S13.E03: Phenomenon

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Quote

As the race for the crown continues, queens must write lyrics and perform choreography in a performance of RuPaul's song, "Phenomenon"; comedian and host Nicole Byer guest judges.

Original air date: 1/15/21

Act 1:

 

Edited January 28, 2021 by ElectricBoogaloo

[Ananayel]

Is it me, or are the Pork Chops a stronger group overall than the "winners?" And since I'm old and can't remember, were the two runway themes the same for both groups? Because if not, since they have to bring these looks with them to fit the theme, then the groups were predetermined and this was all a mindfuck. I think they might have been the same, due to the Elliott factor (switching groups,) but as I said, Old.

I didn't think I would care for Utica much, but she really is like Yvie and Thorgy had a baby. Loving Rose, Denali, and Tamisha for sure. This actually felt like Drag Race. Next week we can hopefully yeet Kandy Muse, and then it will be a show!

[CraftyHazel]

The mini challenge was the same, but the runway was different, no?  Last week was lamé and I don’t exactly know what this week was...but I didn’t see any lamé.

[Supagirl]

Lamé vs. sheer. So yeah, it seems they would have had to pack for both possible categories.

[Supagirl]

In case anyone is left on earth who hasn’t seen this legendary video clip of Tandy Iman Dupree, here it is:

 

[30 Helens]

The Pork Chop Queens make me happy.

This was perhaps the sweetest, most positive Untucked gathering in recent memory, and I loved it. Drama and backstabbing may get ratings, but the mutual support (when it happens) is what makes this show special. That, and the fabulous gowns.

Rosé is turning out to be a welcome surprise. Based on initial reactions, I was expecting an arrogant, condescending queen, but she seems to be the total opposite. Also loving Tamisha. In truth, there isn’t a person in this group I’d want to lose, at least not yet.

[Adeejay]

Three weeks in, and all the Queens are still standing. So, they added three shows and hope we didn’t noticed. I am on to you Ru.

I think the ladies in the second group are way more attractive and polished.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

I didn't like Denali's blue lady look. It was a little too 90s prom for me. I also hated the flowery lace pattern on her leg. Weirdly, her vamp look also gave me dated prom dress vibes too but I liked it better than her lady look, possibly because the wig gave it a fun look and I really liked her makeup. Her sheer orchid runway look was too shapeless. I don't know if she's trying to hide her body but all three runway looks this week seemed unflattering. The only thing she wore this week that was form fitting was the performance look (which was cute)!.

Joey's lady look was a little too lumpy/textured for my taste. I know that drag is about taking everything to an 11 when possible, but I didn't like the pom poms going all the way up the front of the boots plus the furry vest plus the ribbed shirt plus the belt. There was nothing wrong with the individual items but I didn't like them all thrown together into the same outfit. Her black vamp jumpsuit was too plain for me. The boob chains didn't add enough interest for me. My favorite thing about her sheer runway look was all the subtle bling of the black sequins. But I wasn't crazy about the rest of her look. I was wondering how long until the judges said they were tired of her not wearing wigs so I wasn't surprised that Michelle and Ross brought it up.

I liked Rosé's pop art look. It was bright and fun and had a very distinct point of view which made it memorable. I know that her red vamp look was just a red leotard with tulle, but it looked so striking on the runway. Her loofah runway look was a miss for me though. It looked like something made during the unconventional materials challenge on Project Runway (aka glue gun literal garbage together). It was also lumpy which was not very flattering to her body.

Tamisha's pink jumpsuit could have gone very Golden Girls, especially with the floor length lace robe, but I really liked it. Her black Elvira look reminded me of Chris March's Project Runway finale with all the hair. Her sheer runway look was so shiny. I loved the wig.

Utica's lady look was just a mod dress with balls glued on, but it was so colorful and fun that I couldn't help but like it. Her vamp look was a great runway look - very dramatic. Her sheer runway Stevie Nicks look didn't actually seem very sheer to me but I kept looking at her makeup.

Kahmora's lady look was so classy and sophisticated. Although I liked her black vamp dress but I didn't think it was vampy enough for a vamp runway. I loved her sheer Britney Spears Toxic runway look. My ears hurt just looking at those huge earrings.

I really felt for Kahmora during rehearsal because even though I'm a dancer and can pick up choreography quickly, I do not want to hear three different people changing the steps, making suggestions, etc. I was glad that Tamisha spoke up and reminded Denali, Rosé, and Joey that they needed to be considerate of the fact that Kahmora was not a dancer and stop confusing her. I cracked up when Tamisha said she was in daycare and someone had given candy to all the children.

Then I really felt for Kahmora when she told the other queens that her boyfriend of 8 years doesn't like to be around drag so she keeps it separate from him. It's totally fine to have separate interests from your partner, but you should still be supportive of things they love even if you have no interest in it whatsoever. When I was a performer, my gigs were usually in loud nightclubs which Mr. EB loathes but he still came to every performance because he loves me and he wanted to be there to watch me. I've done the same for friends who were in awful bands, had art shows, been in amateur productions, etc. That's just what you do when you love someone.

