Episode 4 of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 9 throws a refreshing twist
into the competition – a classic "makeover challenge" with a fiery twist! This
week, the queens trade their usual strategies for teamwork as they transform a
group of handsome firefighters into sizzling pop stars. Let's delve into the
highs and lows of this episode, the questionable judging decisions, and the
ever-present strategic confusion.
Strategy on Standby:
The "Beautiful Benefactress Badges" format continues to cast a shadow on the competition. With no eliminations, the constant talk of alliances and strategy feels forced and lacks the urgency of previous seasons. Queens like Shannel and Angeria express frustration with "cliquey" behavior, while others like Gottmik make accusations of secret alliances that fizzle out quickly. Even the new "Ruby Snippers" power, designed to block badges, has yet to have a significant impact.
The most compelling strategic moment comes from Roxxxy, who suggests that queens with badges should team up to solidify their lead. This tactic, while seemingly logical, fails to gain traction. Instead, Nina and Gottmik choose to award badges to queens without any, negating any potential benefit for themselves. The episode fails to acknowledge these strategic blunders, leaving viewers questioning the overall purpose of the "gameplay" narrative.
Firemen to Pop Stars: A Welcome Distraction:
The arrival of the firefighters injects a much-needed dose of fun and heartwarming content. Unlike the solo makeovers of past seasons, this episode pairs the queens, forcing them to collaborate and adapt. We see some interesting partnerships emerge –
Roxxxy & Vanjie: This seasoned duo impresses with their Destiny's Child-inspired look, but the execution on their fireman's makeup falls flat. Vanjie takes a backseat role to Roxxxy's leadership.
Plastique & Jorgeous: This youthful pairing embraces a modern K-pop aesthetic for their fireman's transformation. Their outfits and choreography shine, earning them high marks from the judges.
Shannel & Angeria: This potentially powerful duo disappoints. Their clashing styles result in mismatched outfits, and their fireman's awkwardness on stage adds to the underwhelming presentation.
Gottmik & Nina: Despite their contrasting styles, Gottmik and Nina deliver a surprisingly decent performance. Their "60s girl group" look is well-executed, and their fireman's confidence shines through.
The Judging: A Cause for Confusion:
The runway critiques leave viewers scratching their heads. Roxxxy and Vanjie, despite their makeup flaws and their fireman's lack of stage presence, win the challenge. This decision overshadows the truly impressive work by Plastique and Jorgeous, whose K-pop-inspired look and energetic performance felt deserving of the win. The judges' bias towards classic girl group references further adds to the confusion.
A Collaboration Lip Sync and Strategic Revenge:
The final lip sync to Janet Jackson's "Black Cat" features Roxxxy and Vanjie in a declared "tie." Forced to collaborate on the "Ruby Snippers" power, Roxxxy takes the opportunity for revenge, snipping Angeria's badge. While this move introduces some much-needed drama, it fails to address the core issue of the badges themselves – their lack of impact in a non-elimination format.
Looking Ahead:
With the "Smokin' Hot Firefighter Makeover" behind us, one hopes that RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars will find a way to address the strategic shortcomings of the current format. Perhaps introducing consequences for underperformance or a more balanced judging system could reignite the competitive fire. Until then, the queens continue to deliver stunning looks and showcase their talents, leaving viewers to wonder if the true stars of the season are the queens or the confusing format itself.