Intrigue. Slayage. Heavy foundation.
These are to RuPaul’s Drag Race as PTB microphone plosives are to C-SPAN.
But one drag fan has offered up a Ru-spiracy theory to end all Ru-spiracy theories, and it’s a damned good one.
Spoilers ahead for episode one of RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars season 3.
How about we take this to the next level?
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The mystery of the 10th queen was revealed this week as Drag Race season one winner Bebe Zahara Benet returned to the workroom to hash it out for a spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame.
The move was unprecedented, as the previous All-Stars seasons have only featured queens who did not win their season. Of course, Ru makes up the rules as he goes along (that’s part of the fun), so who says a previous winner can’t win All-Stars?
While the explanation for Bebe’s return could very well be that simple, what if it isn’t? Compelling argument, huh?
There’s a theory being attributed to one Chris White on Facebook (sounds suspicious already) that there is some serious mischief afoot. White’s hunch? Bebe is actually a secret judge.
Hear him out:
“If you guys were smart, and notice the “Handsmaids Tale” theme to this season, you would know that Bebe isn’t really there to “compete”. Ru put her in the competition as a “mole”, just like in Handsmaid Tale. Bebe is going to coast by never landing in the bottom 2 or winning a challenge; she will always be safe. When the finale comes, Bebe will be announced as the mole and helps Ru decide which queen will be come the winner. By doing this, it allows Bebe to showcase her talent to new fans every episode without her winning a single thing from lipsynchs and the grand prize since she already won. This also allows Mama Ru to do an All Stars season of just winners only in the future. You’re welcome.”
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Nowuvedoneit
Like I said to my friend who floated this theory to me, RuPaul and the producers are not thinking that deep. They saw it was a pop culture phenomenon and wanted a tie in somehow. And the tie in is just Chad and Alaska in costume. Nothing more to see.
jess_lopez
And what is she going to judge? The personality of the contestants behind the stage? Drag queens should be judged on their performances during the challenges and their runway outfits. Not in what they are behind the stage.
Luc
That would be fun! But I’m inclined to think @Nowuvedoneit is probably right, and it isn’t that deep… I mean, I guess if it were true, we could just hop on over to Reddit and read the spoilers. Which leads me to believe this isn’t true, because if it were true it would be a spoiler, and Queerty doesn’t usually post straight-up spoilers for Drag Race. Or do they?
Kieru
I would not be surprised at all if there is more to Bebe’s involvement than just her being another contestant. But this? I don’t think this is it. Mamma Ru has no need for more judges… the final decision was, is, and always will be up to her.
It would not surprise me though if Bebe’s position were for some other twist though.
We already know that RuPaul has something planned with the eliminated Queens, perhaps Bebe is involved in that. Maybe her place as a contestant is by design temporary and she gets to choose which queen gets to return (taking her place) or something similar.
Dragyn
None of the winning girls need to be anywhere near the current contestants, until its judging and elimination. Seems Mama Ru has her favourites that never fail, ie: Tyra…not that talented, ONE look, and boom, winner. Seems she chooses from the ones the people want, top 3, we vote, but its Mama Rus decision. More ours, please… LOVE Mama Ru!! Kisses, girl!!
rowa
I mean it’s a bit of a stretch, Bebe is purely there to up her profile and Ru-introduce her to the new viewers that can’t stomach watching that terribly produced Season 1 without getting migraines. I’ve made it through 2 episodes of that season before turning it off as it’s so blurry and cheap looking.
If there’s going to be a mole it’ll be one of the eliminated queens that’ll come back for their Ru-venge, you know Morgan is gunning for Dela now.
No way will some of the winners come back for a Battle Royale, 90% of them don’t need to or don’t want to. Talent vacuum Tyra Sanchez has said so herself and queens like Bianca and Jinkx are far too busy with their own careers post Drag Race.
Brian
Why would they need a mole? They have an entire film crew capturing everything. There are no secrets.
jd.cali
I think there is something to this. But not quite a mole.
charlie_jackpot
I’m giving more weight to this theory after the first two episodes. BeBe keeps calling Ru ‘mother’ – more than just a catchphrase way and the in Ru’s secret second message she says it’s ‘like a groupon’ – so maybe Bebe has to lead the eliminated girls in some decision….
Dave in Northridge
It’s a nice theory, but it’s what other shows are doing too. Project Runway has had season winners on their last three Runway All-Star shows – and they’ve all won. Top Chef introduced a season winner in Top Chef Colorado too, but she dropped out because her pregnancy was being endangered by the stress.