RuPaul’s Drag Race Recap: Our Regularly Scheduled Programming

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RuPaul’s Drag Race wants to keep us informed about the competitors. Last week, the show took everyone by surprise, placing contenders like Jewels and Lexi at risk, while praising bottom-performers Lana and winner Lydia. This time around, they seemed to say, “That was enjoyable. Moving on…” and placed Lydia and Lana in a tough spot. While I can’t deny that their positions were warranted, I must admit that last week feels less exciting now, as the competition is once again following its familiar pattern. Last week was like an unexpected pitch; this week, it’s more like returning to home base. I’m struggling to come up with a sports metaphor for the opposite of a curveball, but you get the idea.

This episode presents a significant acting challenge, which I think is crucial on Drag Race because it’s a skill the contestants might actually use in real life. It helps to identify who can remember lines, occupy space, follow directions, and deliver punchlines effectively. However, these challenges can be tough to watch, as I often find myself haunted by memories of “Breastworld.” This episode is somewhat typical, offering a mix of pain and insight. The problem is that the information provided isn’t particularly thrilling. With minimal plot progression and an acting challenge, this episode is the least exciting of the season so far, and after last week’s excitement, it’s a letdown.

The remarkable impact of last week’s episode is evident as this week’s events pale in comparison, largely due to the aftermath of the previous week’s conflict. At the start of the show, the girls enter to find Arrietty wrote a snarky note about Onya’s breath on the mirror following their spat on Untucked. However, it transpires that Onya has a medical condition causing her bad breath, which she revealed to Jewels. Given Jewels’ knowledge of this, it seems unfair to blame Arrietty for mocking Onya’s breath. Nevertheless, it’s quite unkind to throw such harsh comments during departure, reminiscent of the days when Raven and Mariah Paris Balenciaga were at their most catty, and even they didn’t go as far as being this personal. I find it distasteful.

The acting competition is revealed, and it’s a humorous spin on Ryan Murphy’s “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans,” somewhat titled “Ross Matthews vs. the Ducks.” Mainly, this is simply an opportunity for Ross Matthews to showcase his Truman Capote impression (quite decent!), while the ladies take on various characters that are sometimes based on real people and at other times represent typical figures.

The acting contest starts, and it’s a fun version of “Feud: Capote vs. the Swans,” called “Ross Matthews vs. the Ducks.” Ross Matthews gets to use his Truman Capote impression (pretty good!), while the girls play different characters that are sometimes based on real people and other times represent stereotypes.

Following the script’s reading, Lana requests Onya to perform a scene alongside her (unbeknownst to Lana, this request leads to a mix-up). The rest of the performance proceeds without much issue until they reach the final part. Jewels and Suzie then argue over who should portray “Chicago,” a character inspired by Tiffany “New York” Pollard’s parody, which delivers an adaptation of New York’s anti-Gemma Collins rant from Celebrity Big Brother UK. Suzie desires the part because it consists of a monologue, while Jewels is drawn to it due to her affection for the original version. Although these performers are not typically known for delivering top-notch New York impressions, their interest in the role is understandable. Lexi voices her opinion that Suzie should not receive the role because she has a personal issue with Suzie, and with encouragement from the other cast members, Suzie is assigned the part that no one else seems to want.

If I’m being generous, I might argue that Lexi encouraged Suzie to secure the role because they would be collaborating, which is beneficial for her plotline. She likely realizes by now that her ongoing rivalry with Suzie is a significant aspect of her story this season, and unless she resolves it soon, they may end up lip-syncing. This week, Lexi made considerable progress in resolving the issue, but there’s still the tantalizing prospect of the lip sync… the drama!

In essence, the lead role in this production is officially directed by Cheyenne Jackson, but in reality, Ross seems to never stop giving suggestions on how the queens should perform, making it just as much his direction. Lana puts forth a good effort, yet Onya outshines her. Sam also delivers, but Lydia struggles with amplifying her performance. Suzie excels and Cheyenne acknowledges her acting prowess, while Lexi finds it difficult to articulate her lines. Jewels grows weary of the wait and subsequently forgets some lines. All in all, no one is so poor at following instructions that the filming becomes unfunny. I’d much rather have Kenya Michaels express, “I kinda like the smell,” and watch Madame LaQueer struggle to say “Ew!” just like Lucille Ball any day.

The cosmetics area is charming yet unremarkable. Sam and Lydia have developed feelings for one another, while Lana struggles with rhythm and rhyme. In fashion, the theme is a black-and-white ball, reminiscent of an affair once hosted by Capote.

Sam’s costume, reminiscent of masquerade, jester, and harlequin styles, suits her well despite the confusing patterns she has combined. The impact is so strong that it overshadows any minor flaws. Lana’s voluminous sleeves and wig are commendable, but I believe they could benefit from some additional padding for a more polished look. Onya’s outfit doesn’t quite resonate with me due to its proportion issues. In contrast, I am captivated by Lydia’s attire. The patterns and wig are exquisite, making it my favorite ensemble she has worn so far. Suzie’s feline-inspired costume is impressive, though a defined waist would enhance its appeal according to the guest judge, Sam Smith. Lexi’s dress appears too short, and the ombre effect transitions too abruptly. Jewels’ cat-drawing look impresses the judges greatly, which I share, but I find Ross’s suggestion of museum-worthy status to be a bit excessive for my taste.

