This week’s episode of Drag Race was like savoring the delicious frosting as a child – pure enjoyment. Normally, episodes start with 30 minutes of setup that builds towards the runway, reminiscent of Project Runway, which Drag Race was originally meant to parody alongside Top Model. This setup is necessary to understand who struggled, who was confident, and so on. However, it can often make the rest of the episode less satisfying, especially when watching spinoffs like Canada from the runway. This week, though, most of the setup had already been done in the previous episode, allowing us to reach the runway by the 20-minute mark. The remaining setup was mainly about the day’s performance, which is more engaging anyway. There were no emotional moments, no Ru explaining the challenge, no teamwork, and only one segment from the Werk Room. Instead, it was a non-stop, thrilling experience of pure Drag Race.
What adds to the enjoyment of the episode is that most of the queens who are familiar with TV productions decided to perform during the second week. Unlike Suzie, Jewels, and Lucky who ruled the screen last week, this week’s competition is wide open. Everyone is putting on a show, and in the talent portion, the performances have a better chance of being entertaining. They may not be as skilled as the first group, but there were a few from that group I had little to say about. This group, however, lacks this problem. If I had to predict, I’d say that many of the queens who will stand out in this season will come from this group. They are chatty, competitive, and interesting! Overall, the blend of engaging personalities and a strong emphasis on the performance aspect of drag made this an extremely entertaining episode – not the type that could work every week, but a thoroughly enjoyable hour throughout.
Let’s dive right in. This week’s episode picks up where last week left off, with everyone celebrating Suzie and Jewels (cheers for Suzie!). However, our focus quickly shifts to Acacia Forgot, the girl from the first week who is relevant again this week. This week was a significant one for Acacia, but I must admit it didn’t do much to make me believe she’s someone I should closely follow in future episodes. The other queens are more captivating, even as she works on her detective tasks. When Acacia sets her sights on Hormona Lisa, it doesn’t feel like a predator stalking its prey because Hormona Lisa (who we’ll delve deeper into later) seems to have some kind of special influence over Acacia, perhaps offering the chance to meet Dolly Parton? Such unusual actions make for an entertaining watch!
The rest of the Werk Room atmosphere is light-hearted yet entertaining: Lawrence Cheney appears with a skit inspired by The Traitors, which currently has Bob in control. Quite a few of the ladies become noticeably flustered and attracted to one another, although it’s up to them how they choose to act.
Next up, we’ve reached the runway. I warned you that this episode flies by! For our category, “Is It Cake?”, we need a costume highlighting the derriere. Let’s move on it.
In this week’s performance, let’s discuss the outfits of the contestants:
Sam Star, as usual, is donning a simple yet unremarkable ensemble. The front resembles a wedding cake, while the back appears to be more foam and tights than actual ass. This episode underscored the importance of high-quality tights; there’s nothing less alluring than a fake derriere that’s clearly just foam and fabric.
Onya opts for a peach-themed outfit, with a striking headpiece and a lovely corset. However, her lack of a visible derrière is unsettling – it’s something that might go unnoticed on a club stage, but under the magnifying lens of a TV camera, it feels off.
Crystal Envy chooses a sunscreen-baby theme, complete with a muscular bodysuit. The look would be more convincing if she added a necklace to conceal the seam between her real skin and the bodysuit. I’m still unsure what a “Crystal Envy look” entails. Perhaps playing up her Jersey roots could be a wise choice for her drag moving forward.
Kori King wears a recreation of Monet’s Werk the World outfit, which unfortunately does not flatter Kori. It works well for performance, as Monet uses it, but as a runway look, it falls short. The addition of a button-down shirt? Not appealing! And I must admit, I don’t attend drag shows to watch one queen replicate the outfit of another queen. If you’re going to use reference-based drag, it should demonstrate a sense of curation.
Lexi’s look features a bodysuit with a TV on her head, which still manages to appeal to me. As the judges later note, the earrings attached to the sides of the TV are amusing.
Hormona Lisa dons a Marie Antoinette-inspired outfit, a choice the show seems determined to prevent in season 18. I understand that the concept is overused, and Hormona’s take on it doesn’t offer much new to the existing collection.
Lastly, Lana opts for a fun, slinky number with a column front and lace-up back. It’s a daring choice, and I believe it adds an intriguing element to her overall look by showcasing her real skin.
