We’re covering Logo’s only worthwhile show, RuPaul’s Drag Race, in all it’s queeny, catty glory. This week, the queen’s are challenged to a Mac Cosmetics Viva Glam screen test and to speak out about HIV/AIDS.
This week’s episode brought a lot of looks – and quite a few tears – to Vaseline Alley. When we first started covering this show, the one thing we never expected was that it would make us cry, but cry we did. Find out what happens when drag queens stop being bitchy and start being real.
This week’s challenge was all about Mac Cosmetics and to start things off, the queens have to do each other’s make-up. If the show has any regular theme, it’s the Bitch of the Week and this week it’s Rebecca Glasscock, who opines that people don’t understand her because she’s shy and that if people think she’s a bitch they can just “Fuck off!” No better way to disprove your bitchiness than by swearing, right? Anyway, despite all her whining, Jade wins the make-up challenge, giving her an extra 15 minutes in the main challenge, which is to shoot a “Screen Test” PSA for Viva Glam cosmetics by MAC, which donates 100 percent of its profits to HIV/AIDS research.
Ongina, Shannel and Bebe all decide to go for emotional honesty in their ads, with Ongina doing her fun baby clown routine and saying that she wants to “celebrate life,” Shannel droning on self-importantly about HIV while dressed as a schoolmarm and Bebe, who is from Africa, dressing in native garb (and looking amazing) and talking about AIDS’ impact on Africa.
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The other girls don’t fair so well. Nina Flowers has an amazing blond mohawk fronted by a tiny wedding cake of blond curls, but the language impediment is getting to her, Jade manages to crack a literal whip while still being boring and Rebecca—where to begin with Rebecca?
First off, her make-up had some serious raccoon eyes problems going on, but as soon as she gets on set, she starts to cry. Unfortunately, the tear ducts are a little rusty on the S.S. Glasscock and she just winds up looking constipated. Rebecca is determined to get to Breakdown City, however and walks off the set, where she reveals in the bathroom that she has a friend with AIDS and that he’s going to die. Now, we’re not the sort of people stupid enough to question a crying drag queen, but Bebe is and she all but says that Rebecca is faking it and trying to amp the drama to win.
Cut to Vaseline Alley, where the queens do their runway routine, and honestly, the only memorable one this week is overachieving showgirl Shanelle, who – I swear to God – juggles while sashaying down the runway. We were going to say something about Shanelle desperately needing attention, but hello? Drag queen!
Ongina wins for her upbeat PSA and she immediately breaks down on the stage crying. I am shouting, “What is this? A crying contest?” when she looks up sobbing and reveals that she’s been living with HIV and that she didn’t want to say anything because her parents didn’t know and I feel about two inches tall, as does pretty much everyone on stage as well as the judges. Looking up through tear-streaked make-up, she explains that she wanted to make her screen test upbeat and life-affirming because that’s how she lives her life. Even Ru looks like she’s about to cry, but of course doesn’t because she’s Ru-fucking-Paul and nobody makes her cry. I do, however, and, seriously, this is probably the most genuinely honest moment I’ve ever seen on a modern reality TV show.
Anyway, Jade gets booted over Rebecca, and as much as we hated Rebecca 10 minutes ago, we don’t really care. Ongina, you’ve stolen our hearts.
BootsieGee
I think you mean donates 100% of it’s profits to HIV and AIDS research.
Sebbe
Great recap. I was shocked with Ongina and also felt like an asshole after saying what is going on? I want to like Rebecca, but I didn’t think she was very supportive standing next to Ongina. Jade on the other hand was. Really Ongina’s announcement was the episode and I was totally blindsided. I was impressed with the way that Logo handled it specifically in the previews for this weeks episode. There is a sweet video of them online on Logo in the backstage “illusions” lounge. Is that some branding or just what Ru decided to call it? It is also worth watching Jade’s confessional that starts with day one through the end in the hotel room and in which she promises to beat Rebecca down if she see’s her on the street.
Did anyone else get the impression last week and this week that there was something going on between Jade and Ru or was it just me? There was the big wink last week and something in Jade’s response when she was told to shante away. It’s hard to feel bad for Jade with her apparent huge over sized cock, but I was sad to see her go, or him, I liked the boy better (David?
