RuPaul’s Drag Race: Season 17, Episode 12 Recap
RuPaul’s Drag Race continues to captivate audiences with its blend of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. In Season 17, Episode 12, titled "Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve & Talent Monologues," the competition takes a turn as the queens face a challenging new format that tests their performance skills in unexpected ways. This week’s episode, rated three stars by critics, showcases the highs and lows of drag performance, vulnerability, and the ever-present quest for RuPaul’s approval.
The Challenge: A Test of Vulnerability and Performance
This week’s challenge, a play on the iconic Vagina Monologues, requires the contestants to deliver personal monologues while their partners perform interpretive dances. The twist? The queens are left in the dark about the judging criteria, leading to frustration and confusion. Contestant Suzie Toot expresses her anger during Untucked, highlighting the pressure and unpredictability that often accompanies the competition.
The challenge is particularly daunting as live performance monologues are among the most difficult tasks in Drag Race history. Last season, the queens avoided such solo performances, opting instead for team-based presentations. This year, however, the stakes are higher, with contestants needing to balance emotional storytelling with the flamboyant flair that drag demands.
Interpretations of the Challenge
As the queens prepare, four of them choose to share deeply personal stories, hoping to connect with the judges through vulnerability. RuPaul has always emphasized the importance of emotional depth in drag, but the challenge also calls for humor and charisma. The older queens, Onya and Lexi, seem to grasp this balance better than their younger counterparts, showcasing the wisdom that comes with experience.
The episode begins with a discussion about who should go home, revealing the competitive dynamics among the contestants. Onya criticizes the other queens for their lack of genuine answers, while Jewels provides comic relief by pointing out Suzie’s wig mishap. This light-hearted banter sets the tone for the episode, emphasizing the blend of drama and humor that keeps viewers engaged.
The Mini-Challenge: Mad-Libs and Pair Dynamics
Before diving into the main event, the queens participate in a paired mini-challenge involving Mad-Libs about their partners. This playful exercise highlights the camaraderie and rivalry among the contestants. Lexi’s strategic choice to partner with Onya instead of Sam creates tension, showcasing the cutthroat nature of the competition. The Mad-Libs are a hit, with Jewels emerging as the winner, while Onya’s choice to partner with Lexi proves to be a savvy move.
The Monologues: A Mixed Bag of Performances
As the main challenge unfolds, the performances vary significantly. Suzie and Jewels kick things off, with Suzie sharing a story about seeking her father’s approval. While their performance is technically sound, it lacks the specificity that would make it resonate on a deeper level. The judges critique the stereotypical nature of Suzie’s narrative, suggesting that it fails to reveal her unique identity.
In contrast, Onya and Lexi deliver a standout performance. Onya’s expressive storytelling about her brief stint as a vegan captivates the audience, while Lexi’s interpretive dance adds a layer of engagement. Their chemistry shines through, demonstrating the power of collaboration in drag.
Sam and Lana, however, struggle to find their footing. Lana’s lackluster storytelling and Sam’s inability to connect with the audience lead to a disappointing performance. The judges’ critiques highlight Sam’s regression, raising concerns about her trajectory in the competition.
The Runway: Embracing Bad Taste
The runway theme this week is “ugliest dress ever,” a challenge that invites creativity and humor. The queens are tasked with transforming bad taste into something memorable. Suzie’s Christmas tree ensemble is a bold choice, but it leans too heavily into the obvious. Jewels’ ‘80s prom dress fails to impress the judges, while Onya’s turkey costume lacks the necessary flair.
Lexi emerges as the clear winner of the runway challenge, presenting a series of stacked tutus that embody the spirit of bad taste while maintaining a fashionable edge. Sam’s outfit, which she believes to be ugly, falls flat, and Lana’s reference to Kandy Muse’s previous runway look feels uninspired.
The Lip Sync Battle: A Showdown for Survival
As the episode draws to a close, Lexi and Onya are declared the winners, a much-needed boost for Lexi as the competition intensifies. Meanwhile, Sam and Lana find themselves in the bottom two, facing off in a lip sync battle to Dua Lipa’s “Illusion.” Lana delivers a standout performance, showcasing her growth throughout the season, while Sam struggles to regain her footing.
Ultimately, Lana’s impressive lip sync earns her the victory, leading to Sam’s elimination. The judges’ decision reflects the harsh realities of the competition, where even strong performers can find themselves at risk.
Guest Judge and Final Thoughts
This week’s guest judge, Jerrod Carmichael, brings a unique energy to the panel, offering constructive feedback while maintaining his signature low-key demeanor. His presence adds an extra layer of intrigue to the episode, reminding viewers of the diverse talents that grace the Drag Race stage.
As the competition narrows down, the stakes continue to rise. With each queen showcasing their unique strengths and weaknesses, the path to the crown becomes increasingly unpredictable. The episode serves as a reminder that in the world of drag, vulnerability and humor must coexist, and the journey to self-discovery is as important as the final performance.