To start off the competition, Onya and Lana take the stage as rival rap artists. While Lana performs admirably, she’s outshone by Onya, also known as Big Fupa. It’s disheartening to see Lana receive criticism for faltering when she has clearly given her all and improved significantly compared to her earlier performances in the contest. However, Onya leaves a powerful impact. In fact, I would argue that Onya is among the top three most talented actors on the show. She effortlessly brings every line to life, and seems to spontaneously generate humor through her expressive eyes. Her delivery is flawless. The word that comes to mind when watching Onya perform? Versatile. You could easily cast her in a real-life sitcom as a drag queen, and she would blend seamlessly into the role. There isn’t another contestant this season, or for many seasons past, who can match her talent. She is truly an exceptional performer.

In each subsequent scene, there seems to be a noticeable absence of the performer Onya Nerve, whose presence would undoubtedly elevate the performances. The judges appear to view the competition as essentially between Onya and Sam Star, portraying a Southern housewife. However, despite Sam’s commendable performance, she doesn’t quite stand out enough compared to Onya. Sam is indeed better than her co-star Lydia, yet neither of them can match the exceptional talent that Onya would have brought to this competition. In other seasons, performances at this level have earned high placements or even wins. But, in this season, such performances seem to lack the spark that Onya would have provided, as she is not present.

In my opinion, Suzie outperforms Sam in the competition. She delivers an outstanding and professional performance, much like a “Real Housewife” character would. However, her makeup and wig are less than ideal, and I feel that as an actor, Suzie lacks the over-the-top flair often associated with drag queens. She doesn’t quite reach the level of exaggerated performance one might expect from a drag queen, or even approach Jane Krakowski’s caricatured style. Instead, she focuses on delivering the scene honestly and effectively, which is commendable. However, to take her drag performance to the next level, I believe she needs to be more extravagant.

The judges seem to view Suzie and Lexi as equals, possibly because it serves their narrative. But in truth, while Lexi is competent, she too could face critiques similar to Lana’s if the judges chose to do so, suggesting that she may not be as strong a performer as Suzie.

In a more conversational style, Lydia and Jewels, playing opposite Sam and as Chicago respectively, are encountering similar challenges: They struggle to make a significant impact on stage. Lydia tends to speak her lines too quickly, making it hard for viewers to focus on her, while Jewels appears rather lifeless in the role of Chicago. It’s frustrating when performers limit themselves by playing characters that don’t suit them, and it seems like Jewels was overeager to play Chicago. The character is quite distinct from her personality, and she’s not primarily an actress. She would have been better suited for Suzie’s role.

Later, Ru queries who among them should depart tonight and gives a reason. A significant juncture! Everyone except Onya and Suzie seems to miss the mark, though. Suzie proposes Lana due to her history, Onya suggests Lydia because she struggles with Drag Race, Lydia points to Onya as competition, and everyone else opts for Suzie. Clearly, it’s not Suzie who is leaving. I believe this choice by Lexi could potentially lead to a lip sync battle between them, given their strong performance this week.

Onya triumphantly wins the challenge, while Lydia and Lana find themselves in danger of elimination. The contestants’ fascination with Jewels’s outfit plays a role, but so does the fact that, aside from last week, Lydia and Lana have not been particularly strong on ‘Drag Race’. From the moment the lip sync partners were announced to when the lip sync song (“Unholy”) was revealed, I felt certain Lana would be eliminated and Lydia would stay. Despite being restricted by her dress, Lydia managed to express herself effectively during the performance. However, she made a critical mistake by cutting open her dress during the crucial Kim Petras verse, causing herself to become entangled in the fabric. Meanwhile, Lana performed a split. Unfortunately, it was Lydia who was sent home, which is disappointing given that at this stage of the competition, one of the contestants should have been winning the lip sync. This week, it seems more like Lydia lost the lip sync rather than Lana won it. I’m curious to see who will be eliminated next week.

And also on Untucked…

• Our first Arrietty-less Untucked is unsurprisingly uneventful. Sam Smith comes backstage.

The two individuals who watched the episode with me mistakenly heard “Janet Jackson” instead of “Cheyenne Jackson,” leading to their puzzlement over:
a) why the show wasn’t giving more significance to casting Janet Jackson (they may not be aware that she is famous), and
b) why Janet Jackson, a singer and actress, would take on the role of directing an acting challenge (as they might not know about her directorial work or may have only heard of her music).
This confusion arises as they are unaware that “Poetic Justice,” a movie where Janet Jackson both acted and directed, exists.

Lana repeatedly insists that her latest runway outfit is “not something I usually wear.” While some internet users find her constant assertion that every look is novel irritating, I personally find it amusing.

The most hearty laughter erupted when Ru exclaimed, “As we reach the crucial stage of the contest, it’s clear that all the children are performing admirably. However, it seems we’ve reached a decision… it’s time to bid farewell to Suzie Toot!

Regarding our discussion, my partner believes Suzie Toot’s chances of winning are slim based on his observations from the show. I, on the other hand, believe Onya is our frontrunner, but I also think Suzie has a chance. To clarify his perspective, I asked him to elaborate. In essence, he feels that contestants who have a shot at winning are the ones he dislikes during the show. Once they’re eliminated, his negative feelings dissipate and he appreciates them outside of the competition. After RDR Live!, he developed a negative opinion towards Suzie while many were still admiring her, but now he holds a neutral stance on her, which suggests she won’t win. He didn’t appreciate her because she came off as arrogant and unable to keep up with the show’s pace. The last thing a drag queen should be, according to him, is dull. However, the audience and editors seem to have turned against Suzie, making it unlikely that she will claim the crown.

• Predicted Top Four: Onya, Sam, Suzie, and Jewels, in that order.

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2025-03-15 04:55