Drag Race España

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Promo:

 

[ElectricBoogaloo]

First look at the queens!

 

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Meet the queens:

Party trailer:

Queens revealed:

For some reason, WOW deleted the original version of the first look video I posted above last month so reposting the same video:

 

Edited May 30, 2021 by ElectricBoogaloo

[ElectricBoogaloo]

S1.E1: Bienvenidas Reinas

Quote

The queens land on the set and face their first challenge: riding a mechanical bull while posing for a photographer. Next, their skills are put to the test as they will have to design and produce runway-friendly looks from flea market items. The international actor and model Jon Kortajarena joins the jury as a guest, made up of Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, creators of 'Veneno', and the designer and National Fashion Design Award 2020 Ana Locking. His verdict will mean the first farewell to the contest of one of the contestants.

Original air date: 5/30/21

Edited May 31, 2021 by ElectricBoogaloo

[Diane Mars]

I'm really looking forward to it ! (and will ask my gay friend Maurizio, who lives in Tenerife, where I have to go to watch a drag show next November ! Yay !)

[Stardancer Supreme]

Episode 1:

I'm in!  I'm rooting for Inti, Dovima Nurmi, and Drag Vulcano.

Carmen Farala reminds me of Envy Peru. 

Drag Race is worldwide; and yet we still have queens who come on this show not knowing how to sew.  Come on! You know one of the usual maxi-challenges is a sewing one. 

I'll bet Saggitaria was so glad she didn't have to lip sync in that outfit.  How did that bitch breathe? 

Poor Macarena.  Once the wig flies off, you will sashay away. 

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Awww, I loved how genuinely excited the queens were just to walk into the workroom. I think one of the annoying things about RPDR is when girls show up and act entitled to be there. These girls all seemed like they still couldn't believe they were there so they were like excited puppies which I found adorable. I also liked that they cheered every time another queen entered the room, even if they had no idea who she was.

 I thought the top and bottom three were correct. Hugáceo created a full character with her outfit. Carmen really showed how well she can sew but I think what kept her from winning is that her outfit looked like something you could buy at the mall, not something that was for the runway. Sagittaria created a whole look with very few materials. I actually thought that Sagittaria or Carmen would win because if you just looked at their outfits, Hugáceo's was the least impressive of the three.

Pupi, Dovima, and the Macarena deserved to be in the bottom. Of the three, I thought the Macarena would be safe but I guess they didn't want to risk losing Pupi yet. Dovima was by far the worst look on the runway. I couldn't believe she had the nerve to say that she made her outfit from scratch. What outfit? She tied a rope around herself. There was nothing to her look. Say what you want about what Pupi and the Macarena created (yes, they both looked very homemade) but at least they made something. I knew they wouldn't get rid of Dovima so soon though. They obviously want the Dovima/Sagittaria drama.

Edited May 31, 2021 by ElectricBoogaloo

[Rai]

I haven't watched this first episode yet due to the fact that I'm an ugly American and my Spanish knowledge has deteriorated enough that I need subtitles. Does WOW Presents have a way to provide those, or will I have to figure out my TV closed caption settings? The horror, the horror.

I mean, I could take this opportunity to listen to Spanish and try to tune up those skills again, but see the ugly American thing up above.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

14 hours ago, Stardancer Supreme said:

Drag Race is worldwide; and yet we still have queens who come on this show not knowing how to sew.  Come on! You know one of the usual maxi-challenges is a sewing one. 

I KNOW! It's like people who go on the Amazing Race and can't read a map or drive a stick. You are just asking to be eliminated!

[Wonderlad71]

Well that was fun. The judging was correct. My money is on Drag Vulcano - she was safe this week but seems to have great presence. Hugaceo told a great narrative and was a deserved win. Carmen Farala was very polished indeed - reminds me a bit of Raven and Fernanda Brown (the Switch Drag Race). The bronco bull mini challenge was exhilirating. I thought Dovima looked gorgeous neck up - the hair and makeup were beautiful, while the garment was basic. She served in the lipsync though and IMO won outright.

Also Arantxa is fun. Sagittaria is giving me Dollar Store Aquaria

Edited June 1, 2021 by Wonderlad71

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Carmen definitely won some points for just jumping onto that mechanical bull. Ouch!

