RuPaul’s Drag Race Recap: Magic Tarp-et Ride

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Let’s get started by discussing the main event, shall we? You all came here to talk about the intense confrontation between top contenders, don’t you agree? I’m referring to the heated argument between Onya and Lexi over a piece of cloth, although in reality, it was more like a disagreement over a tarp.

So far in Season 17, we’ve seen a whirlwind of disputes among Jewels versus Onya, Suzie against the entire competition, and numerous smaller conflicts that usually dominate an episode. Remarkably, these contestants aren’t just eager to win but seem indifferent about their image in the process. Queens like Onya, Lexi, and Jewels have found themselves in skirmishes where they shine and skirmishes where they stumble, making for a more intriguing dynamic than in Season 13, where Symone, Rosé, and Gottmik mostly stayed clear of the main drama, allowing the middle tier to battle it out.

As a film enthusiast, I’d put it out there that this week’s tussle wasn’t quite up there with the best, but if we were to drop it into season 14, it would undoubtedly be its peak moment. What it does have going for it is an intense back-and-forth between two frontrunners, which certainly ramps up the competition’s intensity. However, neither queen delivered any standout lines that could potentially become iconic memes, and the argument doesn’t seem to tie in closely with the season’s broader narrative.

In my opinion, the most memorable fights on ‘Drag Race‘ are those rooted in some deep-seated artistic disagreement between the queens. Take Naomi vs. Derrick from season 8, Roxxxy vs. Jinkx from season 5, or the classic PhiPhi vs. Sharon from season 4 as examples. These battles resonate because they highlight that this competition is about artists being judged on the merit of their work. Even the Trim-gate controversy was a debate about the ethics of self-governance within the competition. This week’s argument, unfortunately, doesn’t quite meet those standards as it lacks that artistic and thematic depth.

The central dispute revolves around a tarp that Lexi was using for her costume, which, despite her attempts to spray-paint it, primarily resembles a tarp. Onya and Arrietty went outside while Lexi’s tarp was drying and used it to spray-paint their own outfits, creating a large brown stain that Lexi later noticed and became furious about. When she questioned the girls about the stain, Onya remained silent, leading Lexi to suspect that one of her sisters had caused it. Upon confronting Onya, Lexi was not so much angry about the damaged costume as she was disappointed in Onya’s lack of courage to confess.

This incident highlights a recurring pattern with Onya: She does not feel connected to drag queens and therefore has no incentive to behave courteously. While this can be acceptable at times, it also leads her to evade responsibility when her actions upset her fellow queens. Even after apologizing to Lexi, Onya failed to acknowledge her mistake, instead only reiterating that she didn’t mean to harm Lexi’s costume. This behavior is disheartening from one of my favorite queens of the season, and it’s surprising to see such a lack of courage from someone whose last name is “Nerve.”

The most striking aspect of this situation, in my opinion, is not that Lexi screamed at Onya but rather her apology the following morning. It’s possible that she quickly forgives things, but I also wonder if her apology was a reaction to realizing how she might have appeared on television. In conclusion, I hope this conflict continues throughout the season as it will make for more entertaining viewing.

Apart from a single altercation, the week has been rather simple and engaging. The challenge revolves around an underwater-themed ball, where contestants bring their own swimsuit and sea creature-inspired outfits, and create final looks using ocean waste. It’s a delightful task that serves as a fitting conclusion to Arrietty’s story arc. In a previous instance, RuPaul inquired about who should have been in the bottom last week instead of Arrietty, to which she specifically mentioned Crystal. When Crystal questioned her about it, Arrietty reaffirmed her stance rather than denying it. If Crystal had a more distinct on-screen personality, this exchange could have been intriguing.

For the first time this season, Ru conducts walkthroughs, but nothing particularly exciting happens to help us identify her favorites as no one triggers a full-bodied chuckle, like when Sam’s godfather, Charles Barkley, is mentioned… well, that’s quite unexpected!

This week’s additional judge is Law Roach, who isn’t introduced as a “guest judge” in the show but was listed as one in the pre-season press release. Despite his occasional illogical comments during this episode, it would be beneficial if he returns later in the season.

Onto the runways!

The first group is labeled as “Bathing Beauties.” Crystal adopts a Barbie-like appearance, and I concur with Michelle that this theme might be outdated (given its era during filming), yet it’s undeniably well-executed. Jewels dons a charming gold suit, but I find the padding trend of “large derriere, no breasts” unsettling as it seems unbalanced to me. Butthole’s numerous breasts do not resemble actual breasts in my opinion. Sam exudes polish in a yellow cover-up-to-bikini ensemble that almost puts me to sleep. I urge her to wear something more appealing on television. Onya’s wig is tough, but the white suit is endearing. I don’t fully grasp Arrietty’s blue appearance, but I was indifferent because she looked stunning. Suzie’s 1920s-inspired mustache look suits her well and showcases her unique personality. Kori initially appears as Left Shark, later transforming into Super Bowl Katy Perry, a reference that fails to intrigue me in any way, shape or form. Acacia’s appearance is unexciting. Lexi adopts an audacious naked look with an elaborate merkin that is simply extraordinary. Hormona’s outfit is acceptable. Lana takes advantage of the opportunity to display her physique, but the design itself leaves much to be desired.

