RuPauls Drag Race
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The little show that started as a hodgepodge of reality competition shows has now blossomed into a cultural touchstone.
Unfortunately, RuPaul has no idea.
This episode jumps between the chaotic main challenge and serious social justice issues so rapidly, youll get whiplash.
After a brief mini-challenge (because what captures the essence of our terrifying and confusing political landscape more thanCats?
), we learn that the backdrop for this political-themed episode is a debate: Choices 2020.
So if youre feeling nostalgic for the good old days, youre in luck!
Never change,Drag Race!
One of the more interesting wrinkles in this tapestry of an episode is Gigi Goode.
As we learn in the walkaround, Gigi is scared of politics.
Politics is not something to be afraid of; its actually quite simple, says Ru.
(Okay,someof that I made up.)
He advises Gigi to stick with fashion, but it seems to do little to calm her anxiety.
To me, this episode represents a significant argument against the idea of Americas Next Drag Superstar Gigi Goode.
On the runway, however, Gigi slays as usual, narrowly escaping the bottom two.
Rounding out the safe queens are Crystal, Heidi, and Sherry.
To be honest, I am surprised that the judges connected with Crystals performance in this challenge.
Heidi, on the other hand, fares a little better.
Jeff Goldblum even calls her Southern belle gasps Tennessee Williams-esque, and I have to agree.
The judges have no hateration or holleration for Heidis Menagerie, and so shes safe.
Sherry is safe as well.
Shes not particularly funny, and Im exhausted with Sherrys shtick in more ways than one at this point.
On the bright side, the judges seem to be growing weary of Sherry, as well.
Next up, Jaida Essence Hall, the saving grace of this challenge.
I was concerned for many of the queens after Rus walk-around, but not Jaida.
Have you ever been in a debate before?
Im a real bitch; I dont debate, I argue.
A sound bite for the ages.
I want it on mugs, tote bags, and enamel pins pronto.
In a challenge with unclear parameters and little in the way of structure, Jaida spins straw into gold.
Finally, lets discuss this weeks bottom two: Widow and Jackie.
Shes prepared a couple of jokes, but when they fall flat shes forced to improvise.
The result is some distinctly non-comedic yelling that only contributes to the general chaos on the debate stage.
A comedy/political debate challenge seems very in the wheelhouse of the Haus of Tracy Flick queen.
Im sure it was just edited out for time!)
But the judges disagree, and Jackie joins Widow in the bottom two.
Whenever RuPaul tells us to be politically active, it comes across a little disingenuous.
Well, vote for what, exactly?
A Green New Deal proposed by guest judge AOC?
Maybe my quarantine-addled brain has me reading far too much into this piece of television.
As Im sure RuPaul would tell me: Dont make it so serious!
See you next week.
It DO Take Nerve!
Quotes that left me mouth agape
Youre trying to become Americas Next Drag Superstar.
I dont know what thats like.
Raven
Raven was a delightful addition to this weeks walk-around.
Her suggestions were generally spot-on, and she was funny as hell, too.
Jaida Essence Hall
I cant stop shouting this to no one, alone in my apartment.
Its a cry for help!
Heighten the game, queen!
Raise the stakes, mama!
