Rai

One recipe I've seen for borscht recommends serving it with hard-boiled eggs, so that's a possibility. But if you're going to do an ice cream, making it a really rich gelato would be the logical step for me. Anyway, I'm very sad Anya got the boot. Because she seemed to know what she did wrong, I thought she'd be spared. Tom likes it when chefs admit their failures but also can demonstrate good cooking knowledge by figuring out where they went off the rails (like Massimo's rant, which was hilarious). So this was a bummer. But! I'm glad there was suspense! This felt like a proper judges' table this time. I hope that particular bugaboo has worked itself out! Anyway, good job, Katianna, I hate licorice, but I'm sure your dish was great. I also have lived in New York for over twenty years and for some reason have never had a Jamaican patty. I should fix that at some point. Lastly, I hope Lynn Crawford makes another appearance! Whenever I see her in something, she's usually loud and hilarious, and I'm sad she was barely on screen. Bring your wacky aunt energy, gal!

I laughed really hard at the hats thing. Tom looked not entirely thrilled about the joke, but he did his best to move past it. He also looked genuinely surprised when Sam stepped out. The chefs say it every season -- it really is different when you're competing for real, and I can totally believe he underestimated how well he could cope with the pressure. Bummed Anya tanked. Miffed Tom seemed really dismissive of her when he told her to get lost, more or less. That must have been one bad halibut.

How Gregory got his middle name made me laugh a lot. It's fun that he asked her about her thoughts on the most recent episode instead of rehashing about his time on the show before. I like that they're moving conversations forward.

Wow, Daniel Boulud actually unleashed some snark this episode! Calling Vincenzo a brown-noser for the souffle? Catty! It's a good thing it came out well. Buying sabotage ingredients felt a little Chopped-esque to be honest, but they were pretty good sports about it, and I do like creativity in working with weirdo things. I also am a fan of Massimo, all in, and hope he sticks around for a while. Anya too! My sister in unfortunate Russian background (although mine is more removed than hers). Bailey's attitude rubbed me the wrong way even though I try not to bag on contestants unnecessarily. She just gives off this air of being too cool for school, and you're in a competition, and you haven't done great so far, so maybe take it more seriously? Also, maple AND honey? That's unnecessary. I didn't mind her leaving, but Corwin better thank his lucky stars. I also like Henry so far, even more now that I know he works with Evelyn Garcia, and I hope he gets his act together. Lastly, stop with the supershort judges' table. Some suspense would be great! That's all.

Sara has really mellowed out, and also she looks great. I enjoyed her being all "whoa!" at every twist Kristin revealed they put the chefs through. I also just love how relaxed Kristin is in these segments. I really wish she could be more like this on the main show too.

I generally try not to dislike reality TV people just for how they talk because ya know, they can't help it. But it turns out Bailey does actively get on my nerves, and I'm surprised she won this round. Sorry, Bailey! I did like how you were kind toward Ying about the number of people on Top Chef though. That sounded sincere. I didn't think Mimi was long for this show, and I don't think Bailey is either, but I can't say Sam is killing it either. I do, however, stand alone in my appreciation for Canadian bacon. But lord, outside of pizza or eggs benedict, I don't know what you'd use it for.

I recognized Mimi and Tristan right away from Chopped, so that was funny. It sounds like Kat might have been on it too, according to one of my food TV buddies. Mimi had regrettable hats on Chopped too, btw. I was bummed to see her go so soon since time management got more than one chef (weird for Chopped veterans, I have to say). I didn't like how abruptly they cut Mimi though. That was weird! No suspense at all. I hope that's not going to be the standard throughout this season. I like deliberation, I like each chef receiving their critique, and I feel like I missed a big chunk of judging. Speaking of judging, lord, I'd love a season where Gail can just wear whatever she wants and not get dunked on for having breasts. She's always worn outfits that show off her figure, but Padma's styling tended to be pretty focus-pulling, so I think Gail flew under the radar a bit. Ladies of a certain build tend to have the dilemma of wearing stuff that wouldn't look too revealing on smaller chests or turtlenecks. As a gal who is in the Gail dilemma camp, I appreciate she's just gonna wear what she wants and always has been that way. Am I a bit sensitive because I have the same dilemma and a lifetime of inappropriate and unwarranted comments to go along with it? Yes. Could people just leave a large-breasted woman alone to live her life? Also yes. Anyway, overall, off to a solid start. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Canada and hope everyone gets their nerves and time management under control. Perhaps even under their hats!

