Mastermind: Harry Clark Takes the Prize
After weeks filled with betrayal, scheming, and the ever-present social media banter, The Traitors has finally crowned its champion.
The Grand Revelation
In a surprising turn of events, Harry Clark, one of the original three selected as traitors in the second series, emerged victorious, securing the substantial £95,150 prize money. The gripping finale saw him and the loyal Mollie Pearce as the last contenders standing, having jointly voted to eliminate the faithful Jaz Singh.
A Web of Deceit
Admitting to the BBC that she had “chosen the wrong person to trust,” Mollie revealed that Harry had enticed her with the promise of a holiday. Despite the deception, she acknowledged the nature of the game, stating, “It was a game at the end of the day; we all signed up for it.”
Harry, reflecting on his strategic prowess, shared on BBC Breakfast, “I didn’t know I could lie that well and keep it up. The first couple of days I was struggling because you’re lying to people and building relationships out of a lie. It was just mad.”
The Emotional Aftermath
While Harry found the conclusion of the show “very difficult,” even after clinching victory, he demonstrated humility. He expressed, “I like to think I’m a nice person. So even though I wanted to run down the street with my top off screaming that I’ve won £100,000, I don’t want to do it at other people’s heartache.”
Record-Breaking Viewership
The final episode witnessed a live audience of 5.5 million, peaking at 6.9 million, with these figures set to rise further with catch-up audiences. Harry’s win garnered praise from his employer, the British Army, commending his “resilience and commitment.”
The Master of Disguise
Harry managed to fly under the radar throughout most of the series, with Jaz, nicknamed Jazatha Christie by fans, being one of the few to suspect his true allegiance. In a nail-biting moment, viewers saw Harry narrowly escape elimination when Mollie initially considered voting him out but ultimately chose Jaz.
Reconciliation Amidst Betrayal
Despite the initial shock, Mollie and Harry have reconciled, with Mollie acknowledging his skillful gameplay, stating he “played a good game.”
Twists and Turns
The final episode featured the banishment of Evie Morrison, a veterinary nurse, and Welsh insurance broker Andrew Jenkins. Jaz, who successfully identified four traitors during the game, found the ending a “difficult pill to swallow” but assured that the group had “recovered.”
Fan Craze for Event TV
The second series of The Traitors is hailed as a celebration of event television in an age dominated by streaming and catch-up. Fans eagerly tuned in live to avoid spoilers, turning the finale into a communal experience, even in cinemas and pubs.
A New Era of Television
The series finale left an indelible mark on viewers, with social media buzzing about the suspense. The live screening experience drew parallels to the excitement of sports matches in pubs, showcasing the show’s impact as a pinnacle of event TV.
As the curtain falls on The Traitors 2023, fans are already anticipating the next chapter, underscoring its place as television at its finest in this all-new age of event TV.