[ElectricBoogaloo]

S1.E2: Divas

Quote

After a fun word game with the handsome Spanish Pit Crew, the pressure mounts as the queens work together in teams and their singing and dancing skills are put to the test in the maxi challenge. Then the runway gets emotional as the queens pay tribute to Spanish superstar La Veneno in front of her lifelong friend. Veneno star Paca la Piraña joins the creators of award-winning TV sensation Veneno - Javier Calvo, Javier Ambrossi and award-winning designer Ana Locking on the judging panel as another queen exits the competition.

Guest Judge: Paca La Piraña

Mini Challenge: Match pairs of guys wearing the same color underwear.

Maxi Challenge: Work individually to compose a song.

Original air date: 6/6/21

Edited June 7, 2021 by ElectricBoogaloo

[Diane Mars]

On 5/31/2021 at 8:31 PM, Rai said:

I haven't watched this first episode yet due to the fact that I'm an ugly American and my Spanish knowledge has deteriorated enough that I need subtitles. Does WOW Presents have a way to provide those, or will I have to figure out my TV closed caption settings? The horror, the horror.

I mean, I could take this opportunity to listen to Spanish and try to tune up those skills again, but see the ugly American thing up above.

For me -in Switzerland- available subtitles are English, Spanish and Portuguese

[Ms.Lulu]

On 5/31/2021 at 11:31 AM, Rai said:

I haven't watched this first episode yet due to the fact that I'm an ugly American and my Spanish knowledge has deteriorated enough that I need subtitles. Does WOW Presents have a way to provide those, or will I have to figure out my TV closed caption settings? The horror, the horror.

I mean, I could take this opportunity to listen to Spanish and try to tune up those skills again, but see the ugly American thing up above.

Yes, I am in the US and I watch with subtitles on WOW.

[Rai]

5 hours ago, PDXlulu said:

Yes, I am in the US and I watch with subtitles on WOW.

How did you get subtitles to work on WOW? Was it through your own TV? Sorry, I'm basically a Luddite, so I ask dumb tech questions!

[violet and green]

Oh, that was really enjoyable. Great energy from the cast, and just a whole lot of fun in the confessionals. So glad Pupi Poisson, whose talking heads I adore, wasn't in the bottom two. I was stunned to see Hugaceo win, had them pegged as bottom three - but once the fashion designer started wanking on it became clear to me my taste is the polar opposite! I had Dovima as one of the top three from that lineup, and enjoyed her delicate makeup and shades of green so much, and I really liked her presentation and persona on the runway also. 

Anyway, so many great contestants and some lovely makeup skills and inspirations, so I am really into this incarnation of the show.

[Ms.Lulu]

On 6/4/2021 at 7:47 AM, Rai said:

How did you get subtitles to work on WOW? Was it through your own TV? Sorry, I'm basically a Luddite, so I ask dumb tech questions!

Next to the time tracker is the closed-captioning button, when you click on it you get to choose the language you want. 

[Rai]

Thanks, folks! I finally figured out my closed captioning and am up to speed. I really, REALLY love this incarnation. I've long had a fascination with Spain and Almodovar and so on, and the color and high fashion already in evidence are amazing. And the artistry!

Really excited for this inaugural season.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

I didn't get why the Metal Donnas thought their name was so funny. They clearly thought it was hilarious and burst into laughter every time they said it, but I didn't get it at all.

Based on all the smack talk, I thought all of the queens would be amazing singers and dancers but wow, this challenge showed that they're all pretty terrible at both. Everyone who was talking shit about someone else not being able to sing needs to have a seat because no one was a great singer and yowza, that dancing. I didn't like that Supremme's feedback for everyone was to moan and make it sound like porn.

I'm not familiar with La Veneno so I'm going to refrain from commenting on the runway beyond the aesthetics of their looks (I wish that they had put some comparison pictures with the originals on screen so I could see what they were going for).

