The game of deception onThe Traitorsis a relentless puzzle, and just when you think you’ve grasped the shifting alliances, the truth slips further from reach. For Netty Österberg, her time within Ardross Castle was a whirlwind of unexpected encounters and a shocking, early exit.
Netty, a nursery school teacher, became the first player eliminated by the Traitors – Stephen, Rachel, and Hugo. The sting of betrayal was compounded by a bizarre coincidence: bumping into an old friend, Ross, within the castle walls. It was a reunion she hadn’t anticipated, and one that now fuels her lingering questions.
Remarkably, Netty is one of only two players who have witnessed their own “murder” and remain completely unaware of their killer’s identity. The Traitors were guided by a mysterious Secret Traitor, whose identity will finally be revealed, offering Netty the answer she desperately seeks.
Despite her limited time in the game, Netty harbors a strong suspicion about a player who may be dangerously underestimated: Jade. She observed a deceptive composure in the young PhD student, a calculated coolness that belies a sharp intellect. Jade’s ability to project an unassuming image could make her a particularly formidable Secret Traitor.
“She was obviously a stunning-looking girl, and she’s young, so people might not have expectations of her,” Netty explained. “I think she could be a very dangerous Secret Traitor. She just came across as really Gen Z and in the moment… but she’s obviously a very smart woman.”
Netty’s suspicions don’t end with Jade. Ross, her former acquaintance, has also come under scrutiny. His awkward explanation for “planning” not to recognize her – a plan concocted in mere seconds – raised immediate red flags. It was a clumsy attempt to deflect suspicion that ultimately backfired.
“When I saw that moment, I was thinking, ‘How can you have a plan in two seconds when you’ve just seen somebody?’” Netty recalled. “He’s shooting himself in the foot a little bit, which is a shame.”
A deeper mystery surrounds a potential connection between Ross and Ellie, a fellow contestant. Fans have unearthed a photograph from 2024 showing the two together, sparking speculation about a pre-existing alliance. Netty, however, was oblivious to any such link during her time in the castle.
“I think because I was still reeling from the fact that I even knew Ross, I don’t think I necessarily had my eyes open to what was going on around me,” she admitted. “I do think there might be a couple in there, but I couldn’t really pin it on anyone.”
Despite her early departure, Netty doesn’t regret her gameplay. She believes she remained true to herself, even if it meant a shorter run in the competition. The initial disappointment quickly faded, replaced by a sense of acceptance and a newfound perspective.
“I definitely think things happen for a reason,” Netty reflected. “I feel like I’ve accepted that I played the way I should have. I think trying to do it another way wouldn’t be true to myself – but of course I would have loved to have been in there a lot longer.”
The unveiling of the Secret Traitor promises to be a pivotal moment, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the game and finally offering Netty the closure she seeks. As the remaining players navigate a treacherous landscape of deceit, the truth remains elusive, and the stakes are higher than ever.
