I scarcely know where to begin with this episode.

• I think this was the best ensemble music/dance number in the history of the show. My word, Chi Chi Devayne, bounce that booty, girl! Frankly, I didn't catch anybody majorly screwing up, and I was delighted. I like it better when Ru is forced to choose between excellent contenders, rather than obvious goofs.
  
  
• I am somewhat relieved that, so far, this doesn't seem to be Derrick's season to lose like I imagined it might be. I'm glad -- I love Bianca, but it does make the season a bit less interesting when there's a clear winner almost from the outset.
  
  
• Kim Chi broke my heart. "I wouldn't want me, either." I wanted to hug her after being picked last. And the story about her previous weight, and about being a virgin ... at this point in the show, she has no idea how amazing everyone thinks she is. I did love RuPaul reassuring her about her lisp - that was a cute moment.
  
  
• I am warming up to Cynthia Lee Fontaine despite her voice. She seems like a very kind person, and wow, her cha cha! She was on fire!
  
  
• I was genuinely moved by Chi Chi DeVayne's story. To come from gang violence and take the road to drag ... it takes a very courageous soul to change a situation like that. However she places in this competition, she has already won in my eyes by taking such a risk and triumphing. She has every ounce of my admiration and respect.
  
  
• This episode is the most gorgeous I have ever seen Michelle look. She was truly beautiful -- loved her updo.
  
  
• So many spectacular gowns on the runway this episode! I loved the combination of geometry and flow on Naomi Smalls (she is so beautiful); Robbie Turner's Vera Wang was gorgeous, and Acid Betty's was architectural and visually interesting, even if there's something about her that feels like she's trying way too hard. Maybe it's just me, but it feels like her attacks are a means of protecting herself; a defense mechanism. Not that it in any way justifies her being so mean to everyone else, or makes me like her at all, but I think I at least see a little of the shell she's carrying.
  
  
• Others feel differently, but I was a little annoyed by how staged this double elimination felt. From my perspective, it seemed like a bit of shady editing, and even with that, Dax looked like she turned it out enough to stay. Yes, they both could have delivered more for "I Will Survive," but neither one was born when the song came out -- it was over a decade and a half before Laila's time -- so it might not be as iconic for them as it is for some of us older fans. I don't know, it just feels like this double elimination / bring a queen back plan existed before anyone's high heel hit the runway. And this season is so good already, I don't feel like it needs this gimmick. Ah, well, Ru didn't ask me, and I'm sure she's worrying all the way to the bank. ;)
  
  
• I have seen a lot of speculation on social media that RuPaul called Skarlet Starlet. To me, it seems unlikely that she would call a new queen that we haven't seen and permit her to miss two challenges. Naomi Smalls herself liked my tweet stating this speculation, so I feel like I'm on the right track since she was there. ;)

Given the potential change in the line-up next week, I'm going to wait before naming my top five. :)

And, by the way, big hugs to this community. I always enjoy these discussions so much. :)