As for the contestants who didn’t perform: Acacia’s appearance is less than appealing, with her screen-printed design resembling cheap fast fashion trends. Arrietty’s signature paint style complements her well. Jewels’ flag-themed chaps are adorable. Joella’s Marie Antoinette outfit is not as charming; the back of her red wig is unattractive. The skin-colored bodysuit on her seems odd, ending at her ankles. Lucky Starzzz’s sponge look is entertaining, and her paint application is commendable. Lydia B. Kollins showcases her best look so far in the competition; I particularly admire the porcupine quills in her costume. Suzie Toot enters as a maiden, drinks a magical potion, and transforms into a literal donkey. This transformation storyline is fully realized, which is all I can hope for during a week when someone isn’t competing.
On to the performances:
Review of Sam Star’s Performance: Sam begins the evening with a song that she humorously labels as more genuinely country than Acacia’s guitar-infused performance from last week. While Sam’s rendition is acceptable, it lacks the expected dynamism and comes across as stiff. A performance like this, lacking in excitement and innovation, merely underscores Jewels’s success from last week – rewatch “La Leche” to see how frequently it pushes Jewels into new territory. Sam only hits a single note, and her finale, a jump that we’ve seen before, is not as well-executed as Aja’s. This performance aligns with my overall impression of what Sam has presented so far: It’s skillfully done but not yet captivating. The most amusing moment is Sam’s overly cheerful Barbie smile as she leaps off the hay bale, and I’m not sure it’s funny in the way she intended.
As a devoted cinephile, I’m eagerly anticipating Onya Nerve’s appearance next. While Sam exudes high-end production, she seems to fall short on the charisma needed to keep me engaged. On the other hand, Onya’s raw energy and scrappiness make her a far more captivating performer. Despite her number lacking any elaborate set dressing and her outfit sometimes clashing with it, her charm is undeniable. Moreover, the song itself is catchy, with the “right foot in, out” hook being particularly memorable. Guest judge Doechii even praised Onya’s hook, suggesting that she could be a surprise contender for the season. I’m confidently placing my bet on Onya Nerve as the dark horse of the competition. She’s got oodles of charm and a spark that sets her apart.
As a discerning moviegoer, let me share my thoughts on Crystal’s performance: To begin with, she undeniably showcased some impressive skills that earned her a notable position, even though I might not have ranked her at the top. The highlight of her act was her powerhouse song, which stood out as the best of the night – it was catchy, poppy, and impeccably produced. Her vocal performance was solid as a rock.
However, there were aspects that could use some improvement. For one, her facial expressions were remarkably absent throughout the performance. She appeared almost robotic, with an expressionless face devoid of emotion. This lack of dynamism made it challenging to connect with her on a personal level.
Another issue was the choice of outfits. While she managed to reveal two stunning ensembles in quick succession, their overall aesthetic left much to be desired. The design and color palette were less than appealing, which diminished the excitement that multiple outfit changes usually generate.
Lastly, and most importantly, I felt there was a lack of distinctiveness about Crystal. Despite her polished performance and multiple looks, I couldn’t discern any unique aspects about her that set her apart from numerous other performers. She seems to be an accomplished artist, but her brand or personality remains elusive, making it difficult for the audience to truly connect with her on a deeper level. In essence, she appears to be missing the ‘U’ – that special something that makes her stand out from the crowd.
Hormona Lisa: Ugh, Hormona tries her hand at stand-up comedy, but it’s not exactly laugh-out-loud funny. The issue is compounded by her frequent insertion of insightful comments on transgender rights in the Southern region. It feels like an overly prolonged “But seriously, guys…” moment that drags on for what seems like forever, yet in reality lasts much longer. You remember how Vanessa Bayer’s character Jacob the Bar Mitzvah Boy on SNL, with his “But seriously [insert family member here]…” routine was a bit of a cliché? That character was created more than a decade ago, and the phrase hasn’t become any less worn-out since then.
Kori King mainly manages to improve her runway appearance with her coffee-themed performance. It’s quite fitting for Boston that she chose iced coffee as the theme – perhaps she could secure a Dunkin’ Donuts sponsorship soon. Kori has a straightforward style when it comes to drag costumes, which I admire, although a leotard and belt might not win over Michelle too much. Last week, I thought she was the most polished contestant, but this week clearly contradicts that, as her runway presentation was messy, and her costume began to unravel during a dip. I’m curious to see how far charisma alone can carry her throughout this season. Previously, I had predicted her as a likely top four finalist. However, after this week, I’m not so confident anymore.
In a nutshell, Lana Ja’Rae’s stage presence and energy seem to fall short when compared to Luxx Noir London, much like how Xunami’s performance style often pales in comparison to her mother Kandy. Despite their frequent references, it appears that neither Lana nor Xunami can match the intensity of Luxx or Kandy, respectively. However, a captivating aspect of Lana’s performance is the striking length of her limbs when she performs a dip, which adds an element of fearlessness to her act. In summary, while I admire the mother-daughter New York duos on Drag Race, I believe it would be beneficial for the more relaxed performers to find their unique identities and avoid direct comparisons with their more energetic counterparts.