Sagittaria is coming off as a queen who has a checklist of things she thinks she needs to do in order to be a queen. Jump splits, check. Nearly naked look on the runway, check. But I feel like I"m not getting anything else from her. On a shallow note, I didn't like that she had her mouth hanging open for almost her entire runway walk. This is a really basic thing that performers need to learn - stand in front of a mirror and make faces until you find ones that look good. You need to have a variety too.

Pupi's animal print look was fine but I was so distracted by the fact that I could see the top of her breastplate poking up over the top of her necklace (and it was really obvious because it was a different color than the makeup on her neck/face. She needs to work on her facial expressions too. She kept making a "who farted" face.

I loved Vulcano's makeup and headdress. I liked her explanation about the red jumpsuit underneath and the blue dress with the spiders on top. I also love that Vulcano really leans into her height and wears huge platform shoes.

Inti's nun look was a bit plain and unflattering so I was kind of glad there was a reveal underneath. She also needs to work on her facial expressions. Squinting with your mouth open isn't the most flattering look.

Killer Queen's look was very dramatic but it also looked a bit cheap and homemade. That's partly due to the iridescent fabric she used for the wings and the bottom of the skirt. It can come off as cheap and wrinkly if it's not used well. But even without that, the rest of the costume looked like it didn't fit well and was cobbled together by a sorority girl who can barely sew an hour before a costume party. Her makeup was pretty though.

My issue with Dovima's red outfit was that when you wear pleather, vinyl, etc. it has to fit really well or it looks sloppy. There was something about it that looked ill fitting. I think she needs to work on her walking and her body awareness. She goes through the motions but without fully committing. It's like when you watch little kids learning a dance routine - even when they remember the steps they are still a little flaily and non-commital to the movements.

When I saw Arantxa's look, all I could think was that Michelle Visage would have said she needs to be cinched in that outfit. What is it with these queens and having open mouths on the runway? I felt like my mom when I thought I wished I could pull Arantxa's shoulders back and tell her to quit slouching. Between the messy blonde wig and the ripped fishnets, she was giving me Courtney Love vibes in that look. Again, I'm not familiar with Veneno but is a corset and ripped fishnets enough for a runway look?

Hugáceo's costume was very colorful. I definitely got the comic book vibe even before she turned around.

Carmen's snake reveal was very dramatic but I really wish she had found some flesh colored material that matched her skin tone. Seeing those pale stripes kind of ruined the illusion.

Ha, I laughed when Supremme announced that they would all be judged individually. The panic on some of their faces told me that they thought they would be safe due to being in a group.

It was absolute bull shit that Vulcano had to LSFYL. She wasn't even close to the worst in the group performance or on the runway. I can't believe the judges decided to punish her because she's worn platform shoes for two whole weeks. Arantxa's performance was a little too flaily and desperate for my taste.

Edited June 7, 2021 by ElectricBoogaloo

[threebluestars]

Drag Vulcano had some of the best, most creative looks. Arantxa just looked rough on that runway.

[Diane Mars]

On 6/7/2021 at 9:24 PM, ElectricBoogaloo said:

I didn't get why the Metal Donnas thought their name was so funny. They clearly thought it was hilarious and burst into laughter every time they said it, but I didn't get it at all.

...

I loved Vulcano's makeup and headdress. I liked her explanation about the red jumpsuit underneath and the blue dress with the spiders on top. I also love that Vulcano really leans into her height and wears huge platform shoes.

 

Metal Donnas : because it sounds like "metadona" (methadone), heroin substitute !

Regarding platforms from Vulcano, it's a part of Canarian Drag ! They're more like "creatures", "giants", etc... Removing her shoes is quite like cutting her legs, to paraphrase here.

I hope it helps :)

[ElectricBoogaloo]

9 hours ago, Diane Mars said:

Metal Donnas : because it sounds like "metadona" (methadone), heroin substitute !

Regarding platforms from Vulcano, it's a part of Canarian Drag ! They're more like "creatures", "giants", etc... Removing her shoes is quite like cutting her legs, to paraphrase here.

I hope it helps :)

Thanks! I still think it's ridiculous that Vulcano got cut for her shoes. It's not like she was going barefoot or wearing flats. And even if the judges hated her shoes, she still looked better from the ankle up than just about everyone else on the runway!