).
What did straight roommate think? First he complained that we were not very excited about him and now he is notably absent. LOL
midtownkid81
I’m 28 years old, and can’t believe I’ve been sucked into this show on Logo. I reference my age because I generally think Logo sucks & doesn’t speak to any of my interests. Funny thing is though, a show on drag queens isn’t exactly what I’d consider something I’d care to watch. Anyhow…the point is I actually love this show and hope Logo invests in it. And while Ongina’s moment of truth last night really multiplied my respect for her, I have to say that I’ve loved her from the start. From the first episode, she’s been the most authentic, genuine and kind-hearted castmember. To top it off – she’s incredible on the runway & knows how to entertain! Go ‘gina!!
Sebbe
@midtownkid81 – Ditto and there better be a season 2.
Of course the bad news is that it reminds you that there really isn’t anything else worth watching on Logo. An occasional movie or documentary, although most seemed to be replayed over and over and over again. That new, now, next thing and re-runs of QAF.
Brian Finch
I’ve yet to see this one as I’m in Canada and it only began airing a few weeks ago. I worked for MAC Cosmetics, and am now on disability. They have treated me, and continue to treat me so well. I’m one of their biggest advertisers because they’ve exceeded standards in AIDS service organizations — which often are nothing to drag about.
As someone who used to explain the Viva Glam products and the MAC AIDS Fund, I’m looking forward to see this.
Stop! Or My Daddy Will Shoot!
… It was embarassing watching Shannel try to turn on the waterworks right after Ongina. She’s pretty, but Ru had it right, she doesn’t know how to STFU.
I like Jade. I think she really turned it out with her ad, as well as the lip-sync showdown. Rebecca, on the other hand, is just an out-and-out mess. Probably that’s why they want to keep her on the show. Mess makes good teevee.
Overall I’m pulling for Nina.
emb
I’d love to see just a little more in the way from production support from Logo for this show. While it’s terrific television (and last night’s episode was, as has been observed already, pretty phenomenal), the whole thing looks like it’s shot on somebody’s phone, the lighting is garishly amateur and overall the production values detract mightily from the highly visual competition. Logo may not be HD, but it could at least give this highly visual show some, um, visibility.
robertian
I’m so glad I’ve found a blog that recaps this great show. I’m not a fan of reality TV, but live Project Runway, and this show is right up there with that. Maybe even surpasses it – the most recent PR season, anyway.
This episode was fantastic. Ongina stole my heart. As Sebbe noted above, I really appreciate that Logo didn’t use her runway breakdown and confession as a teaser for the episode. It was a total surprise, and a great moment. Very touching. I hope Ongina wins.
Shannell needs to stop talking.
Rebecca is so average, it hurts. And she doesn’t have great legs.
Bebe is stunning, but one note.
Nina is hot, in and out of drag. Love her. Love the accent.
Sebbe
@emb – I get the impression that it is on purpose the way it is shot. There were a few scenes last night though towards the end where I had to remind myself I hadn’t had anything to drink tonight.
Amber LeMay
Rebecca over Jade… no way. Jade’s commercial was far better (top 3) than others and… yes, she has a dick. They all do. I certainly don’t blame her for flaunting it on national (albeit cable) TV.
Right now my top 3… Nina, ‘Gina, Shanelle (she is good and good television).
GranDiva
10%? I, like BootsieGee, could have sworn that at least two people said 100%, but I’m getting old and my hearing is going right along with my sanity.
Maybe it’s the editing, but I feel as though Bebe is very much one of those girls on Top Model who is coasting, after a fashion, on bringing it at judging and not doing a whole lot more. Sistah looks fierce, though, so it’s a wash.
Sebbe
re: bebe, did anyone else feel Whitney from the Bodyguard when she took her hat off on the runway. She really was stunning on the runway last night.
Sebbe
@grandiva, bootsiegee was right it was defo 100 percent from that line.