Reid Scott was also on my favorite gone-too-soon sitcom, My Boys, and man, was he a cutie on it. (Another actor on it was from the town right next door to my hometown, and it's very rare to see anyone from that area get somewhat famous, so props to him.)

This is my first time with the Traitors overall, so I really enjoyed it. Part of me wishes unknowns still played it because the money would be life-changing for them, and ya know, wtf does someone like Ivar care about 50k? But shafting regular folks out of money so that celebrities can triumph would make me feel pretty icky, so I'm glad that format was phased out.

Of the two Jennifers, I think of Tilly first. Of course they are all unique and fabulous butterflies. 😃

I think they should've murdered Dylan when they had the chance, or Danielle should've recruited Dylan. Either way, I was hoping Dolores would cause chaos at the circle of truth and one of them had gotten banished. I don't want a completely happy ending. I like the chaos. But Dylan and Gabby were pretty deserving players by the end. Ivar and Dolores, luckiest bastards in gaming history. I'm annoyed though that Britney got banished based solely on her "attitude." Gabby made that point last round table -- a woman gets all feisty, and they turn on her. But then they did it again. Even if Danielle had survived the vote between her and Ivar, I don't think she would've survived the final round. I think her plea to Dylan was too telling. But justice got served, and although I think she actually did play a good game, it was satisfying seeing her get banished. But just on the merits of Dylan being hurt by Britney standing up to him, I wanted him to be banished too. My reality TV grudges are petty and fun to nurse. And finally, although I have loved Alan's outfits, that last one -- yer a wizard, Alan. Now take that garment back to Party City where it belongs!

Ugh, Andy Cohen. I think Danielle is a little too interrupty at times, and she's still being unkind to Carolyn, but otherwise, I really had no beef with her in the reunion. I do think it's silly to harp on her for being a liar in the game. She's a traitor. I feel it comes with the job description. Also, this room was full of people who don't understand Bob the Drag Queen. It's not a crime or insult to say he hasn't heard of you, Dorinda. I didn't know who you were either! Bob's explanation for this in some official video is a great way to frame it, and I wish he'd gotten the chance to say it here: "Just because I haven't heard of her doesn't mean she's not famous. It just speaks to the media I tend to consume." That's it! Honestly, the only people I knew going into this was Bob and Boston Rob and I only watched it because of Bob (although I didn't make the connection that Nikki was one of the Bella twins until they mentioned that more clearly. Sorry, Nikki. And I guess I did hear about Tom Sandoval. Still can't pick Robyn out of a lineup though). I now know so much more, but sorry, Dorinda, I wouldn't have been able to speak to your fame or infamy either. But why am I arguing with a housewife who's been trained to keep arguing when on camera, especially during a reunion? She's a pro. Anyway, I agree Gabby has been the breakout star for me, and although the Jennifer Coolidge moment was funny, she actually sounds and looks more like Jennifer Tilly, I will die on this hill.

I mean, making the faithful all turn on one another in the finale if it lacks traitors is still pretty bloody.

Thanks, folks! Ultimately, no one's hands are clean in this game!

Until this episode, I wasn't entirely sure how Danielle was playing a good game. But I have to say, she planted seeds of suspicion and manipulated everyone at the table really well. Sorry! Turns out she's pretty good. She let Boston Rob hang himself. She let Carolyn hang herself. And she doesn't have a problem lying. Do I think she's overly theatrical? Yes, but jeez, it's a show of reality stars. The entire industry is built on overreacting to innocuous things. I do think that it's weird no one notices her smirking in glee as her game pays off, but editing, whatchugunnado. I think she's fucking up by recruiting Brittany though. She should've gone for Dylan. Maybe she thinks she can control Brittany and can't control Dylan, which is probably true. If all traitors are ousted before the finale though, what happens? This is my first traitors ride, so I assume they won't just end the series early.

I love that Tom and Sam were both right, and that's how Rob was nearly saved. "If these two idiots think he's the traitor, we have this all wrong!" A game that makes you doubt your sanity. I did love Rob during the challenge. He did great with his partner, and I'm pretty sure I would've been way more like Chrishelle, not gonna lie. But he had played the same card too many times and once even dummies like Sam and Tom are onto you, your time has come. Team Carolyn for the win. Yes, the wedding outfits were all gorgeous! They should kill Tom next if they have any strategy. It puts suspicion on Chrishelle and Dolores for both voting for him AND on Chrishelle for punking out of the challenge (easy to spin that "as a traitor, you knew you'd be safe, and you just didn't want to do it."). It also puts suspicion on Gabby since Dylan keeps gunning for her. And it puts suspicion on Dylan for Tom taking out his buddy Rob, even if Rob was a traitor. A whole bunch of fake leads right here. I loved Tom's scurrying behind Dylan and Rob with his giant mug of tea. This guy is unintentionally hilarious. But why does Dylan keep voting for Gabby? This is the second time he's done it, seemingly without any reason. What's his beef with her?

