RuPaul’s Drag Race Recap: Snatch the Crown

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Has the significance of the Snatch Game competition lessened on RuPaul’s Drag Race? Here’s an intriguing observation: From seasons 3 to 10, every winner of a regular season, except Violet Chachki, either won or placed high in the Snatch Game episode. However, since season 11, no winner has ranked highly during their Snatch Game performance. This shift might indicate a change in the show’s priorities, moving away from emphasizing innovative performance (which was once crucial for winners) and focusing more on visual uniqueness (represented by queens like Yvie Oddly, Nymphia, Sasha Colby, etc.) that resonates with social media audiences. It’s worth noting that Aquaria, who excelled in both the Snatch Game and Ball challenges, seems to mark a turning point in this change.

I’m pointing out that Snatch Game holds significance this season, even though history suggests otherwise. This notion is reinforced by the fact that many of the top contenders received criticism this week and the show seems to be placing emphasis on it. For instance, a well-known contestant (Crystal) was eliminated when a less prominent one (Lana) could have been sufficient. A leading candidate (Suzie) was demoted, and there was much discussion about why that was important. Additionally, two contestants (Jewels and Lexi) received significant boosts during judging, with Lexi receiving praise despite not being in the top or bottom. The show seems to be using Snatch Game as a platform to emphasize that Lexi is a rising star, even if she hasn’t fully shown her comedic potential yet. In summary, it’s all quite intriguing.

To begin with, let’s talk about Suzie. I find her intriguing as she seems to have stolen the spotlight this week. Previously, I had complained that the other contestants were too dim to allow Suzie to take on the ‘underdog’ role, but this time, the producers surprised me by altering the Jinkx edit. Make no mistake about it; this is precisely what’s happening here. As soon as Snatch Game was announced, they swiftly cut to Suzie expressing her excitement, stating, “The Snatch Game is what I, Suzie Toot, am here to do.” Twelve seasons back, the editors did the same with Jinkx Monsoon, who said, “This is what I came here to do,” immediately after RuPaul announced the Snatch Game. By doing so, the producers set us up to compare the two performers. However, before the challenge, Suzie appeared a bit overconfident. After delivering an average performance (which I’ll discuss in more detail later), she was convinced of her own triumph. While Jinkx Monsoon without exceptional performances is not Jinkx Monsoon, and Suzie acting as if the other queens are foolish for not recognizing her vision, particularly some of her comments about Onya’s performance in Untucked, caused me to raise an eyebrow at her. Essentially, Suzie Toot is not the underdog; she merely presents herself that way.

Watching Jinkx’s performance unfold in real-time is truly entertaining – it seems like Suzie is trying to present herself as an underdog, which can work if the other contestants aren’t anticipating her victory. However, when everyone expects great things from Suzie and she fails to deliver, it only adds fuel to their disappointment. An intriguing aspect: If Suzie Toot, the champion of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’, were to compete in Snatch Game, she would likely excel. It’s a bit disheartening to see her struggle now, but it makes for fascinating viewing!

For Suzie, the significance of Snatch Game is noteworthy. The reason being, this season’s contestants are all relatively unpolished diamonds, each with notable flaws in their portfolios (Suzie’s flaws becoming more apparent this week). Given that success for any queen this season will primarily depend on their performances, a challenge like Snatch Game carries considerable weight. It allows us to evaluate how each queen compares to the iconic performances we’ve seen in Drag Race history, and who can truly hold their own.

With that in mind, let’s run through the performances.

Acacia Forget leads the list of performances this week, portraying Trisha Paytas. However, her portrayal doesn’t receive much attention this time around, as is often the case. As Trisha, she delivers a performance that’s typical but lacks depth. Not using Trisha’s voice during the impersonation was a questionable choice, and the decision to play a dumb blonde character was not effective. Furthermore, performing as Trisha at all seems unwise, considering RuPaul appears unfamiliar with her. To be clear, Acacia is expected to be eliminated soon, and the show seems content for viewers to anticipate this. She lacks a compelling narrative, and serves only as a placeholder until she’s eventually dismissed.

Up next is Suzie, portraying Ellen Green (famously known for her role as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors). I’ve previously discussed her storyline, so let me briefly touch on this: This sketch-comedy performance showcases a well-defined character and consistency. However, the humor falls flat, leaving me to believe that while Suzie is skilled as an actor, she may need more practice in comedy. Unfortunately, this isn’t ideal.

