When people talk about shocking TV moments, they usually think of dramatic shows – like Negan’s threats in The Walking Dead, the shooting of JR in Dallas, or Kat Slater’s famous reveal in EastEnders. But last night’s episode of The Traitors showed that reality TV can create just as much suspense and unanswered questions.
A truly effective cliffhanger should leave viewers desperate to know what happens next, and Rachel’s uncertain fate is a perfect example of how to create intense suspense. However, what sets this apart from other great cliffhangers is its focus on how people actually behave – often in unpredictable and illogical ways.
People are naturally unpredictable, but when faced with high stakes – like money or their safety – during a tense discussion, their behavior can become especially chaotic and significant.
The Traitors isn’t entirely unscripted, though. The show is carefully crafted, with each episode as meticulously planned as the stunning outfits Claudia Winkleman wears in the dramatic Scottish setting.
The editors who worked on Thursday’s incredible episode must have been very proud of their work. More importantly, the suspense in the show feels genuine to viewers, not forced.
What I really love about this story is that the ‘Faithful’ and the ‘Traitors’ genuinely feel like they’re calling the shots, and things can really go either way. It’s so different from those mystery shows where they just tell you who the suspects are – here, you genuinely feel like anything could happen!
Often, storylines are planned out in advance by a writing team, who have to consider things like consistent character behavior, hints dropped earlier in the story, and when to schedule a big plot twist – usually around a special anniversary or the holidays. Because of this, dedicated fans who understand these techniques can sometimes guess what’s going to happen before it does.
With someone as unpredictable as James, standard expectations don’t apply. We can guess, debate, and pick a side, but trying to predict what will happen is pointless – and will probably make most people feel embarrassed, even more so than James does when he’s in the spotlight.
It’s true, the show uses dramatic music and imagery – think spooky owls and reimagined Fleetwood Mac hits. But this actually makes the suspense feel real and immediate, rather than like it’s all been planned out in advance.
All dramatic stories, whether set in a historical castle or a modern soap opera, involve creating a sense of threat. However, the intense anticipation surrounding tonight’s finale feels different – it’s like watching a real danger unfold as it happens.
As such, Kat Slater may just have newfound competition on those countdowns of last-minute TV jolts.
Stay informed about the latest movies, TV shows, and entertainment news with TopMob. Find our exclusive stories and interviews highlighted in Google’s Top Stories section.
The fourth season of The Traitors finishes on Friday, January 23rd at 8:30pm on BBC One and is also available to stream on iPlayer. You can watch seasons 1 through 3 on iPlayer now.
Don’t miss The Traitors! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app now for daily TV recommendations and exclusive content.
Authors
David Brown is the Deputy Previews Editor at TopMob, where he focuses on crime and fantasy television shows. He’s a frequent media commentator, having appeared on BBC News, Sky News, and Radio 4’s Front Row. His writing has been featured in publications like the Guardian, the Sunday Times, and the i newspaper. Beyond reviewing, he’s worked as a writer and editor for the National Television Awards and contributed to documentaries about prominent figures such as Lenny Henry, Billy Connolly, and the band Take That.
Read More
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- Donkey Kong Country Returns HD version 1.1.0 update now available, adds Dixie Kong and Switch 2 enhancements
- How To Watch A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Online And Stream The Game Of Thrones Spinoff From Anywhere
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- Darkwood Trunk Location in Hytale
- Hytale: Upgrade All Workbenches to Max Level, Materials Guide
- PS5’s Biggest Game Has Not Released Yet, PlayStation Boss Teases
- When to Expect One Piece Chapter 1172 Spoilers & Manga Leaks
- Nicole Richie Reveals Her Daughter, 18, Now Goes By Different Name
- Olympian Katie Ledecky Details Her Gold Medal-Winning Training Regimen
2026-01-23 18:06