For the last two years, I have been an unabashed and unashamed supporter of the cult reality TV show, RuPaul’s Drag Race. I’m not a TV junkie by any means, but I need to get my fix of this show each week.
However, I have to ask if season three has jumped the shark? I mean, where have all the fierce drag artists gone?
Don’t get me wrong: Raja and Manila Luzon are emerging as the fiercest front runners. While Raja emotes a classier and refined artistry, Manila has fun with every challenge and her personality is zany and campy. Another queen who was sent home, Delta Work, had the goods but they rarely shone through in the challenges.
But the remaining queens? Oh gag me with a spoon. Carmen Carrera? Beautiful but boring. The judge who said that she looked like she’d rather be anywhere else but competing? Dead on. Yara Sofia? Love the personality, but her craft is very unrefined. And don’t get me started on annoying Shangela. She was let go in the first elimination in season two…were the queen pickings really that slim that she needed to be back season three? In fact, I think her staying power this season speaks more to the lack of talent that’s available in this Year’s competition.
The only truly likable one is Alexis Mateo. During the one-on-ones, the character is a little unsure but in each competition and even the time she was up for elimination, she BROUGHT IT. Though I love Raja and Manila, I am rooting for Alexis to win it all.
Lastly while I love the addition of Michelle Visage to the panel, I hope they consider bringing Billy B back full time over Santino Rice who has clearly lost an edge this year. Famously mean to two lovable and amazing queens in Shannel (season one) and Pandora Boxx (season two), it’s almost like Logo gave him his annual review and told him to cut back on the negativity. I hold him personally responsible for bitchy queen Tyra Sanchez winning and opting to keep the sweet but talentless Jujubee in season two over the likes of Pandora.
Lastly, I was SO excited when I saw the list of guest judges this season. After season two, I thought it would be tough to top Cloris Leachman and Debbie Reynolds, but season three wins hands down. Vanessa Williams, LaToya Jackson, Susan Powter, Amber Rose, Aisha Tyler, Johnny Weir, Lily Tomlin, Rita Rudner and Cheryl Tiegs? And the season isn’t even over!
However, with this years class, it’s becoming evident that the A-list guest judges are there to override the fact that this is a boring class of queens overall.
Further evidence that it’s jumping the shark? Episode 9’s elimination. (SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!)
NO ONE was sent home!
Carmen Carrera is beautiful, has a killer body but has done NOTHING to demonstrate that she can be the next drag superstar. In fact, she’s being rewarded simply for being pretty, the same reasons Rebecca in season one and Tatianna in season two were shunned. As for Yara Sofia, her wackiness is welcome but as Amber Rose said, it’s getting old. I’d have respected Ru more if she sent BOTH their asses home.
Season two left a bad taste in my mouth. Had Tyra been sent home when she should have been in season two, perhaps a more deserving superstar would have won. Yes I am still smarting over Pandora losing when in most viewers eyes, she was the true winner.
Please tell me it gets better. If not all I can say is go out while the show is still on top!!