Anthony
I love this show, but nothing to watch on Logo? Rick and Steve is wonderful. Big Gay Sketch show is always funny. Sordid Lives is incredible! I like Bump too and I admit that Bad Girls is a guilty pleasure…
Sebbe
Yes, Rick & Steve I’ve gotten back into recently and Bump is often good as well there are just so many repeats of everything on Logo. Noah’s arc was a great show too. I wish they would focus on more original programming because when they do it is often done well. Because of watching RuPaul’s Drag Race I also caught Equality U which was enjoyable and I’m glad I saw it. It is too bad there isn’t more cooperation between Logo and the other gay networks in other countries like Canada and the EU. 365gay news could be better as well, by the time they air anything its just a recap of everything everyone else has already heard/read.
(I do think Bump is for OutTv in Canada though??)
robertian
I personally find Rick & Steve a tired cliche that’s trying too hard to be like South Park, but failing in all areas. It’s also rather offensive in how dumb it treats its audience.
Drag Race is the only show that has made me tune in to LOGO. Hopefully, it’s a sign of things to come.
kevin (not that one)
I cry at the drop of a hair pin, but I have to admit that Ongina really got me.
However, don’t get me wrong. I think Ongina is marvelous, but I’m just not into her style.
I think Bebe and Nina, and yes even Shannel, are more in line of what I think of when I think drag. That said, Nina didn’t look great in a pants suit. Bebe looked great with the hat, although I think she should’ve left it on.
And Shannel’s juggling act was just wrong.
chris
Words like “brave” and “courageous” get thrown around too often, but honestly, Ongina has balls. I am so happy that she won that challenge and that she was courageous enough to share her story. Also, major props are due to LOGO for not using that story line in their advertisments.
getreal
What a touching moment. Even in the midst of a breakdown she was still graceful, as a woman I feel I could actually learn a few things from the cast of this show on femininity.
sparkle obama
mac donates 100% of the proceeds of its “viva glam” lipsticks
to charities benefiting people living w/aids & hiv.
sparkle obama
i too thought that jade was so much more charming & beautiful as “david”.
he seems “two-spirited”, to say the least – very transy and not draggy at all.
ironically, jade mentioned that he was one of the only queens in the competition to be wearing “five pairs of stockings”, and he didn’t even get the hint!
as fabulous a dancer as jade was, she had no sense of humor and less style…
drag queens need to give you some fashion, please-
-which is why shanell can’t win.
she may be “glamorous”, but she isn’t chic.
shanell is pure las vegas glitz – completely removed from underground drag or any kind of true “edginess”.
– and her makeup may be precise & flawlessly applied, but it is tired, dated & ugly!
the other remaining gals can all give you clubby, retro, etc.
even rebecca has a current, flawless r&b realness about her that says “fierce drag queen”.
jade had an outdated, static, slightly “ghetto” look.
nothing wrong with “ghetto”, but be fierce about it darling.
Japhy Grant
@sparkle obama: Yup. Our bad. Sticky keyboard and all.
sparkle obama
ps
shannel (sp?) trashily names herself after the house of chanel, with a ghettoized spelling, as she models vinyl “rhythm nation” greatcoats
& brags about her many “versace buckles”!
bzzz!
try again, dear!
shannel is a talented, dedicated girl with a legendary body, but in her personal presentation, she represents fully everything that is wrong w/ las vegas.
– plenty of fascinating architecture, but absolutely no class!
Sebbe
@David Hauslaib – spring for a new laptop for our editor. He needs one for work and one for porn. I’m kidding, LOL
I don’t know much about MAC (or anything about makeup for that matter) but, their corporate image is being portrayed very positively on the show. The VP seemed like a great guy and good for MAC for sponsoring this show and for donating their profits of the line to HIV/AIDS.
Does anyone know, is MAC upmarket or downmarket brand?
Sebbe
@sparkle obama – I am anti-shannel, she plays well on the show, but I really hope she doesn’t win.
“she represents fully everything that is wrong w/ las vegas.
– plenty of fascinating architecture, but absolutely no class!” – sooooo true, fun for the weekend, but would you really want to live there?
kf
i think this episode only cemented that ongina is probs going to take the show. i mean, lets not play, the only other competition is bebe, since nina and shannel keep effing up. and, in a personality contest, ongina will slam them all.
David Dust
I watch (and recap) a lot of “reality” shows, but I have never been brought to tears like I was last night.
CLICK HERE for David Dust’s RuPaul’s Drag Race recap.
