RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 1, Episode 2
Did anyone else start feeling claustrophobic this week, scratching at the walls as things heated up in this pressure cooker of an episode? The intense scenes of the groups working and arguing with each other felt really different than what we’ve gotten used to in subsequent seasons.
The bulk of the main challenge was shot really intimately, with lots of close-ups, and you couldn't look away from all the conflicts brewing among the queens. It was smart to give each queen a different responsibility for her group, to see how they could contribute and convince the other queens of their ideas. It came together for Ongina’s team (go, girl!) but for Akashia’s, well… all I can say is: Poor Tammie!
Miss Tammie Brown gave it her all in this challenge, gamely going along with a group that didn't want her. Sure, most of her ideas didn’t fit the fishy fashion the others wanted, but they could have at least considered those capes!
The other girls just didn't get Tammie, and my guess is that most viewers didn't either when this season first aired. But it also became increasingly clear that Tammie didn't get this show, either. She didn't anticipate the intensity of the competition, and after being steamrolled by Akashia throughout the whole challenge, she wasn’t willing to fight for her spot during the final lip sync.
It was a shame, because I would have absolutely loved to see more of her-- and I’m not talking about her nip slip during the girl group performance!
Overall, I thought this first group challenge was fabulous--intense, fun, and it separated the queens from the girls. However, since we didn't get a proper runway show, I wasn't left with especially memorable outfits to illustrate.
Ongina’s team “Serving Fish” lived up to their name, except for that crazy, cartoonish hair! Those giant, poofy wigs? I just… I couldn't. The standout performance was from Ongina--although half the height of the other queens, she had double the energy and attitude.
I actually loved the fashion and attitude of Akashia’s team “3D” despite Tammie and Akashia’s sloppy dancing. Bebe really stood out--I live for the fierce intensity she brought to the lip sync. Those facial expressions! Good lord. But she really faded into the background during the workroom scenes. I’m interested to see her trajectory over the course of the season, whether she emerges more as a personality among the cast, or whether she only shines onstage.
