Once more we begin this week’s episode, grab a box of tissues- as it’s about to become an emotional rollercoaster that is brimming with emotions filled with joy, happiness, and powerful statements. After we said goodbye to Actavia last week, the girls declare Lill the lip sync assassin. With a fresh week underway, Ru arrives to tell the girls how much they must be missing the comforts of home. So, to their delight he has a little surprise in store for them.
Introducing the first surprise of the episode is revealed as Charra Tea’s mum Pamela, walks out- cue the waterworks! Not only is it emotional seeing her reunite with her son, but also embracing in a big hug with Rupaul himself. As Kyran Thrax points out while laughing, “Charra’s mum just hugged Rupaul, we haven’t even hugged Rupaul!” Next, Rileasa’s gorgeous sister Channi arrives, followed by Lill’s stunning mum Angela. In typical British fashion, they both resort to laughing in order to avoid crying.
Kyran’s boyfriend, Richie, is next up, bringing Kyran to tears. It’s so nice to see everyone’s support systems arriving, bringing a happy energy and excitement. Marmalade is joined by her mum, Debroah, to which Marmalade deflects with her humour joking,, “I’ve never seen this woman in my life,” to which Mum replies, “You promised me I wouldn’t have to do it.” However, the most wholesome moment comes when Richard La Voix’s 78-year-old dad makes an entrance, leaving La Voix in shock.
With all these beautiful people in the room, it can only mean one thing: the family resemblance makeover challenge. Right away Richard is eager to support La Voix, while Marmalade is being scolded by her mum for having a messy workstation. Channi on the other hand is concerned about how she’ll be dressed by Rileasa, who is, of course, known for her minimal clothing style. Lill and her mum finally succumb to their emotions, declaring how proud they are of each other and how much they missed one other. Pamela, is an icon, proudly revealing her chosen drag name- Charra Pea – which is greeted by laughter and horror by Charra.
Remember the days of the Tic Tac lunches? We kind of get those moments back, as Ru and the queens and their loved ones get to sit down with Ru. It’s all heartfelt, fun, and touching to see the rarity and unwavering support from the parents. Richards’ record collection which featured legends like Shirley Bassey, Diana Ross, and Liza Minelli, delights Ru. La Voix jokes she thought Richard would also come out. Richard adamant support is so important as he expresses how he can’t fathom how any parent can reject their child for being gay.
It’s time for the runway, and this week’s guest judge is presenter, Aj Odudu. The runway is glowing with love, creativity, and there is not a single bad looks onstage. La Voix and Voix La look like twins, and Richard does a wonderful job at walking in his heels—La Voix is baffled that she’s really walking the runway on Drag Race with both of them in drag. Marmalade and Just Jam serve Clueless-esque in chequered suits made by Marmalade; Jam looks gorgeous in pink, and it’s so fun to watch their loved ones light up on the runway. Charra Tea and Mumma Tea come matching Pretty In Pink—something I would want to wear. They are just adorable on stage together. Kyran and Rubella come out as campy bins—complete with colourful fluff accessories. It’s so Kyran; it’s wacky, and of course weird—they’re even joined by a mini bin baby. It’s my favourite look on the runway, alongside Marmalade’s.
Rileasa and her sister are twinning in sparkly red dresses paired with glamorous blue boas—kudos to Rileasa, who made her dresses pretty much last minute. Finally out last is Lill and Lola Buzzcocks embodying burlesque punk girls, tattooed up, busting out, sparkling, and giving such a punk attitude they really sold the performance. I do think challenges such as these, which are centred around positivity and love, that no-one should be eliminated -it kind of dampens the mood. Especially after Richard makes such a passionate speech about what a privilege it is to be onstage with his gay son, in drag, and how marvellous, tremendous and powerful drag is. At 78 years, he hopes he’s setting an example to other parents who should love their children regardless of gender or sexuality. His words bring everyone to tears, and RuPaul thanks him for his beautiful speech.
The judges face another struggle finding any weak points in the queen’s looks, but they decide the winner of this week’s challenge is Marmalade, who finally earns her first badge. It’s been a great episode for her. Though unfortunately, it does see Charra and Rileasa land in the bottom two. The lip sync song this week is a surprise: we’ve been rick rolled with Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up. The songs this season have been so unexpected and have leaned more into the disco/wedding numbers, which highlight the personality of the UK. While I did think it would be a double save, as both performances were so entertaining, we say goodbye to our positive Charra Tea.
