![]() One need only look over to Kylie to see the difference between true emotional vulnerability and Ginger’s pageant showmanship. When the challenge is to draw an audience in with the vulnerability of a childhood story, a hyper-scripted, unflinchingly perfect monologue can give the impression of insincerity. But … has Ginger girlbossed a little too close to the sun? Carson’s critique of Ginger this week highlights the downside of that perfectionist veneer: “Sometimes, it’s so finely polished, so perfect, that it doesn’t seem as real to us in the moment.” The judges throwing in a half-assed “but was it too perfect …?” critique is nothing new to the Drag Race Cinematic Universe, but I do think this one holds some water. She received glowing praise from the judges, captivated the audience with a well-spun childhood yarn detailing a touching moment between mom and gay son, and remained polished as ever. Despite another “bottom four” placement in this episode, it’s hard to view this episode as anything other than a victory for Ginger. ![]() Ginger has performed quite well this season: she’s stayed consistent as hell, she’s got two wins under her belt (plus mini challenges), and her runways have markedly improved since her appearances on season seven and All Stars 2. Next up, Ginger, who by all accounts remains our statistical frontrunner going into the finale next week. So there you have it! I’ve made no secret of it: Ra’Jah is my pick to win this season. If we’re scouring the edit for clues indicating which queen the show might be teeing up for a crowning, this moment stands out. Since the moment doesn’t necessarily serve the narrative of this episode, it feels like a very intentional choice to leave it in. During critiques, we see Ru gush over Ra’Jah’s journey and marvel at the fact that she’s made every look she’s worn on the runway this season. While Ra’Jah stumbles at the beginning of her monologue, she executes an impressive recovery and acts out a dynamic, entertaining story about the time her tuck came loose in the middle of a number. It’s not a perfect system, of course (think Gottmik or Gigi Goode), but there’s a distinct advantage to earning the goodwill of the queen whose name is on the checks. Symone got it, Aquaria got it, Sasha Velour got it. There is no better boon for a Ru girl than that sweet RuPaul seal of approval. From the talent show to the ball, to Snatch Game, to “Isiya Queen,” Ra’Jah has shown us the wide breadth of her drag abilities and converted quite a few fans along the way. Tonight was only her second time “in the bottom,” and it’s hard to dwell on that considering her string of high placements, particularly those early in the season. From villain to darling, from filler to finalist, what’s not to love? But beyond the narrative satisfaction a Ra’Jah win offers, she’s also had a pretty unimpeachable run. ![]() ![]() Hand on the Bible! Or at least a copy of “GuRu.” As I’ve explained (perhaps ad nauseam) in past recaps, Ra’Jah has had one of the most unique about-faces in All Stars herstory. While it’s anyone’s game, I genuinely believe Ra’Jah O’Hara has the best shot at taking the crown next week. So, behold: my unscientific, completely arbitrary rankings of our lovely top four. While my own personal preferences and undisguised biases will be very apparent, my goal is to rank the queens on the basis of how likely they are to win. monologues (Ru’s words, not mine!) This is my final chance to lay out the pros and cons of each queen going into the finale, so I decided to take a page out of Drag Race herstorian and fellow recapper Kevin O’Keeffe’s book and make a good old-fashioned power ranking. But to claim their finalist spot, our five remaining queens must duke it out beatnik-style with the C.U.N.T. After today’s episode, we’re left with our final final top four. ![]()
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