For all of Kahmora's confusion during rehearsal, she did well during the performance. She didn't stand out as being lost in the choreography, which was surprising. When Ross said that her runway look was gorgeous but that anyone would look gorgeous in that dress, I didn't think that was really a strong critique. I know the judges knocked Kahmora for being all about fashion and not enough about performance, but for me the point is that she has the taste level to have good looks.

In contrast, look at Joey's performance level versus her runway looks. I like that Joey is confident but her looks aren't strong enough for me. She was strutting her stuff during the Phenomenon performance but the judges were right when they said that everything she's worn so far is too similar, and none of those looks stood out as memorable or had a real wow factor.

I think the problem with Tamisha's performance is that her vocals sounded very strong and confident but her actual performance on the stage didn't match it.

Utica's performance was what I expected from the wacky queen of the season. It was fun and silly. I liked how much she committed to her performance.

I agreed with Rosé and Denali as the top two. They both did really well in the performance. Their runway looks were about the same level for me (not great but okay). I would have given the LSFYL  win to Denali. She had some good dancing as well as some funny moments. Rosé did a good job too but Denali was better.

 

Edited January 16, 2021 by ElectricBoogaloo

[funnygirl]

Pork Chops >>>>>>>>> tHe wINnErS cIRcLe 

[Fake Jan Brady]

Whether it was a talking head or a mirror chat or an Untucked conversation, everything Tamisha said made me lean forward in my chair. That queen is fascinating [the others queens were slack jawed enough at her being 49 and having three children, imagine their reactions when they hear about the cancer comeback!]

Let's keep this group, bring over Symone and Olivia from the other and call it a season.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Listening to Tamisha and Kahmora talk about how their parents have never seen them perform because they don't approve broke my heart. I know there are so many families that don't accept children who don't conform to their expectations (whatever they may be) but it makes my heart hurt every time I hear their stories. It's absolutely horrible when a parent outright rejects their child for who they are, but it's also really difficult when they stay in your life and you know you can never share a huge part of who you are with them. Even when it's not a secret (as in the case of both Tamisha and Kahmora), when you know that they don't approve and do not want to know about this whole other aspect of your life, it's so hurtful.

I loved hearing how supportive Utica was with them. It was sweet to hear how much they have already bonded. I had to laugh when they got the ten minute call and Joey said they were in drag for so long that he had to shave again because his mustache was already growing back in.

Untucked reminded me how much I liked this week's runway makeup. Last week I was so distracted by how bad Kandy's runway makeup was so in comparison, the Pork Chops looked like supermodels.

[swanpride]

Honestly, I am kind of p... I could deal with the lip syncs at the beginning and the two groups when I thought that this was mostly to ensure that there aren't too many queens running around in the workroom, some kind of extra-measure for Corona. But now that they will encounter each other next week with nobody having left, the last episodes seemed to be kind of pointless.

[theatremouse]

I thought Denali's hair in the first runway looked like she had Dole Whip on her head.

I'm off Kahmora. So unprofessional. You need to be on time. Plus have you ever watched this show? You know everything is time-limited. Not cool.

[Koalagirl]

12 hours ago, Ananayel said:

Is it me, or are the Pork Chops a stronger group overall than the "winners?" And since I'm old and can't remember, were the two runway themes the same for both groups? Because if not, since they have to bring these looks with them to fit the theme, then the groups were predetermined and this was all a mindfuck. I think they might have been the same, due to the Elliott factor (switching groups,) but as I said, Old.

I didn't think I would care for Utica much, but she really is like Yvie and Thorgy had a baby. Loving Rose, Denali, and Tamisha for sure. This actually felt like Drag Race. Next week we can hopefully yeet Kandy Muse, and then it will be a show!

You did a Vulcan mind meld with me because these were my thoughts exactly about Utica and the rest of the Pork Chops.  They’re more like Filet Mignon!
I love this group and feel they really have it over the so-called winners circle both in looks and attitude.

I think Michelle Visage is looking absolutely stunning.  I don’t know if someone different is doing her makeup or that silvery streak in her hair is adding an extra glow but I can’t stop staring at her when the camera is on her.

[Red Bridey]

Kahmora is boring, I am sorry. She's a Looks Queen, I don't see her being funny or quick-witted or entertaining other than, Oh wow, she is so gorgeous. Dull, dull, dull. This crew is entertaining, though, and I look forward to seeing them pick the Mean Girls off one by one. 

[30 Helens]

13 hours ago, ElectricBoogaloo said:

Then I really felt for Kahmora when she told the other queens that her boyfriend of 8 years doesn't like to be around drag so she keeps it separate from him. It's totally fine to have separate interests from your partner, but you should still be supportive of things they love even if you have no interest in it whatsoever.

Yes. My thought when I heard this was, You need a different boyfriend. And it’s not like this is a minor hobby; it’s a major part of her life. I also got the sense that he wasn’t just disinterested, but actually anti-drag. Dump him. 