Delving into marine marvels! It’s evident that quite a few contestants invested time and resources in this theme, crafting some truly intricate looks. Crystal, a puffer fish, captivates me with her Alexander McQueen-inspired shoes and vibrant ensemble. The wig and overall design are absolutely mesmerizing! Jewels’ Mugler-esque “Spanish Dancer” fish is one of my personal favorites from the night. The flip wig complements the look beautifully. Unfortunately, Butthole’s anglerfish puppet doesn’t resonate with me. Sam Star’s viperfish is stunning, but I feel she missed an opportunity to push the edge a bit more with her facial expression. Onya’s African sea star leaves me awestruck! The unique pant shape is truly remarkable. Arrietty’s lionfish outfit takes the cake as the best runway performance of the night and possibly the entire season, thanks to her self-airbrushed design and exceptional makeup. Suzie’s Yayoi Kusama–inspired octopus is commendable, and I appreciate how her beehive mirrors the octopus’s shape. Kori’s look falls short for me, but it isn’t terrible. The wet hair just seems a bit lackluster. Acacia’s design is unremarkable. Lexi continues to impress, though I believe a more daring jellyfish silhouette could have elevated her outfit. Hormona’s look is decent, and Lana’s spiky sea urchin receives criticism but manages to stand out as her best performance of the night.

In summary, the Werk Room outfits are as follows: Crystal’s pink-and-yellow gown is stunning, but I question if her lack of runway presence might be affecting the judges’ opinions. Butthole’s silver attire is unattractive and should have landed her in the bottom. Sam’s trash bag-covered dress is impressively done; it’s hard to tell it’s garbage at a glance, although I may criticize her more. Onya’s seaweed creation is safe, while Arrietty shines in her pink-and-blue coral reef-inspired ensemble, which could easily grace a non-self-made runway. Suzie’s Amelia Earhart-esque look is a bit frumpy but gets the job done. Kori’s design is an improvement over her previous attempts. Acacia’s outfit is less than appealing, yet the judges might have been too harsh; they could have simply said it was dull instead. Lexi’s look is essentially a tarp, but she sells it well with excellent styling. Hormona’s attire is acceptable, while Lana’s design seems haphazardly pieced together, leaving me puzzled about its purpose.

Arrietty emerges as the clear winner this week, outshining all other contestants significantly. Sam and Crystal are technically tied with her at the top, but it’s a concern that neither Jewels nor Lexi have spoken to the judges yet. While I can understand Lexi’s unconventional choice of wearing a tarp, dismissing two of the most captivating contestants like Jewels and Lexi, who are both rising stars in their own right, seems counterproductive. Neither Sam nor Crystal possess the intrigue that these two women offer, and I believe neither matched their creative prowess during the challenge. I’m more interested in understanding what drives Jewels and Lexi than either Sam or Crystal. It’s high time for the show to acknowledge this. Furthermore, neither Crystal nor Sam’s top placement has any bearing on the progression of the season’s narrative. So, there you have it!

In the bottom three, it was Acacia, Hormona, and Lana. Lana seemed to be struggling the most, while Hormona was criticized for not being expressive enough (a somewhat harsh comment directed towards a transgender contestant), Acacia was deemed dull, and Lana’s fashion choices and lack of confidence on the runway were also brought up. Despite this, it was Acacia who was ultimately saved, which I found to be an unusual choice. In my opinion, the less captivating contestant should have been eliminated first. The remaining two, Lana and Hormona, faced off in a lip-sync battle to “Get Him Back” by Olivia Rodrigo. Unfortunately for Hormona, Lana’s performance was stronger, but not by a significant enough margin. As a result, Hormona had to say goodbye again. Farewell to a talented individual. I would have opted to save Hormona over Acacia this time, but the decision was not mine to make.

Also on Untucked …

Backstage at Untucked, Hunter Schafer makes an appearance, which is a pleasant change of events for quite some time. Her query about whether there are any dolls present in the room was endearingly cute, and Lexi’s appreciation for her was equally charming.

Law’s speech regarding cocaine seemed more like an entertaining soliloquy than a useful explanation for Sam, but it certainly held my interest.

• Arrietty appears to have a completed story line, and next week is Snatch Game. She’s in danger.

This week, there’s a mini competition featuring renowned robot Norvina. I’m excited to see the contestants put on quick drag outfits, and I hope we get to see more of it during this season because it usually provides insight into who is truly skilled in dance.

• Discovering Acacia’s insight on everyone’s less-than-stellar attire was truly remarkable. It seems she’s been hiding a talent for wit and candor. Let’s showcase her more often!

• Trauma Makeup Corner: No time! Too much fightin’!

In celebration of Arrietty’s special occasion, I asked several gay men in my community to share their thoughts on who they find most attractive. Personally, I’d pick Arrietty. My friend Noam thinks that “Arrietty is charming, but honestly, Onya truly captivates me – a striking face paired with an impressive blend of self-assurance and the keen ability to recognize genuine competition.” My partner concurs that Onya is the cutest, while also mentioning that “Sam Star is cute, yet a bit too much.” My friend Jake prefers Kori, provided he doesn’t have to engage in conversation and there are no Dunkin’ Donuts involved.

• Forecasted top quartet: Onya, Lexi, Sam, and Suzie. While Crystal has a strong history of top finishes with RuPaul, it’s more advantageous to bet on her at this time. However, I remain firm in my support for Lexi.

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2025-02-08 07:55