The Traitors Season 4 Episode 9: Faithful Fumble as Traitors Tighten Grip
In the high-stakes world of deception and alliances on The Traitors, Season 4 Episode 9 delivered pulse-pounding drama that left viewers questioning loyalties just two episodes from the finale. Airing on Peacock on February 12, 2026, this installment saw the traitors pull off a clever recruitment, a shocking "murder," and a misguided banishment that further muddled the faithful's path to victory. As the prize pot swells and suspicions mount, the game is anyone’s guess. Spoiler alert: If you haven’t watched, proceed with caution—this recap is packed with major reveals.
The Mission: A Boxed-In Battle of Wits
The episode kicked off with a tense mission designed to test the players' intuition and expose hidden agendas. Contestants were sealed inside individual closed boxes, isolated from one another, while the traitors slipped out to secretly answer probing questions. Queries ranged from "Who is the most manipulative player?" to "Who is the most useful to the traitors?" The faithful, blind to the traitors' choices, had to guess the answers correctly to boost the group's prize pot—potentially adding tens of thousands to the endgame haul.
This setup wasn't just about money; it was a goldmine for clues. As the answers were revealed round by round, players dissected the responses for tells. Top Chef host Kristen Kish emerged as a sharp detective, piecing together inconsistencies that pointed toward a newly recruited traitor. However, the faithful's guesses were hit-or-miss, leaving the pot vulnerable and alliances strained. The mission highlighted how the traitors' social savvy continues to outpace the group's detective work, keeping the endgame thrillingly unpredictable.
Clues That Almost Cracked the Code
One standout moment came when the traitors labeled a prominent faithful as "most loyal," a subtle nod that sparked debates. Natalie Anderson, the Survivor alum known for her strategic mind, flagged odd phrasing that didn't align with known dynamics. Yet, despite these near-misses, no traitors were outed. The mission ended with modest gains for the pot but zero eliminations, ramping up the pressure for the roundtable.
Recruitment Shock: Rob's Bold Move
Amid the chaos, traitor Rob Rausch, the charming Love Island star, made a game-changing play. Last episode's recruit had fallen, leaving Rob in need of backup. He targeted Eric Nam, the singer and TV host who's flown under the radar with his quiet demeanor. In a midnight huddle, Rob presented Eric with a stark ultimatum: join as a traitor or risk being "murdered" next. Eric, skeptical but cornered—especially after Kristen's earlier accusation of him being suspiciously silent—accepted the offer.
Eric's recruitment adds a layer of intrigue. As a newcomer to the traitor ranks, he's untested in deception, but his celebrity status could shield him. Rob's social game remains bulletproof; despite Candiace Dillard Bassett's pre-banished votes against him, no one else suspects the Love Island vet. This duo now holds the power to "murder" or manipulate, putting the faithful on even shakier ground.
Murder in the Manor: Dorinda's Double Demise
The traitors wasted no time flexing their power. Overnight, they selected Dorinda Medley, the brash Real Housewives of New York City star, for elimination. This marks her second "murder" in the series— she was the first casualty in Season 3 before production brought her back for Season 4. Dorinda's outspoken style made her a lightning rod, but her exit clears the board of all housewives, following the "murders" of Caroline Stanbury and banishments of Lisa Rinna, Candiace, and Porsha Williams.
Dorinda's departure is a blow to the faithful, as her no-nonsense vibe often cut through BS. The reveal at breakfast sent shockwaves, with players mourning the loss of a key voice. With housewives out, the cast skews toward reality TV vets and Olympians, shifting dynamics toward more calculated gameplay.
Banishment Blunder: Stephen Colletti Sent Packing
At the roundtable, tensions boiled over in a nail-biter vote. One Tree Hill and Laguna Beach heartthrob Stephen Colletti faced off against Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir. Suspicions against Stephen stemmed from his private chats with banished Candiace and a pivotal mission moment where Lisa Rinna gifted him gold—seen by some as traitor favoritism. Natalie's breakfast room read of Stephen as "inauthentic" tipped the scales.
In a close call, the group banished Stephen, only to learn he was faithful. This marks the third straight faithful elimination, underscoring how the traitors' misdirection is working overtime. Johnny Weir dodged the bullet, but Kristen's growing focus on Eric hints at potential turnarounds.
Who's Left Standing? The Final Eight
With eight players remaining and just two episodes to go, the endgame is in sight. The traitors are Rob Rausch and Eric Nam, lurking among six faithful: Maura Higgins (Love Island), Natalie Anderson (Survivor), Mark Ballas (Dancing With the Stars), Kristen Kish (Top Chef), Tara Lipinski (Olympic figure skater), and Johnny Weir (Olympic figure skater). This mix of reality stars, hosts, and athletes promises explosive confrontations.
The faithful's repeated misfires—banishing two traitors early but now three innocents in a row—have them more lost than ever. Rob's shield of charm and Eric's low profile make them formidable, but cracks are showing. Will Kristen connect the dots, or will the traitors claim the prize?
Finale Fever: What's Next on Peacock?
The Season 4 finale drops Thursday, February 26, on Peacock, culminating in a reunion hosted by Bravo's Andy Cohen. Expect unfiltered confessions, betrayals unpacked, and winners crowned. As The Traitors blends Among Us-style intrigue with celebrity flair, Episode 9 solidified why this U.S. adaptation is must-watch TV. Stream past episodes to catch up, and join the watch party—deception never looked so entertaining.
From social games to shocking reveals, The Traitors keeps delivering. Stay tuned for more recaps on Everythiiing.com as the finale approaches.