[marinite]

Ru is really putting them through it this year  but then I had a crazy thought: what if the Pork Chop group is actually not really? Maybe they’re actually Ru’s favored group and it’s just a mind F experiment?

The shaaade !

I like this second group a bit better. Can’t stand Kandy Muse’s indecipherable expostulations. Kahmora better get a timer and a watch: that was really unprofessional making them wait. Also, she is a beauty and so are her costumes , but just a bit boring.

Ru’s new nose makeup is silly and distracting, imo.

[DEL901]

I finally watched Untucked.  Love the Pork Chop girls.  Great attitudes and just plain nice.  I only like a couple of the other bunch.  It will be interesting if they can maintain that positive energy when the groups merge.  

[Vermicious Knid]

At least this time there was nobody running around going "She's a spyyyyy!!"

[Blakeston]

I was surprised that Denali was praised for the hair in her first runway. It really did make her look like Smurfette - and not in a good way.

Kahmora is lovely, and her dresses are lovely, but I'm not as blown away by her visually as the judges are. A lot of the time, she just looks like a generic rich lady. And I'm not always crazy about her styling, either - those dark roots didn't work with that wig, IMO.

[Stardancer Supreme]

With all the talk of Pork Chops, why didn't Ru give Victoria Parker a cameo on this season?  It would be nice to see her and how far she has come since that very first elimination.

[Just Carol]

I am sort of rooting for Denali, but so far, I do not like any of her outfits or wigs or makeup.  I don't like the exaggerated lip or the dark cheekbones.  I don't like the eyeshadow illustrations.  I don't like her padding, either.  I think she could do with a lot less hip.  In the Phenomenon number she padded herself a huge butt and it just looked sloppy.   Between the heavy hips, and heavy-looking makeup, she just looks sloppy.   (By contrast, I love Tamisha's makeup which looks subtle and natural.)

In Untucked, I am glad production is demonstrating non-alcoholic beverages.

[Regalbegal]

On 1/15/2021 at 10:23 PM, 30 Helens said:

The Pork Chop Queens make me happy.

Agreed, enjoyed watching this group a lot more than "the circle" (even though there are some standouts there - Symone!), in a world of drama their calmer energy was much more entertaining, plus there is a really nice diversity of looks/approaches to drag in this group.  I don't really mind the multiple episodes without elimination - honestly, I could probably go for a format where no one is eliminated and they are competing for points each week or something similar.  I was a little disappointed with the Lip Sync - "If You Seek Amy" seems like a gimme, and while both Denali and Rose did a fine job I was hoping for something more memorable.  

[30 Helens]

On 1/19/2021 at 6:03 PM, Regalbegal said:

I don't really mind the multiple episodes without elimination - honestly, I could probably go for a format where no one is eliminated and they are competing for points each week

Not a bad idea... but let’s wait to enact it after Kandy goes home.

[Kaboom 2.0]

I could listen to Tanisha talk about anything, in and out of drag. She is fascinating! Finding out she was the legend Tandy Iman Dupree's drag mother made me love her more.

None of the queens really annoy me, even Kandy (for now) even though she gives me major Reverend Doctor Silky Ganache Esquire vibes. I am dreading the inevitable return to drama on Untucked, sometimes you just want to see queens just BE.

[RoxiP]

23 hours ago, 30 Helens said:

Not a bad idea... but let’s wait to enact it after Kandy goes home.

Makes you wonder who they turned down to give her the spot.

[Gothish520]

On 1/16/2021 at 11:19 AM, Koalagirl said:

I think Michelle Visage is looking absolutely stunning.  I don’t know if someone different is doing her makeup or that silvery streak in her hair is adding an extra glow but I can’t stop staring at her when the camera is on her.

I think Michelle always looks great, but yeah, this season she's really bringing it.

And when she mentioned saving her money to buy slutty dresses at Merry-Go-Round, I practically shouted "Me too, girl, me too!" Another classic 80s/90s reference. 😁

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Lady and the Vamp mini runway challenge

Phenomenon performance

Denali and Rosé LSFYL to “If U Seek Amy”

The Pit Stop: Trixie Mattel & Priyanka

 

[ladle]

How does Joey Jay manage to look so much like Val Kilmer in some shots, and not at all like Val Kilmer in others??

I don't know anything about fashion, so maybe I'm speaking out of turn, but I didn't understand the huge reaction to Tamisha's dress.  Yes, it was pretty, and it's impressive that she made it herself!  But the response to it seemed...overblown?

I'm honestly finding all of the queens in this half really likeable, even the ones I first thought would annoy me by being too high-maintenance (Kahmora) or bitchy (Rose).  It's a nice vibe.  

[Blissfool]

On 1/28/2021 at 11:47 AM, ladle said:

I don't know anything about fashion, so maybe I'm speaking out of turn, but I didn't understand the huge reaction to Tamisha's dress.  Yes, it was pretty, and it's impressive that she made it herself!  But the response to it seemed...overblown?

Y'know, when I saw the dress I loved it. I told my friend "I love it. It looks like a celebrity would wear it to an awards show." I was blown away (and mighty proud of myself) when the panel started gushing over it.