[Diane Mars]

12 hours ago, ElectricBoogaloo said:

Thanks! I still think it's ridiculous that Vulcano got cut for her shoes. It's not like she was going barefoot or wearing flats. And even if the judges hated her shoes, she still looked better from the ankle up than just about everyone else on the runway!

100% agree.

[violet and green]

This is fun.

Pupi Poisson - Putón verbenero

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvkcSvhbh_I

 

[violet and green]

Once again, I would have placed Hugáceo in the bottom two. That Marvel convention outfit was ridiculous, and their part in their girl group was poor. I'm surprised but not surprised the judging didn't divide along the lines of best/worst girl group performance - all their favourites would've been up for eviction. This way, they turfed Vulcano for no valid reason, although the big girl was a bit stiff in their walk.

Edited June 11, 2021 by violet and green
typos

[Wonderlad71]

A bit late watching this week. I'm with Electric Boogaloo on this one - Drag Vulcano was robbed! She looked exquisite indeed and I thought she won the lipsync. I like Arantxa but she was very messy. 

Also didn't get many of the cultural / la Veneno references this week. The singing was mostly bad and some wonky runways and makeup. Carmen Farala can werq it though. She's maybe a bit too polished so may get the Chad Michaels edit as some have said.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

S1.E3: Mocatriz

Quote

Supremme Deluxe tests the queens' ball skills in a typically Spanish football challenge, then tasks them with creating their own advertising brand based on the Spanish concept Mocatriz – modelo/cantante/actriz (model/singer/actress). Almodovar actor and star of Spanish supergroup Ojete Calor (Asshole Heat) Carlos Areces joins the judging panel as a third queen leaves the competition.

Original air date: 6/13/21

Edited June 14, 2021 by ElectricBoogaloo

[Silly Angel]

On 6/9/2021 at 5:30 AM, Diane Mars said:

Metal Donnas : because it sounds like "metadona" (methadone), heroin substitute !
 

Thank you! I didn't get it either. I'm finding this iteration much fresher than DU, but overall I'm disappointed by all the punny drug names--Metal Donna, Kita Mean, Crystal Method (love you, girl!). It just makes me sad.

[Rai]

Oh my god, what a dramatic episode. I'm trying to figure out if RuPaul would ever go back to the werk room and plead with a queen like Supremme did, although by the end of it, Supremme looked ready to smack someone. In contrast to Drag Race prime and Michelle Visage especially, all the critiques are both helpful and kind. Inti wouldn't have lasted through the first minichallenge with that mindset.

And not only was making Dovima lip sync for formality's sake a great move, Dovima had a great attitude about it. Recognizing that this was her chance to shine was exactly the right attitude. I didn't think she entirely matched the energy of the song, but I swear to god, it seemed like she was singing it (was she actually singing it?). I'm guessing this is a really popular song based on everyone's reactions. I'm trying to imagine all the queens running up to support their lip-syncing sister and all the judges standing up and dancing behind the panel table on any other version of Drag Race. I feel like this was the true moment that demonstrates the uniqueness Drag Race Espana brings to the franchise, and I'm very much here for it.

On a meaner note, I legit don't get the fascination with Pupi. Her looks are rough, rough, rough, and she constantly makes herself look so old. I'm obsessed with Hugáceo Crujiente. Now that Drag Vulcano has gone home, Hugáceo is the queen for me.

[Diane Mars]

5 hours ago, Rai said:

... On a meaner note, I legit don't get the fascination with Pupi. Her looks are rough, rough, rough, and she constantly makes herself look so old...

I have trouble to get everything too, because, imho, the translations/subtitles are bad. In French, it's quite unbearable, and not really better in English, so there's a LOT we're missing, imho. (French native speaker, who also speaks English and Italian fluently, and understand a little bit of Spanish. That helps a little, but we're missing a lot)

[violet and green]

Dovima was marvellous at embodying her attitude in that lipsync, and it was such fun to see the judges all standing up cheering her on and dancing along so happily. I adore Dovima's makeup style, especially this runway, like a Japanese scene of cherry blossom painted in the 1920s.

Quite odd placements. I couldn't understand who was top or bottom or really why...

