Alright Mary: All Things RuPaul's Drag Race

This week’s lineup of one-woman shows had six very different interpretations of the challenge. While Jackie brought earnest TED talk realness, Crystal plumbed new depths of stupid to secure her first win. Gigi hit a fair bit of turbulence during her high-flying concept, Heidi’s family food fight got messy, and when it came to telling this particular story, Jaida really should have held it in. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: alrightmarypodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

This week we chatted with Lil Miss Hot Mess, one of the first queens to host Drag Queen Story Hour and the author of the new children’s book “The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish” (Running Press Kids). We discuss the inspiration behind the book, the ways kids understand and appreciate drag, and what these kinds of books can do for many queer adults. We also discuss Lil Miss’s PhD work, the evolution of digital drag and what makes a performance legendary. “The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish” is now available wherever children’s books are sold! Please consider supporting your local bookstore or buy the book on Amazon! Follow Lil Miss Hot Mess: Twitter/Instagram: @lilmisshotmess Facebook: Lil Miss Hot Mess http://www.lilmisshotmess.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: alrightmarypodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

Six drag daughters were born this week and some of them we half-expect to see back on a future season! Superfans of the show are the subject of this season’s makeover challenge. Crystal’s method may not have gotten her a win, but she and Opal were total gems this episode. Janet the Planet had us seeing stars, Heidi needed to find something else in her closet for Honey, Gigi continued a so-so streak, Jackie and Lil Snackie left us hungry for more, and, well, Jaida Essentially Has This Season in the Bag (Hall). The episode ends in the rare but requisite Double Shantay, but should Ru have killed the lights on one of the bottom two this week? Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: alrightmarypodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

Political satire meets drag in a lively showdown as six queens battle it out, with Jaida taking a clear lead. The emotional challenges of drag performance highlight the fine line between personal identity and artistic expression. A humorous take on a cat-themed challenge adds levity, while discussions on authenticity and representation delve into deeper socio-political themes. The playful dynamics between RuPaul and the contestants showcase a blend of humor and heart. All this culminates in a captivating reflection on self-discovery through the lens of drag culture.

Jan may have been selling the hell out of the Jantasy, but the judges just weren’t buying it. This week, the queens craft some GOOP-inspired crap to sell to the masses in a commercial directed by the fab, fit, fun Bob Harper. (Also, how about that FabFitFun-sponsored reading challenge? Was it a more fab and fun fit than a traditional reading challenge?) Heidi nabs a win for her efforts this episode and season so far, Jackie is Adult in the Room excellence, and Crystal continues to be the true dark horse of the competition. While Jaida’s frontrunner status remains secure this week, Gigi’s schtick isn’t working so good and Widow must channel Chaka to send Jan Sp*rt and her veritable backpack of tricks packing. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: alrightmarypodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

This week’s Madonna Rusical was a nearly immaculate collection of the Queen of Pop’s many identities over the decades. Despite Jan’s best attempts at expressing herself, Gigi struck a pose (and won the challenge) like there was nothing to it. Just like a prayer, Crystal and Jaida both took us there, but it seems nothing really matters to the judges when it comes to Widow. Heidi’s ray of light dimmed a bit, Jackie sang like a virgin, and Brita learned the power of goodbye. All contestants need to take a bow, though, because this episode got us back into the groove. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: alrightmarypodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

The podcast dives into the iconic Snatch Game, showcasing standout performances like Gigi's take on Maria the Robot and Jackie Cox's prop-filled portrayal. They reflect on the emotional connections to these impersonations and discuss the artistry behind drag. Highlights include playful banter about Disney influences, critiques of lip sync performances, and insights on contestant strategies during the competition. The conversation captures both nostalgic moments and the evolving nature of drag performance, blending humor with sharp analysis.

Pick me, choose me, crown me! This week’s acting challenge is inspired by the emotional triage of Grey’s Anatomy. But the real code red is in Untucked this week, where Heidi puts the room in the ICU with some well-placed FU’s. Meanwhile Nicky struggles to show her funny bone, Jackie continues to be benign at best, and Aiden puts Brita into near cardiac arrest for being safe. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: alrightmarypodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

This week’s elimination certainly rocked our expectations for Ms. Sakura this season, but this isn’t the first time Drag Race has had a surprise elimination that got everyone talking. While Gigi Goode continues to do well, Jaida truly bubbles over in this week’s Ball Ball. Meanwhile, Brita falters, Aidan avoids a penalty for her rough referee, Nicky insists she’s more than just a doll, and Leslie Jones has the time of her life, your life, and everyone else’s life as guest judge and Untucked Oprah. Buy books through Powell’s Books’ union partner link: https://www.ilwulocal5.com/ Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: alrightmarypodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

While the World’s Worst wasn’t the world’s worst episode we’d seen, it certainly lacked the X-Factor of past improv challenges, with many of the queens idle at best. We’re not saying Season 12 doesn’t got talent, but Dahlia’s wilted broccoli was a no for us, dog. Also, this definitely wasn’t Shark Tank, so we’re not sure why Widow’s team was selling nut butter. Then it’s appliqués on the runway with buttons, bows, and blousy sweater dresses. Crystal’s method is questioned, Heidi nose how to charm the judges even if they hate her name, and Nicky is hanging by a thread. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: alrightmarypodcast@gmail.com Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com