In an exceptional display during this season’s talent show, Lexi Love wowed the audience with her roller skate performance, showcasing acrobatic feats like a cartwheel and a sequence of splits while on skates. However, what truly set her apart was her captivating stage presence. Lexi’s character was a delightful mix of playfulness and impertinence, earning her the nickname “a daffy and bratty bundle of joy.” RuPaul later acknowledged Lexi’s depth as a queen, considering her age (33), which is reasonable. Any contestant underestimating her, as Jewels did by calling her “Auntie Grandma” at one point, would be making a miscalculation. For now, she leads the pack as the frontrunner.
After casting their votes in their mini “Queen Evaluation” process, they managed to make generally accurate choices. Lexi clearly stood out as the top performer and took the leading position. On the other hand, Hormona struggled and ended up at the bottom of the pack. I must admit, I would have placed Crystal in the top spot too, although my personal preference would have been for Onya (or perhaps Kori if her runway look had been more appealing).
In a thrilling match-up, Doechii and JT’s “Alter Ego” sees the top two performers go head to head first. This lip sync battle is fantastic and incredibly enjoyable! Lexi begins tentatively, showing some initial nerves, but quickly finds her stride and by the end, she perfectly captures the playful, mischievous vibe of the song. She’s exceptional! Crystal doesn’t disappoint either; her performance is captivating, with a Regina George-like demeanor that fits surprisingly well. I watched this battle no less than ten times and enjoyed it every single time. Lexi’s energetic, almost reckless movements, where she flings her limbs around like a doll, are mesmerizing. Lexi emerges victorious, and her emotional reaction to winning is touching.
Later, the last two queens from the entire group mimic Ariana Grande’s “Yes, And” performance. Regrettably, it seems harsh to make them perform this lip-sync after such an energetic act, but their execution leaves much to be desired. Strictly speaking, Acacia is declared the winner due to carrying a makeup brush in her pocket, but neither Acacia nor Hormona demonstrate why they should remain in the competition.
Afterward, Acacia claims the lip sync contest, and the program presents a novelty called “Badonkadunk Tank.” It’s essentially a spin on the chocolate bar twist where you can submerge Michelle Visage using a lever instead. The production team is in full control of this segment. Initially, I was taken aback by two chances to remain in the competition, until it was clear that this was merely a tactic to avoid eliminating anyone during the first week. Despite my perplexity, it’s evident that Hormona grates on other queens, which explains her continued presence. It should be amusing to witness her persistently irritating everyone further.
And also on Untucked …
This week’s performance was exceptionally impressive, with Joella suddenly behaving rudely without warning. In turn, everyone playfully teased her wig. There was no appearance of a guest judge this time around.
Kori’s nickname for the initial lip sync contest as “The Battle of the Fair-Skinned Ladies” earns her the title of Confessional of the Week.
• I love that Lydia just absolutely hated Sam Star’s number.
Towards the close of 2024, I appeared on the music podcast “Pop Pantheon” to chat about the standout tunes from the year, and “Alter Ego” made it onto my personal top-ten picks. In essence, I’m either displaying a bias or showcasing exceptional taste. To be honest, though, the brief sample of Edna Mode from “The Incredibles,” specifically saying “Milan, darling,” was undeniably the finest two seconds of pop music throughout last year.
When I label the second set of performances as “most interesting,” I’d like to emphasize that this doesn’t imply they are “overall superior.” Instead, it seems likely that their combined quality is roughly equivalent. What I’m trying to convey is that their individual strengths and weaknesses make for a more engaging conversation compared to the performances of Joella, Acacia, and Arrietty, as their numbers didn’t provoke such stimulating discussions.
Redesigning the Discussion on Trauma in Beauty: In reality, Onya discusses not having numerous drag queen companions, yet this section seems to be leaning towards evaluating drag queens rather than sharing traumatic background stories.
On Thursday, I attended the “Mall Drag” drag show, which was hosted by the adored Brooklyn queen Miss Ma’amShe. One remark she made that resonated with me was: “What’s with everyone aiming for TV these days? Isn’t Instagram enough anymore?
Based on current observations, my prediction for the top four contestants seems challenging as Ru Paul’s critiques directly to the girls are yet to be seen. However, here’s who I think might make it: Lexi, Suzie, Lucky, and Jewels. Despite the second group appearing more intriguing, I’m not certain if it holds the majority of finalists.
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2025-01-11 07:00