XOXOXOXOXO
Kirk
Love DRAG RACE!
Logo..not so much. Um hello logo, give this dude his own show asap!
dog show:
http://www.logoonline.com/video/misc/343293/tranny-afghan-hound-bonus-video.jhtml?id=1605408
atdleft
@Anthony: Yeah, I also like “Rick & Steve”… But because I can’t get Logo on my cable lineup, I have to go to iTunes to download episodes. Is “Drag Race” on iTunes? It’d be nice to see the show on the go instead of having to sit in front of my peecee for an hour.
atdleft
@chris: Yeah, Ongina’s quickly becoming my fave on this show. She just has a full personality and a unique look that make me want to watch her. The only other queen who comes close is Bebe with her fierce sense of style.
Nina’s fun, but her look (as it was this week) can be hit or miss. Shannel always looks flawless on the outside, but she needs to show more of what she has inside (more of her 10 minute MAC ad… But when it’s actually called for). And Rebecca? Meh, she should go home next week.
Just my $0.02.
atdleft
@sparkle obama: But hey, it’s not like we go to Vegas for good taste? At least I don’t… 😉
DCMatt
I caught all four episodes of DRAG RACE on demand this weekend. I’ve been telling all my friends to watch it. It really is a GOOD SHOW!
I’ve always liked RuPaul, and this show is hilariously funny. I, too, was shocked that I cried during the last episode when Ongina shared her HIV status.
I’ve been quoting RuPaul (“You must lip synch for your life!”) too.
It’s also fascinating to see drag queens take center stage. In this age of gay people acting so “politically correct” so we get our marriage rights, it’s fun to see the drag queens be so OUT with themselves.
If you get Logo or can watch Logo shows on demand via your cable service, I highly recommend DRAG RACE.
Funny stuff.
reggie
they have the whole show on the logo website. http://www.logoonline.com/shows/dyn/rupauls_drag_race/videos.jhtml
Jeff
Have y’all seen Ongina’s Myspace page?
She is the CUTEST!!!!
Sebbe
@atdleft – of you are using firefox for your browser (and you should be) you can get an add-on that will download the video to your hard drive and then convert it so you can watch on the go!! Email me if you cannot get it to work if you like.
dyn
Um, y’all left out the funniest bit….RuPaul’s “Snakes on a Plane”joke about Jade. Seriously. Funny.
vldz789
Hey guys – Did any of you get the sense that Jade and Rebecca hooked up?
I was so surprised when I saw the clips of Jade calling Rebecca a “fake bitch,” since Jade had never made any complaints about her before. For example – In the “Under the Hood” behind-the-scenes footage, it shows Rebecca and Jade even sitting together on the couch in the backstage lounge.
When the two were lip-synching for their life, they started getting REALLY down and sexual with each other on stage. (And there are a couple of quick camera shots, showing the shocked faces of other cast members and judges…
In any case, it seems to me like there might have been something on the DL between them… and it looks like Jade might have gotten played. Her rant about Rebecca sounds like a lover-scorned… Thoughts?
Sebbe
@vldz789 – Boyfriend said the same thing and then made me watch Jade’s “confessional” from day one up until the last. I think the both of you are right.
If you guys didn’t check out the confessionals, you should. It starts with their first day there until the are going home in their crappy hotel. Porkchops was kinda boring, Akaisha – not bad, but Jade’s was pretty good!
getreal
Saw Ongina at a repeal Prop 8 fundraiser in West holywood tonight at the Murano restaurant she was so pretty, and teeny tiny and gracious. I kissed her cheek and told her her admission made me cry and how wonderful people suffering with HIV (hell anyone really) must have felt watching her.
Karim de Oliveira
GUYS!!! WE BRITISH GUYS WOULD LOVE TO SEE THE RU GIRLS OVER HERE!!
This show rocks!!! It’s amazing, doesn’t “fuck it up”! I also thought it was going to be the shallowest piece of television I would ever watch, but boy was I wrong! it’s so entertaining, tackles some real issues like HIV, it’s got fashion, hot boys, bitchiness, and host/hostess Rupaul is just glorious! And the dress bitch wears each week, gosh, just leaves me speechless. Love the Ru, love the show, God Bless Drag.
and May the Fierce be with you.