S09.E04: Firefighter Makeovers!

[davidcalgary29]

The episode begins with unfinished business, as Nina and Gottmik pretend to mull over their choices for the recipients of their badges, but everyone knows that they probably decided who to pick at the beginning of the season, should they get the chance to do so. I mean, we've had countless seasons of Drag Race by now, no one is stupid, and everyone knows how to create good TV, so Shannel, who is not a front-runner and who is also not going to win the season, is shafted, even though she was the most deserving choice. Vangie and Roxxxy celebrate the successful completion of one of the season's early major plot points that the cast was given by Production.

Ru, in a clashing plaid suit, announces the maxi challenge: it's time for makeovers! Frankly, it's a smart move that caters to the strengths of some of the queens who thus far have been somewhat overshadowed (translation: Roxxxy) and, under other circumstances (translation: no Production Riggory) could have produced a satisfying conclusion that would have seen a deserving queen win her first badge on her own merit. But the episode is still fun.

The firefighters are all game, and this leads to some emotional moments, and also zero tension. The queens are also tasked with writing lyrics and creating choreo for an okay number that's also supposed to be a "girl group" challenge, but this is less successful. I note that, despite some of the firefighters' professed dance experience, even the best choreo is pretty simplified, which makes me think that Production stepped in to level the playing field. Bad Production! While this means that everyone is okay (aside from a shambolic Adam, who makes Scarlett look like an Alvin Ailey dancer), we also get no standout moments like we did on S9. Bring back Wintergreen!

The costumes run from bodysuit to tacky and ornate (translation: Shannel. Angeria was also there, but this is a clear Shannel moment), and Ru declares Roxxxy and Vangie the winners. Fun! But: also expected.

The lipsynch is...okay, but I much preferred Roxxxy's Control (not to mention Discipline) to Vangie's Nasty hyperkinetic sprawl. I'm All For You here, Roxxxy!

Ru bizarrely declares a tie, probably because she knows what's coming: despite her claim that it's "a joint decision", Roxxxy blocks her fellow Pageant Queen, because she continues to hate Angeria back. Fun! But Angeria is also pissed, leading to some hilarious faces and the promise of more drama.

Next week: the spectre of unscripted and Improv'd commercials threaten to  ruin the season's pleasant momentum! The queens pretend to be excited about the challenge.

Edited June 1 by davidcalgary29

[Starchild]

Did anyone else notice during the judging that the colouring of Ru's arms clashed with that of her face? I've never noticed anything like that before.

[SemiCharmedLife]

I was really hoping Nina would give a badge to Shannel.  She really did a great job on Snatch Game, and has been doing well this season, despite not being in the top two.  Thankfully, she has a lot of experience being overlooked on Drag Race, so I'm glad she's taking it with grace.  To think that Vangie received a badge for that terrible Snatch Game... And here we go again with Roxxxy doing favors and receiving badges/votes.  

[Kaboom 2.0]

Yeah I wasn't surprised either that two queens without earned badges won this challenge so now they can say they earned their second badge. And I say that by admitting I like Roxxxy. For me Meow Meow Mix was the top choice. The judging was especially egregious especially with Michelle. WTF.

Love love loved the firefighters! 

I had no idea who the Brothers Osborne were but they seemed game & looked like they were having a great time (I did look them up after and again, they seem like good people).

Shannel not having a badge by now is ridiculous. 

[Wonderlad71]

I would have given the win to Plastique and Gorgeous - primarily because their firefighter was so animated and they worked the best as a cohesive group.