[Stardancer Supreme]

Episode 3:

I'm sad about the way Inti bowed out of Drag Race.  She was so pretty!  Drag Race has had problems with their queens of color having a good experience on their seasons...  I don't think the judges are so awful, but they can be wildly inconsistent from week to week.  I just wonder what was said to Inti to make her pull a Naomi Osaka. 

Where is the English translation of the song lyrics of "Mocatriz"?  I'm just curious.

Hugaceo is my favorite! I hope I didn't just jinx them...

[Rai]

I got the impression that "Mocatriz" is a fake word comprised of Model, Cantante, and Actriz -- Model, Singer, and Actress. Beyond that, I'm not sure about the lyrics. I'm guessing it's just about being that triple threat. I did like the guest judge singing along to his own song.

[Wonderlad71]

Quite a mixed bag of an episode and still processing it all.

Really have no clue who I would have put in the top and bottom and Sagittaria winning was kind of arbitrary.

Ironically I liked Inti and Dovima's runways the most this week and they ended up in the bottom. I thought Killer Queen and Hugeceo were both great in the acting challlenge. I may have put Arantxa in the bottom again.

Kinda sad how Inti took herself out. She's definitely not a good actress and is low energy but she's good on the runway and hopefully she will blossom from here. I thought Dovima's solo lipsync was underwhelming

Also don't know who I'm rooting for. Hugaceo and Carmen seem like frontrunners but there's a certain X missing IMHO for both. I do not care for Pupi at all but they seem to lap her up. I wish Vulcano was still in this.

Edit: and what did you guys think of the Pit Crew this week?? I was craving a banana split all episode.

Edited June 17, 2021 by Wonderlad71
Pit Crew

[violet and green]

On 6/14/2021 at 3:14 PM, Rai said:

On a meaner note, I legit don't get the fascination with Pupi. Her looks are rough, rough, rough, and she constantly makes herself look so old. I'm obsessed with Hugáceo Crujiente. Now that Drag Vulcano has gone home, Hugáceo is the queen for me.

I think actual age plays into it. Pupi is 38, not in the early twenties like most of them. Also Pupi is a seasoned stage queen, so may just use more paint as for stage. I enjoy Pupi much more than Hugáceo, but agree she looks rough. But I also think Pupi Poission's look is Truckstop Whore; while Hugáceo is going more for Art-School Clown. I mostly prefer a delicately made-up face with a nod to old school glamor like Dovima or Sagittaria.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

S1.E4: Snatch Game

Quote

Special Guests: Samantha Hudson and Kika Lorace.

Guest Judge: Bad Gyal

Mini Challenge: Reading is Fundamental

Maxi Challenge: Snatch Game

Original air date: 6/20/21

[violet and green]

On 6/10/2021 at 5:57 PM, violet and green said:

This is fun.

Pupi Poisson - Putón verbenero

 

Hooray! Wrong technique in earlier linking attempt.

[Rai]

I'm very relived Hugáceo Crujiente survived the quick wits week. I laughed incredibly hard at the Mona Lisa thing, but beyond that, there were no jokes. At least they recognized that! And congrats to Killer Queen, who really killed this week. Of all the queens, the humor in her portrayal did transcend cultural barriers, imo. Her runway was rough in details, but with the clear character carried through, it was a fun touch. Pupi finally impressed me with her runway with her third look. Caftan realness!

I wasn't surprised that Pupi won the reading challenge. That seemed like hers to lose, and only one gave her a run for her money. I was amused that Supremme was finally like, "what is up with all the age jokes, bitches?"

I feel like the top three will probably be Carmen, Pupi, and Sagitaria. But my love for Hugáceo Crujiente will never die!

[violet and green]

The energy of the host and the judges is so infectious. Such a contrast to the joy-starved, snippy, bitter feel (Rhys excluded) on Down Under.

That was a fun reading challenge. I love little Pupi. Thought she might win this episode.

As usual, the placements baffle me, but the right person for that moment in time went home (as per each week prior, in my view), and did so gracefully and with a joyful heart. I am really enjoying this Spanish season and how mood-elevating it is to watch. And lest we forget, the lewks, and the variety and ingenuity of expression. Spectacular runway.