I gasped. Poor Viv! She was so young and talented. Sympathies to all her friends, family, and fans.

I think leading up to it, La Voix's one big hurdle is that she and Ginger Johnson were too similar to each other when it came time to think about who should be the queen. Older performance queen with a penchant for comedy and red wigs, ya know? But also, the final lip sync was pretty decisively Kyran, and I couldn't argue with that. But such was the power of both that I was genuinely in suspense. I always love it when the freaky alt weirdo wins, so I'm not mad at all. And I hope Marmalade ends up on an all-star soon. Great job all around! I love this version and I can't wait for it to return! (Hopefully with recappers stepping up once more!)

Well, they've set it up to go either way with this episode: Michael Marouli and Ella warning the queens that the winner of the roast doesn't necessarily win the crown vs. the judges comparing La Voix's performance to Bianca Del Rio. I have no inner knowledge one way or the other, I just hope it's La Voix and can easily see it being Kyran instead.

I almost felt like Ru was mad or impatient with Lill on this episode, which surprised me because I thought she liked Lill. **I** liked Lill, and while it's clear Rileasa dominated that lip sync, I thought Lill was a better overall performer in the competition. But it's fine. It's a good top four. Normally Kyran is the kind of queen I root for to win, but something about La Voix has charmed me right from the start. She is that polished and talented. Marmalade is hilarious and the one who I think did the roast the hardest, but it's true La Voix's was just so effortless. I feel like that was the biggest factor. Her set flowed so naturally while everyone else did pause/check notes/try to remember their jokes. So, correct winner for the roast, and hopefully, the winner of the crown. I won't be mad if it's anyone else, but so far, only Kyran has been serious competition.

It's weird because Marmalade's Elton John look was phenomenal, and she can sing, but that was probably my least favorite number. Maybe it was just the song arrangement itself. I would've also endorsed Rilesa for the win just because holy cow, her voice. I'd also like to say that Actavia was charming AF, but her Geri Halliwell wig was a legit crime. Oh my god.

I wish this season was getting more attention! None of my go-to recappers are covering it, and only one other in-person friend seems to be watching it. Ru called this one of the most charming casts, and I agree. The way they all applauded Charra during rehearsal was so sweet! Correct winner in the rusical tonight, although based on her runway look, I thought Marmalade might finally have won it. Maybe when she called Michelle Kris Jenner, she sealed her doom, though. (lol)

I also enjoyed Last Bite Hotel! It had actual fun twists and gimmicks, and the Will and Testament part was particularly clever. Everyone played it up pretty well, very little drama, and the conflict that did occur was pretty organic to the stressful conditions. Brittany really proved herself in this format after struggling in Top Chef, and that was great to see, but I admit I was enough of a jerk to laugh when one guy was like, "I've seen Brittany on Top Chef, so I know she's competitive!" Bro, you saw her when she left on episode three of her season after being in the bottom two in the previous episode? Aw, I kid, Brittany. You did great.

As a goth gal of a certain age, I'm sort of obligated to love the Girl Groups track this season, but it's a genuine bop, and the ghouls all did well! I was very into it. Kyran SLAYED (pun kinda intended) the performance, not just verse-wise and dance moves, but her face especially. Incredible work. Still, I was glad Rilesa finally got her just recognition. She's so fab. I love La Voix's enthusiasm, and she has the best singing chops (even over Kiki, who has an amazing talent, but she hasn't polished and honed it like La Voix has), but did no one pull her aside and say, "Girl, you look like a drag chicken"? Because girl. You looked like a drag chicken.

I caught up over the weekend. Great start to the season so far! I agree, the UK version might be my favorite RuPaul-hosted version these days. The queens just have the ability to be mean in a fun way and to read one another their business when necessary. They're often funnier, and even if the drag isn't as polished, it's more experimental. Here for it. Since an older queen won last season, I'm thinking it won't go to La Voix this time, but she's definitely very polished in an old-school way. I don't have everyone's names down, but my top three right now are Rileasa, the weirdo who won the first episode, and the Old Hollywood Welsh one. Lilla is another dark horse contender though. Looking forward to the girl groups!