REVIEW: RuPaul's Drag Race UK - Series 3, Episode 2 "Dragoton"

 A little bit of a downgrade on the opening episode, but still a poignant and enjoyable ride!

P.S. A little foreword: 

All comments are just my basic opinions and thoughts, and I am in no way a professional, nor should my comments be taken as such. Every Queen deserves endless love and support for the ART that they produce every single day. Even if I hated a look, it is not a comment on the Queen and their potential, as we all know Drag Race is reality TV and not a true reflection of a Queen's skillset. I support them all, and if any ever read this... You're stunning! Period. Head over and show these Queen's the love they deserve! Thank you so much, and enjoy! <3

Also, beware: SPOILERS AHEAD! 

Episode 2 came at us with a zany exercise routine dance-off, something I don't necessarily enjoy very much in Drag Race. These challenges always feel a little too staged, a little too cheesy, and I don't always appreciate what I think they're trying to go for. I do believe this set of Queens managed to save it, however. Overall, the standout moments were nothing to do with the challenge itself; it's the interactions between Queens that really speak to the audience. Those heartfelt moments are what make Drag Race UK thrive!

First off, the episode hits it off with some tension. Krystal Versace pushes her luck with some jokes about Victoria Scone's weight. I must admit, I do feel it was unnecessary, especially in this instance. However, I am confident that Versace meant no harm in her words, and I'm glad the moment created a moment of beauty rather than an ongoing tension. The challenge was a Supermarket Sweep idea, and I enjoyed it. I would've agreed with Versace's choices like her biggest competition being Victoria, and the trade of the season being Ella Vaday. 

Let's talk about one of my favourite moments: The Queens come together for a little discussion about body image and skin colour, and how it has affected them growing up. Vanity Milan speaks of the insults she would get for being a person of colour, and Victoria speaks of her struggles with weight over the years. It's a common issue throughout the UK and the World. I feel it was approached extremely well, and felt very natural, making for a sweet moment between the cast. 

The challenge itself was a confusing one. I feel the latter half of the episode was slightly off-kilter. First of all, I didn't really enjoy the theme. There were some standout moments, whether it be the odd one-liners or the really quite impressive dance skills shown. Oti Mabuse really put these Queen's to the test, so I was very impressed by what they produced. However, Ella Vaday's team were dealt a very unfair hand. It seemed everyone else had a healthy amount of screen time during the challenge, whereas that team had about five seconds. It definitely ruined the chances of anyone doing well on that team. That is another issue I always notice with this sort of challenge. Having said that, Kitty Scott-Claus, Krystal Versace, River Medway, and Veronica Green did seem to do really well as a group. I also feel that Choriza May should be applauded for her efforts. 

Let's move on to the runway. I'll start with my two weaker looks, but before that, let me say... What was wrong with this runway? I don't feel that any look took my breath away, and a 'Red Carpet Ready' runway would be one of the easiest categories to slay. It was a rather average performance overall. Let's get my least favourites out of the way. The worst looks, for me, have to be Elektra Fence and Victoria Scone. Now, I don't think anyone else had a look that I disliked, I just didn't necessarily LOVE much about the presentation we received. Elektra's looks was just weak, unfortunately. I thought it looked more like a 50's inspired Space look. The outfit didn't offer much to make it shine, and the hair just didn't work for me. If there was something beautiful underneath, it could've been elevated so much by just doing that. Victoria's look almost looked like she'd wrapped herself in a duvet. It just didn't work. If she were able to wear heels, I fear the gown wouldn't have even hit the floor, and that would've ruined the illusion completely. It just looked creased and dull, sadly. My Biggest Boot would have to go to... Victoria.

On a lighter note, there's a few runways I enjoyed tonight. I'll do a couple shout outs to River Medway and Scarlett Harlett for their presentations. The former had a lovely gown, I just feel the wig looked messy and almost seemed like a 'Red Carpet Morning After' look rather than at its finest. I didn't find any faults with Scarlett's, it just didn't quite take a top two spot. My top two looks this week go to Choriza May and Krystal Versace. Choriza's look was very different and unexpected, but the execution was pretty flawless and I really enjoyed it. Krystal's look was simple, but the way she delivered it to the viewer was scrumptious. She looked divine! Overall, my top toot this week is... Krystal!

And now I can discuss my thoughts on the outcome and judging. I think I agreed with the decisions made. I found Vanity's wig and outfit very distracting, and Elektra fell into the Jan trap - giving 200% 24/7 meaning it probably did more damage than intended. I do believe Krystal did really well, and I think Kitty Scott-Claus was very fun to watch. I could kind of see why Veronica was in the top three, but I do feel Choriza belonged there over her. I felt Veronica's runway was not as stunning as the judges suggested. I liked the dress, but thought the wig was heavy on her and the lip was a little too intense, but I loved the colour and reference! My top three this week were definitely: Choriza May, Krystal Versace, and Kitty Scott-Claus. The winner would've likely been Choriza if it were up to me, and I'll leave my personal chart/contestant progress below. 

I agreed with the bottom two, controversial, I know, but I did, and I do feel the right persons stayed. Elektra was doing far too much for a song that did not have that level of energy, and for that reason, Vanity won. I'm glad we get to see more of her, but it is a shame Elektra has gone because her energy and passion was immense!

Overall, I do think the challenge this week was a little weak, but the Queen's are really quite brilliant and they are what carry the show, so I'm excited for next week... Let's go!

As promised, below I'll drop a Contestant Progress chart IF it were down to me, with the actual progress alongside!