After no one goes home, the queens have one thing to do, and that’s celebrate, starting with congratulating Leona Winters on her win. Secondly, there is the disappointment over the surprise non-elimination, but the episode starts fast, and it’s that time. Get the shades out, as it’s time to read The Queens. It’s the reading challenge—finally, a mini-challenge that makes sense. Overall, it’s a good mixed bag of funny, well-crafted jokes sprinkled with a tiny bit of cringe, but that’s the beauty of reading. The shadiest queen of them all goes to Le Filip.
With the shades off, it’s time to announce this week’s maxi-challenge, and it’s the snatch game. As an international viewer, it can be interesting to watch, as we know very little about who they plan to portray. But as Rupaul always says, you have to make it funny and make us laugh. So with that said, many do a good job. The guest judges joining the game are Tahnee and Cristina Cordula. To Cristina’s delight, Norma Bell is impersonating her, and her face is full of joy watching her portrayed up there. Ruby On The Nail shines as a rapper, Ejul, and for me, the standout is Misty Phoenix as Lolo Ferrari, a pink bimbo dream who does a really fun job. I have no idea who or what she does, but as a viewer, who cares?
Half way through, as things start to take shape and everyone’s having a camp old time, that sparkly telephone arrives and brings out a sense of dread in everyone as it’s brought out by the pit crew. What could it mean? In a twist, the queens are given one hour to change into a brand new character for part two of the snatch game, meaning a double game is ahead. This can play into the hands of those on the struggle bus, as Le Filip and Lula Strega are dejected by how they’re performing, so it’s a lifeline to those who need that boost and a much-needed part two. Back out for round two, and Perseo is a sleepy, nerdy Katy Perry from the Last Friday Night music video, which is an interesting choice. But more so is Norma Bell as Father Fouras from the TV show Fort Boyard. Lula finds her stride performing as Chantal Goya in a high-pitched comical voice. It’s also wonderful to see Ruby On The Nail finally coming into the spotlight and excelling as bored actress Isabelle Adjani.
Out on the runway, the category is The Big Bad Look, which can be open for interpretation. For me, Lula Strega killed it with her childhood trauma as the other mother from Coraline, and it was instantly recognisable. Many went down the villainous route with iconic fictional characters such as Ruby and the horror icon Nosfertau. On the other hand, while I adore Perseo, the looks are blending into one, and the identifiable Canary Queen style we see is just constantly being showcased. Also, a quick side note on the judge, Daphne Burki. Her face is so enchanting. A complete face of glitter would give Bianca Del Rio’s Season 7 crowning entrance a run for her money. On the mainstage, and with deliberations tense, Nicky Doll decides to chuck a curveball and ask who should go home tonight. It’s delightful how quick the queens crumble like biscuits when having to say who should leave. But the majority say Le Filip, which I hate to agree with as one isn’t supposed to have favourites, but I don’t think she did a terrible job.
This makes untucked fun; Leona Winters is upset at having to answer such a question, while on the other end, Le Filip is understanding and undeterred. Back on the mainstage, the tops have been decided, with Lulu and Misty Phoenix on top, but Ruby On The Nail takes the win and finally has her well-earned glow up and successful run, winning her first maxi challenge. Unfortunately, this leaves Norma Bell and Le Filip at the bottom. This week, they’ll be lip-syncing it out to Marcia Baila by Les Rita Mitsouko. From the start, it’s chaotic, and it’s a fun watch and a little unexpected from both of these queens. Although Le Filip makes the most of the stage, making sure all eyes are on her. The judges agree, meaning Norma Bell is sent home.
What did we think of this week’s episode? Tune-In: Drag Race France S3 will premiere Friday, May 31st on WOWPresents Plus in the US and select territories worldwide, day-and-date with its local airing on France TV’s SLASH.
