Disability representation in television is still on the come-up, and often done badly to this day: full of pity, ableism or inspiration porn. But ever since its first season, The Traitors has continually seemed to buck that trend.
Viewers get to see the breadth of ways that disability and neurodivergence can look, instead of just one version. Across all the seasons, casual representation is done extremely well – disability is allowed to be part of the person’s story, and is allowed to be key to their identity, but this is done without it being all they are allowed to be.
Various disabilities (that have often been left out of other shows due to the physical missions) have been seen across the four seasons, including season 1 winner Meryl, who has dwarfism, and multiple individuals with limb differences, such as season 2 runner-up Mollie. In the case of Mollie, we hear her note in one of the missions that "it’s a blessing to have one hand" as she slips out of the ropes.
"Historically, many adults with ULD tell us they grew up never seeing anyone who looked like them on television or in public life and that absence can quietly shape confidence and self-belief. For many, finding others through Reach later in life has been profoundly affirming.
"Seeing disabled people portrayed as complex, strategic and human, rather than defined by an impairment, increases understanding and challenges assumptions."
This season, we are seeing The Traitors trailblaze in disability representation once again, this time showing someone with a stammer, which is unfortunately still a rarity on television. It has been so important to see none of the contestants attempting to speak over Jessie, rushing her or trying to finish her sentences for her.
Alison Kerry, head of communications at disability charity Scope, said: "Millions of people across the UK are tuning in to The Traitors. But away from the drama, the series might be the first time viewers engage with someone with a stammer, building understanding.
"Disability representation on TV is so important. It helps to break down barriers, transforms attitudes, and gives viewers a greater understanding of the lives, talent, and potential of disabled people."
One of these issues is that there are still groups of disabled people that are left unrepresented, in particular wheelchair and mobility aid users. It is easy to argue that this would be impossible due to the physical nature of the missions, but this is where accessible design comes into play.
Wheelchair users could be included through there being more psychological missions, or through there being multiple different kinds of roles in a mission, seamlessly integrating those with physical disabilities.
Some of the issues the show still sees are instigated by the nature of unconscious bias across society: many of the disabled and neurodivergent people featured across the four seasons have been seen as suspicious early on for seemingly little reason. In the very first episode, Faithful Nicky was decided to be suspect, and became the first banishment for not raising her glass – except she had a limb difference, meaning she could not.
In season 1, many viewers were shocked to see how uncomfortably Aaron was treated while having a panic attack. Aaron has ADHD, which for many leads to being dysregulated by criticism and being more susceptible to becoming overwhelmed in difficult situations. His fellow players jumped on his reactions as guilt – and though he went on to win the show, he was treated continually with severe suspicion throughout for things like asking too many questions and being excitable.
View oEmbed on the source websiteSome would argue that this is not about bias, it is simply perception by the other players that cannot be helped. But this is symptomatic of a wider problem in society, played out in the microcosm of the show, where disabled and neurodivergent people are continually still ostracised and seen as suspect. The BBC giving players a better understanding of their possible biases before playing could be one move towards changing this.
The BBC is simultaneously showing how representation should be done and showing the glaring gaps and societal stigma that can still remain when it comes to inclusive television. As a neurodivergent and chronically ill fan of The Traitors, I have always found it so impressive to see such inclusive casting with thoughtful storytelling in the edit. But it is worth asking: how can the show continue to push the boundaries when it comes to including this community?
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