Subsequently, Lexi Love takes over, embodying Gilbert Gottfried in a stunning performance. This act of an established star is truly captivating. Despite her technical flaws, Lexi’s portrayal of Gilbert is mesmerizing. From the very beginning, it’s evident that she struggles to come up with answers yet remains fully devoted to her character. Throughout Snatch Game, Lexi publicly criticizes herself, all while maintaining her Gilbert Gottfried voice. It’s quite remarkable. Her commitment is unquestionable. This strategy might not have worked if Lexi weren’t a star, but the truth is, she is indeed a star. Bravo to her!

In a different setting, Sam Star is positioned beside Lexi, embodying the role of Kim Gravel, who’s known as both a pageant coach and QVC queen. Her performance is flawless, showing great competence, and it’s evident that she has thoroughly prepared for her part. However, this week, Michelle offers feedback I’ve been eagerly anticipating from Sam: she says that we don’t get to see the genuine Sam because she always seems too perfect. In simpler terms, her portrayal is so polished and predictable that it lacks the unexpected elements, making it a bit dull. To be clear, I appreciate Sam, but her mother, Trinity, had an authentic edge that Sam hasn’t been able to fully capture yet. I’m intrigued to see if she can tap into some raw, unique qualities in the future.

Placing beside Sam is the most impactful character of the episode, portrayed by Lana Ja’Rae as Rosa Parks. Previous queens have taken on challenging roles like “Killing the Sacred Cow” in the Snatch Game; Symone was impressive as Harriet Tubman, Salina EsTitties was average as Mother Mary, and the Down Under girls often play offensive characters such as mothers whose babies were eaten or Jesus. However, Lana’s performance lacked any edge whatsoever. Instead, she portrayed a regular woman with a somewhat questionable connection to buses. Initially, during the Snatch Game, RuPaul reportedly threw her off by asking, “Is the bus still running?”, which was intended as a joke but left Lana confused because it is a phrase frequently used by RuPaul, making it unclear why she would be puzzled when he said it. Unfortunately, this approach fell flat, to say the least.

The last row is headed by Onya, who brilliantly portrays Eddie Murphy. Her impression of Eddie is remarkably convincing, but what truly stands out is how delightful, entertaining, and amusing Onya is. I could easily watch Onya mimic Eddie Murphy for hours on end. It’s fantastic! Later, Suzie suggests that Onya was playing herself. I disagree with this statement, and I won’t argue if she would have said the same about a white actress, but I did find myself questioning it! (Apologies!)

Arrietty as Cupid is terrible. She has no character and no lines. Just tragic. Nice makeup, though!

Regarding Lydia’s portrayal of David Lynch, I find it quite strong given the circumstances. RuPaul and Alyssa Edwards, who often struggle with Snatch Game, suggested she go for Lynch instead of Catherine O’Hara, as they found his dry humor entertaining. Although it seemed like a setup to some extent, Lydia delivered a well-developed character and occasional jokes. It may not have been enough to propel her to the top, but she certainly secured her spot among the safe queens.

So, if we’re talking about Jewels, let’s say “Jewels is now known as ‘Miss Bigfeet.'” She has a fully fleshed-out character, she’s witty, she’s funny, and her costume is simply stunning. There’s a strong case to be made that she should have won the week (I believe she had more straight-up jokes than Onya), but honestly, I’m just happy to see her finally getting recognition from the judges. She truly deserves it!

Crystal follows behind, emulating Nicole Richie’s style. Frankly, it’s displeasing. The makeup appears strange and eerie, her demeanor is excessively serious, and later on the runway, she confesses that she wished she could have expressed the tumbleweed character she portrayed earlier in the season, which feels odd to me. I understand her elimination was unexpected, but I’m content with her departure given this performance. On a television perspective, even Lana’s Rosa Parks portrayal seemed more captivating to watch.

Ultimately, Kori has taken over the role of Big Ang, but it’s not particularly significant. Her performances are undeniably safe, yet I’m still yearning for a showcase that persuades me she’s not just filler material.

During the pause before the challenge and the runway show, Suzie feels confident she might take the victory, a belief all the other girls recognize as misguided. Sam Star approaches, delivering her remarks with a sharp tone, to remind Suzie of the actual situation. It’s worth mentioning that Sam shines in this scene. She’s captivating yet biting, and above all, spot-on accurate. I can’t help but wish for more of this character, as I find her portrayal intriguing, especially when she dons her drag attire.

