielle and Bob strategically displayed emotional reactions at breakfast to mask their Traitor identities.

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New players enter the game

Host Alan Cumming introduced an unexpected twist with the arrival of three new players: Rob Mariano, Derrick Levasseur, and Wes Bergmann. Overnight, the trio formed an unofficial pact to protect one another from early elimination in The Traitors.

Their entrance was formalized through a mission in the forest, where the original players worked to earn shields for the newcomers by depositing coins into designated tubes. All three shields were successfully secured, adding $15,000 to the prize pot.

After the mission, the shields became critical assets, with Rob, Derrick, and Wes gaining the power to protect other players before the next murder. Their addition shifted the game dynamics, introducing fresh alliances and potential fractures within existing groups.

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The first banishment: A divisive vote

At the Round Table, the Faithful convened to identify a potential Traitor. The discussion began with Bob accusing Wells Adams, citing suspicious behavior. Wells redirected the focus to Robyn, referencing her defensive reaction to Dorinda’s murder.

Other players, including Tom Sandoval and Danielle, introduced additional names such as Chrishell Stause and Jeremy Collins. Danielle further suggested that at least one of the Housewives could be a Traitor, amplifying the pressure on their group.

The vote ended in a deadlock between Ivar, Wells, and Robyn, each receiving four votes. Carolyn cast the deciding vote, tipping the scales toward Wells, who was ultimately banished. Upon his reveal as a Faithful, the group faced the repercussions of their decision.

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Shield distribution: Strategic moves

After the banishment from The Traitors, Rob, Derrick, and Wes were allowed to assign their shields to other players. Derrick selected Dylan Efron, aiming to build a connection with him. Wes gave his shield to Jeremy, aligning himself with the Survivor players. Rob chose Tony Vlachos, focusing on strengthening trust with Tony for potential strategic advantages.

The distribution of shields further complicated the game, as players analyzed the motivations behind these decisions.

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Don’t miss The Traitors season 3 episode 3, as new twists and alliances continue to unfold on the same day, January 9 at 9 pm ET.