This week’s mirror message is short and sweet with Ashley Madison simply saying “Cheers, XoXoXo.” The queens gather to discuss track records thus far, this is a recurring theme in recent seasons of Drag Race. Back in the earlier days if a queen stayed out of the bottom everyone was a winner. Flor is ready for her win this week, and Gabriella Labucci plans to never place at the bottom during the competition full stop.
Ru arrives to dish out this week’s challenge, his werkroom outfits have got chicer, wider, and wild. There will be no mini-challenge this week as we jump straight to the maxi challenge. Get ready for Brunch, as the queens must put together a drag brunch show showcase.
Discussing amongst themselves their talents, Isis Avis Loren, Gabriella Labucci, and Bumpa Love talk about their plans. Gabriella chooses Hula Hooping something she’s done for 10 years she claims, however later I think we see she was joking. Isis is going to showcase the power of mental health awareness through song and dance. Bumpa plans to do freestyle comedy by reading the queen’s. Gabriella gently points out that hasn’t worked out well in the past season’s challenges.
Rhys Nicholson and Bree Tomasel are on hand for the queen’s rehearsal and showcase what they plan to do. Although we get Rudacted scenes to prevent the audience from whatever is to come and keep some form of suspense geared up.
Last week’s maxi challenger winner Hollywould Star gets to decide how successful Brunch is with creating the lineup. Whilst she should decide what she wants, focusing on her own interests could make the show flop. Rhys Nicholson gently points this out to Hollywould during her rehearsal, as we are yet to see the running order.
Back in the werkoom and getting ready for brunch the queens discuss their drag name origins. Gabriella has no relation to Italy, but it’s Flor’s story that is heartbreaking, Flor meaning flower is also her birth mother’s name. In an emotional moment, she talks about her mother’s health complications while pregnant with Flor. Unfortunately, she died while giving birth to her, thus her drag is dedicated to her legacy.
It’s time for drag brunch, joining brunch this week is a special guest The Sniffers lead singer Amy Taylor. Out first to kickstart is Gabriella Labucci with her hula-hooping act. It’s confusing and awkward to watch, I want her to do well, but her bragging about never being at the bottom may have come back to bite her in the bottom. Next up in her comedy routine is Bumpa Love who starts strong with an opening joke, after that, it’s a downhill tumble as she compares each queen to a dog and how they would urinate.
So far this brunch would require a refund or at least a free drink to get through the show, however, Flor saves the day. Teaching us how to save lives with a fun routine on CPR, camping it up, and incorporating her own flare makes learning fun. Isis Avis Loren is out to highlight mental health with a fan dance. Rounding off the show with her operatic talent is Hollywould Star. From the go the notes are surprising, it then goes high energy what her twilig and whirling across the stage. Isis and Hollywould really save the brunch in the second half and stood out.
Runway theme: The category is Not In My Backyard BBQ this is a mixed bag of looks with summer BBQs meeting Poolside chic. The runways on Drag Race Down Under give an edge that old drag race seasons used to bring. It’s a little rough around the edges, but somehow it makes it more interesting. The standouts without a doubt are Flor and Gabriella who met the brief in different ways.
The winner of the challenge for this week is Isis, who seems a little surprised. Hollywould is considered safe, but Ru wants her to break down her walls and show her softer side. Ru challenged Hollywould to display vulnerability whilst offering wise words to the young queen. It’s a passionate speech set to encourage not only her but the remaining queens.
Leaving the bottoms Gabriella and Bumpa although sad to see these two at the bottom, you know a good performance will be delivered. This week’s number is “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” by Jet, a huge hit and it’s the perfect track for these two. As expected Gabriella is making the most out of every inch on that stage. We say farewell to Bumpa who is told to sashay away.
What do you think of this week’s episode? Let us know in the comments below. RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under premieres Friday, July 28th at 3 am ET / 12am PT on WOW Presents Plus in the US and select territories worldwide, day and date with its local airing on TVNZ+ in New Zealand and Stan in Australia.
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