The Traitors S4:E2 Recap – The Death Conga

Episode 2 opens with the aftermath of the first murder and the season’s inaugural breakfast. This is the moment when paranoia officially enters the room. And honestly, if a boutique hotel ever offers a Traitors experience that involves eating eggs and fruit while an Alan Cumming impersonator smashes portraits of your enemies, sign me up immediately.

When we last left the three known Traitors — Rob R., Lisa Rinna, and Candiace Dillard Bassett — they were choosing a victim from the Secret Traitor’s shortlist. Rob R. discovering his own name on that list was shocking, but it also narrowed their choices to Ian Terry, Mark Ballas, or Eric Nam. As the group filters into breakfast, it’s revealed that Ian was murdered.

Ian’s exit makes sense. He’s a gamer, and gamers are always considered a threat in this game. Winners from shows like Big Brother and Survivor are viewed as ruthless strategists whether they’re Faithful or not. Being a gamer alone is enough to put a target on your back, and Ian never really stood a chance once the season got underway.

Early Suspicion and Social Dynamics

Speculation starts immediately, but things take a strange turn when Porsha Williams accidentally says, “I thought the Traitor could be Ian, but he’s the one I killed.” Ron Funches clocks it right away. Maybe it’s nerves. Maybe it’s poor wording. Either way, it sounds bad.

Even worse, Porsha repeats the slip later in front of Michael Rapaport and Donna Kelce, drawing even more attention to herself. Is Porsha the Secret Traitor? Probably not — the Secret Traitor remains unknown, and that mystery continues to be one of the best twists the show has introduced. Still, her repeated verbal missteps put Ron, Michael, and Donna on high alert, unintentionally forming a small alliance built on shared suspicion.

Ironically, despite her calm presence, Donna continues to be suspected by a large portion of the castle.

THE TRAITORS — “The Death Conga” Episode 402 — Pictured: Alan Cumming — (Photo by: Euan Cherry/Peacock)

The Mission and Shield Stakes

For this episode’s challenge, the players are sent to the top of a massive hill overlooking the castle. Their task is to drag three thrones all the way back while collecting gold for the prize pot. Along the route, shield tokens appear — and this is where things really spiral.

The shield battle on the way back to the castle becomes nearly as intense as the challenge itself. Players knock each other off thrones as new tokens are discovered, creating frustration, resentment, and a whole lot of side-eye.

By the end, Caroline Stanbury, Colton Underwood, and Rob R. secure the final shields. Rob then hands his shield to Yam Yam Arocho, a move that sends Michael Rapaport into full meltdown mode. For someone who claims to be a superfan, Michael seems to forget that this is a game where fairness is optional and self-interest is essential.

Stephen Coletti giving up his shield to Dorinda may be admirable in real life, but inside this castle, kindness is rarely rewarded.

Round Table Reckoning

At the round table, Natalie Anderson leads with instinct, accusing Donna of being a Traitor. But instinct quickly gives way to evidence when Ron lays out his case against Porsha, citing her repeated verbal slip-ups.

Candiace jumps in to defend Porsha, which initially feels frustrating but ultimately works in her favor, making her appear more Faithful. Then Michael delivers his own unfortunate slip, saying, “We killed Ian,” instantly raising eyebrows across the table.

Votes bounce between Donna, Michael, and Porsha, with Donna and Porsha nearly tied. Lisa Rinna ultimately votes for Porsha, breaking Housewives loyalty — a loyalty that historically has never worked in this game. Porsha is banished and reveals herself to be a Faithful, confirming that the Secret Traitor is still hiding in plain sight.

THE TRAITORS — “The Death Conga” Episode 402 — Pictured: (l-r) Rob Rausch, Mark Ballas, Porsha Williams, Rob Cesternino, Tara Lipinski, Stephen Colletti, Caroline Stanbury, Alan Cumming, Ron Funches, Maura Higgins, Lisa Rinna, Colton Underwood, Donna Kelce, Eric Nam, Monét X Change — (Photo by: Euan Cherry/Peacock)

Voting Verdict

Murder in Motion

The episode takes a sharp turn when the Traitors learn that they must commit a murder in plain sight. Tarot cards featuring the Secret Traitor’s shortlist are hidden behind a kitchen painting, and one card must be burned in the breakfast room fireplace without being detected.

With eyes everywhere, Candiace creates chaos in the most unhinged way possible — by starting a conga line. Like a sassy pied piper, she leads nearly everyone out of the kitchen, giving Rob the opening he needs to grab the cards. It’s ridiculous, effective, and immediately suspicious to gamers like Rob C. and Tiffany, who isolate themselves just in case.

Rob later pretends to teach Lisa chess so they can quietly decide who to kill. With seconds left, they burn a card without consulting Candiace. Whether that counts — and whether it earns them a meeting with the Secret Traitor — remains to be seen.

Looking Ahead

The Secret Traitor twist continues to be the most exciting element of the season so far. The identity is still unknown, but the clues behind the Red Robe suggest a woman. Despite several strong candidates, Dorinda continues to feel like the most compelling possibility — a redemption arc waiting to happen.

With suspicion rising, alliances forming, and mistakes piling up, the castle feels more unstable than ever. And as always, the next breakfast could change everything.

🔪 Episode Outcome

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