RuPaul's Drag Race Season 6: Episode 2
Okay, folks, SHUT YOUR PIE HOLES and listen to what I've got to say! Or, at least look at the art. Quietly. Momma Ru needs her rest.
So, I guess I'm okay with the whole "split premiere" for this season, though I wish they had aired both episodes in one glorious evening--the second installment was a vast improvement over the first one, and it's super-charged my excitement for Season 6!
Of the seven queens in this second episode, there are several superstars--Courtney Act, Bianca Del Rio, Darienne Lake. And although they were all fabulous, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the less seasoned queens made for good TV, too. "Black horse" Joslyn Fox is a cheery goofball, bringing a charming levity to the competition.
Trinity K. Bonet, who had seemed so quiet and restrained in the promo videos, turns out to be a serious contender--although she's softspoken, she's fiercely ambitious and serves it up throughout the episode. Both her looks were on point, her photo shoot was a stunner, and her low-key commentary during the cutaway interviews provided a welcome respite to the fast-paced drama. A lot of commenters have been comparing her to Tyra Sanchez, but I think she's far more engaged and likable.
I can't resist drawing a dramatic look like this one. And even though the judges dismissed the flimsy collar, I love its geometric intensity. However, I'm a little disappointed that Gia wasn't present to see Trinity's kabuki-style makeup--given that Gia has actually performed in traditional kabuki theatre, I'd love to hear her take on it! Even if it was mostly bleeped out.
Courtney and Darienne are both incredibly congenial queens, and I'm dying to see them prevail over countless challenges this season. I wasn't gagging over their runway looks this week, but I did love Darienne's lip sync. I saw her perform live last week, and she brings such a passion and sense of fun to the stage! Love her.
Bianca is one to beat. She officially wins the MVP award for this episode--she provided brilliant, blistering jokes, served up the winning runway look, and even provided the most insightful commentary in Untucked during Magnolia's hypnotic unraveling. That was especially encouraging--hearing her set up a clear distinction between her "cold bitch" character and normal self, giving some hope that we'll see real growth and character from her over the season. And seriously, I expect her to make it 'til the end!
I like both Milk and Magnolia, but they obviously approached the show very, very differently. They're both queens with an interest in playing an offbeat character, eager to thwart expectations and defy easy categorization.
I get Magnolia's quirky humor, and I enjoy her absurd Youtube videos, but she obviously didn't bring the right attitude to this show. She met every challenge and criticism with a combative sense of indignation, leading to one of the most memorable Untucked meltdowns in Drag Race herstory.
But Milk, she brings an unswerving confidence and charisma to the competition, as well as some truly divine style. There are some rough edges, sure, but Milk is the queen who's got me most excited to draw the shit out of Season 6. The over-sized, over-the-top outrageousness is what I live to illustrate. It's what got me started drawing the Drag Race in the first place, back in Season 3--Raja was my first muse, and I see a lot of her in Milk.
So you'll have to forgive me, but I had to draw both Milk's looks this week. In fact, I was so taken with Milk's matador outfit that I started drawing it as soon as I saw it in the previews! Thirsty for another tall glass of Milk?
I'm thrilled to see what sparks will fly when all twelve queens are brought together, but I'm also dreading it--how will I pick which ones to draw??
Oh, also! I'll be making my first Season 6 prints available for sale soon! I seek out each queen's blessing before selling the work, but I hope to have most of the queens on board soon!
Thanks for reading! See ya next week!