So, after binging all three of these shows over the last few weeks, I have a lot of thoughts idk where else to share.
The Traitors UK:
This was the first version of the show I watched and it was truly a great way to get into the series. The cast overall was VERY good. Unfortunately, almost everyone who brought up that average were banished/murdered episode after episode leaving the end game of the series to just be boring. The biggest pro (and con) of this series was just absolutely how personal this cast took the show. The OTT reactions were good, until they were over utilized. The absolute hatred this cast had for the traitors in game... it was truly insane to think about how 99% of them would have refused the insane advantage of becoming a traitor because how passionate they felt. Wilfred was absolutely awful to watch IMO, he was the biggest drag of the show for me so it was quite unfortunate to see him in every episode... but watching his downfall was glorious. The editing of everyone was also the most balanced of all three shows, which was nice to leave the show thinking you knew a bit about everyone.
The Traitors AUS:
This series was a wild ride, and really kept me on the edge of my seat. This one was kind of the inverse of UK where I felt this one started off weak, but gradually got better until the ending was just absolutely amazing. The biggest con was the editing was very lopsided, I felt there were a few who were just kinda invisible. Other than that, I really don't have any negatives for this season. The faithfuls were easily the most strategic and put together of the three. The cast was majorly likable, with some of the big personalities able to make end game rather than all be cut due to it. The life shield was the best implemented in this game- being a separate challenge AND protecting you from banishment + murder. The traitors were very likable, and the season just felt like a fulfilled story. Alex, the winner, also had a very flawless and iconic run, it was very enjoyable to watch.
The Traitors US:
Oh boy, the reason I even watched the other two to prepare for this. The inclusion of the reality TV stars was both what carried it + took it down a notch. They completely outshined the 'regular' people in edit + entertainment ability. It was really an unfair metric, but I do hope if it comes back for a s2 they just cast reality tv people in general (Wish list: Janelle, Christine Quinn, Ashley Mitchell, Parvati). Getting to see Cirie win a game in a format that was just made for her skill set, it was really satisfying. To me this is just a story of how Cirie won, because similar to the AUS winner- it was just a flawless game, and really amazing to get to see her come out on top. On one hand I want to notice the advantages she had by having friends in the game, but on the other hand she was able to minimize her legacy + threat level, and truly keep it to where enough people trusted her where she was never at risk of going despite it. Truly a masterful, dominant, and well deserved win. This group of faithfuls really gave the UK a run for their money in incompetence, and honestly a good chunk of them seemed as if they did not care much about the game.
Overall Format Review:
I think making a show based off Werewolf/Mafia is a really great + simple idea. Its a tried and true classic that just works. However, there are obvious game flaws...
1. Most notably, the power and advantage is WAY to overpowered for the traitors. They were set to win all three shows if it were not for Wilfred getting outed by Kieran at the final round table. I understand that the traitors can't get picked off TOO early and some things need to be thrown in there (like adding additional traitors when the #s get to low) but it just seems like you are either a traitor with a chance to win or a faithful likely to lose.
2. The competitions for prize money is just a waste of the timing. For the MOST part they are quite boring (except you ferris wheel meets horror movie meets touchy subjects & cabin in the woods escape room) with no real incentive considering you can just win what you didn't at the final challenge & no real way of giving hints as to who the traitor is.
3. The Life Shield was near perfected in the AUS version, but really was flawed in the US/UK versions.
My Proposed Change:
After watching all three, I think there is one easy fix to improve upon the format. Keep the challenges, but instead of doing it for prize money... do it for an advantage. It can either be an individual challenge for a life shield OR a group challenge for an actual reward for the faithfuls if successful: an earned ability for the night. This is a two birds one stone situation...
1. It gives the faithfuls a much needed game advantage to add more balance.
2. Gives the traitors an incentive to sneakily try and throw a challenge if they feel the need to.
I think they can keep the chest twist, and at random/secret one can earn a different randomly chosen role (i.e. Lookout, Doctor, Bodyguard, etc.) and maybe throw in an additional life shield every now and then. This role would only last for that night cycle and would be rotated out each time.
Additionally, as a constant, life shields should count as banishment + murder when won individually and count for just murder when chosen by luck in the chest.
Season Rankings:
Aus > US > UK
Favorite Traitor in each:
UK: Amanda
Aus: Alex
US: Cirie
I haven't caught us yet but I had a feeling cirie would win for the reasoning it fits her skill set perfectly a perfect place for a black Widow to rise :p
uk I was routing so hard for Amanda, I think if it wasn't for wilf Amanda would've won as traitor , maybe even taking alyssa with her , wilfs downfall saved the final episode from being boring imo.
I watched aus first and that was just in general amazing I couldn't fault it at all , honestly I think you've perfectly summarised it :D
1. marielle
2. amanda
3. cirie