This week’s runway theme is “Nailed It.” Among Acacia’s designs, her Swiss Army knife-inspired outfit stands out as my favorite thus far – sleek yet fun. Suzie’s “Iron Lady” ensemble is quite impressive – it’s both glamorous and odd. Lexi’s Cher look is merely alright, not reaching the top five from last season’s standard. Sam’s plastic surgery-inspired look feels overdone. I’ve seen it before, and frankly, I’m more tired of it than I am of Marie Antoinette. Lana’s “King Kong’s Captive Princess” look is passable. Kori’s mime costume is laughably bad – just plain ugly. Crystal looks fantastic as the Wolf Man, and her foot nails are a unique touch. Jewels wears something intriguing conceptually (a robotic spine and tumor-inspired look), but in practice, it falls short and seems a bit unattractive. Lydia’s drag is conceptually interesting, but I haven’t found a concept that makes sense to me yet. Arrietty’s future cat outfit is stunning – the best of the night, as usual. Onya’s ’90s hair show look may not be the most elaborate, but it fully captures a character.

Hey there! As a fan, I’d rephrase that excerpt like this:

“Jewels, Onya, and Sam took the lead, with Sam trailing slightly behind. Meanwhile, Lana, Arrietty, and Crystal found themselves in the bottom. Lexi also received some criticism, but the judges felt it was necessary to have a chat with her. Last week, I voiced my concerns that Jewels and Lexi were being undervalued compared to Sam and Crystal. This week, it seems like the show shared my view: Even though Sam placed top, the judges’ comments towards him were more critical than those given to Lexi, who managed a safe, albeit peculiar, placement. The judges told Sam, ‘You did well, but we need something exceptional from you to make you a standout star.’ To Lexi, they said, ‘You struggled this week, but as a star, it’s okay.’ Historically, the latter type of feedback tends to be more favorable on this show.

In simpler terms, Ru manages to rescue Arrietty, which I’m okay with – I’d prefer another week of her exceptional performance over another week of Lana struggling or Crystal excelling. They synchronize their lip movements to Selena Gomez’s “Hands to Myself”. Initially, I thought Crystal would easily eliminate Lana, but neither of them really stood out. However, I was taken aback that Ru kept Lana, and it seemed to suggest the importance this week holds for the judges. If your Snatch Game is weak, you’re out, full stop. With Crystal eliminated, I believe the contestants will feel apprehensive.

And also on Untucked …

As a film enthusiast, I found myself on the edge of my seat during the early scenes of “Untucked”. Initially, Suzie’s character seemed to unravel, and as much as I wished for things to take a turn for the worse in the series, it piqued my curiosity. Quinta Brunson, gracing us with her presence as a guest judge, added a charming touch that was endearing, especially considering the girls’ evident admiration for her work.

• The Gay.I. Snatch Game contestant bit pissed me off. Just have Michelle do it, honestly.

This season, the order of elimination is becoming increasingly unusual, as Acacia, Lana, Kori, and Lydia seem to be lingering without participating in the challenges. Among them, I’ve been pondering if Lydia has the most potential, simply because she brings something fresh. However, unless one of them makes a significant comeback, we might be looking at several weeks of uneventful eliminations, given that Arrietty could potentially leave the competition anytime as well.

It seems quite clear that Onya has taken the lead this week, considering both their impressive performance in the challenges and the compelling narrative unfolding.

• Trauma makeup corner: N/A this week.

As for Lydia’s David Lynch impression during the recent episode of Drag Race, I must admit that I’m not the best person to evaluate it since my familiarity with his work is quite limited – more of a fan of Haynes and Almodovar. So, I sought the opinion of my colleague Rebecca Alter, who recently wrote our Lynch obituary. In her words, “It’s such a fitting coincidence that Drag Race would have a Snatch Game featuring a David Lynch impression, just a month after the passing of the last good man in Hollywood, David Lynch! How delightful it was when Lydia Butthole Kollins mentioned his name in the werkroom, and our season’s resident critic, Kori King, didn’t recognize him! It’s quite disappointing that LBK’s impression was as it was. David Lynch is arguably one of the easiest directors to imitate due to his distinctive voice and unique quirks, perhaps only surpassed by Orson Welles. Fans don’t just admire his work; they adore him as a fully embodied character who was always performing some form of David Lynch drag. LBK’s impression fell short, although her makeup was uncanny to Dean Stockwell in Blue Velvet. However, on a Snatch Game like this one, even some crude humor about anal play was enough to place her among the top contenders.

• The projected top four includes Onya, Lexi, Sam, and Suzie. If given the choice, I’d pick Jewels over anyone except Onya. However, she needs to conquer a challenge before I can see her as the winner.

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2025-02-15 06:55