[Diane Mars]

I hope it's ok to post this link, but this guy reviews all the episodes with cultural references, time codes, etc., and it's amazing the amount of work he puts in it :

FYI, the previous episodes are linked in his post too ! It's worth it.

[Wonderlad71]

Wow what a packed episode - it was actually a bit exhausting having the reading challenge, Snatch Game and an effing Ball all in one - but with only 8 episodes they are trying to cram in ALL in.

My thoughts: 

Killer Queen - she was not on my radar but now I think she maybe my fave. Lovely personality and so glad she Killed it this week

Pupi Poison - she was really good this week- that final runway was so fun! but the bitter old queen side is very off putting

Sagittaria - like her inspiration Aquaria, she proved that she's a look queen who can act as well -  Some great runways but those hips sometimes need padding

Carmen Farala - sure she's losing some of her front runner energy but that was a solid Snatch character though not entertaining enough

Hugaceo - I would have kept her from the bottom because Mona Lisa / La Giaconda was so well styled- but yes where were the jokes? She still has lots more to offer but she's probably not winning this. At least we know she can win a lipsync

Dovima - i would have put her in the bottom again. After all that fighting to play the Duchess it was nothing burger - Did not register at all

Arantxa - Lovely infectious personality but ja was her time to go. Still rough around the edges but she'll have a great glow up.

[ElectricBoogaloo]

This was the best Pupi has looked and performed so far!

THREE runway looks? I was trying to figure out why this episode had so many looks crammed into one hour.

[Wonderlad71]

Episode 6 :

As far as acting challenges go this was pretty good  ( coming from a non- Spanish fan). Pupi finally gets her win. I found Killer to be quite entertaining especially with that exquisite runway. Hugaceo looked amazing was well. I would have put Dovima in the bottom (her acting was flat). The mean girl energy I'm getting is far worse than the so-called Mean Girls of S13. Oh well. So bye Hugaceo - I liked you alot - great artist but still room of growth as a performer.

[Diane Mars]

OMG ! Last ep was ICONIC ! It's probably one of the best episode EVER, in all franchises !

[Rai]

I don't know how Carmen doesn't win this, to be honest. She seems to be the best all-around performer, and her looks may be somewhat ready-to-wear, but Pupi almost never kills it on the runway. However, Pupi as a performer and comedian is pretty top notch, it's true. But Carmen seems pretty blessed.

Who knows, maybe Killer Queen will pull a Kita Mean!

I loved the fine art runway. Just amazing. And the roast was way less painful than the American counterpart because at least even the non-funny girls got a good line or two in before self-destructing. Also, I had no idea Supremme's ears were a sore spot with her. I'm finding out so much!

I love the Javis. I love Ana Locking. Honestly, Drag Race Espana is amor all the way around. So much fun even when I can't read the subtitles!

[Wonderlad71]

Yeah Carmen probably has this season in the bag - they love her. She and Killer were great both in the roast and on the runway, I really like Killer.

I could see that Dovima vs Sagittaria lipsync coming from a mile away. I didn't mind Dovima much at the start of the season but she really is very immature and her giving up at the end was just ehhh!

So will there be an elimination next week or to we have our final four already??

[molotovcupcake]

On 7/5/2021 at 6:01 AM, Diane Mars said:

 

OMG ! Last ep was ICONIC ! It's probably one of the best episode EVER, in all franchises

 

I cried!!

[violet and green]

Oh, man. I will miss Dovima - makeup skills, presentation, persona, dry commentary, and now heart. Really bummed that Pupi bombed. I think Sag was right, Pupi should really have been in the bottom with her. Beautiful ep, but painful in so many ways.

[Diane Mars]

FYI, there's a very cool subreddit for it, in case you're interested : https://www.reddit.com/r/DragRace_Espana/

[hatchetgirl]

Although Dovima paints beautifully, I didn't get why she was so awful to Hugaceo and that in turn, made me not think she was that beautiful inside. I'm glad she's gone.  

I like Carmen, but there is a lack of humility there.  I don't know.  I like my queens to be a bit human.  Carmen is too good.  Maybe it's like in the main show when the judges say "we need to see your flaws to see you."