Rupaul's Drag Race: Season 5, Episode 10
The “makeover” episodes of the Drag Race are almost always a highlight of the season because of the focus on establishing new connections and demonstrating the real craft behind drag. Because after all, the queens never look more polished and accomplished than when juxtaposed with their, uh, burly partners.
But those partners have stories to share, and I particularly loved the compassion and sincerity that Jinkx’s partner, Dave, brought this week. Although Alaska probably paired him with Jinkx as a hindrance, he provided human, heartfelt stories about the toll of AIDS, living in less accepting times, and even the generation gap within the gay community. Plus, he and Jinkx were impossibly fun together on stage.
I loved the chemistry between Detox and her partner Aaron, too, but on an entirely different level. Aaron was adorable, which Detox certainly noticed, as was his excitement to get into drag. I dug the complementary outfits Detox came up with, so I was surprised she ended up in the bottom two, despite her flag fiasco.
I guess, with just five contestants left in the challenge this week, the bar was set pretty high, and no queen is safe. Honestly, I’d love to see week after week of just the four remaining queens, because I just can’t get enough of them. But we have to assume that one of them will be going home next week, which gets at the central question I’ve been wrestling with all season: who the hell will make it to the final three?
Jinkx has maintained her momentum, and she should have no problem making it. But if she does, will Alaska have a shot? They’ve both been pigeonholed as “the funny queens,” so I worry that only one will make it to the end. My guess for next week’s lip sync? Detox vs. Alaska. Or... maybe Detox vs. Roxxxy? I don’t know, I’m terrible at this stuff.
We'll find out soon enough, so in the meantime, check out the latest additions to my Drag Race Print Shop, and tune in next week!
Also, as a sidenote, I'll be exhibiting at the fabulous alternative comics show SPACE in Columbus, Ohio this weekend, so if you're in the area, come say hi!