Episode Discussion: The Final Three

[keeper-of-stars.livejournal.com]

The Final Three

Welcome back, squirrel friends! It’s time for the LAST leg of the race! Will Chad's experience and poise earn her the crown? Will Sharon prove that she really is the new face of drag by taking the competition? Or will evil previal and Phi Phi become America's Next Drag Superstar?

Wigs and heels don’t go on for a few hours yet, but let’s get the T flowing now!

Just a few things to keep in mind…
~ Try to stay on topic. This is an episode discussion after all.
~ Don’t be throwin’ no shade towards your fellow LJ-ers. (Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.)
~ Since this is an episode discussion, there will be spoilers in the comments. Enter at your own risk.
~ Please do not post spoilers for upcoming episodes.
~ And of course, don’t forget to werk.

Also, don’t forget that @rupaulsdragrace is once again holding their contest to win a prize pack! Just re-tweet the specified message and you’re entered.

Comments

[pharna.livejournal.com]

Omg!!! Go Sharon!!!!

Since I can't say GO LATRICE anymore boo...

[chedderpepper.livejournal.com]

I've never been so nervous about a reality show before

[miss-sassy.livejournal.com]

This is exactly how I feel. I'm so anxious lol

[bodacioussylph.livejournal.com]

I KNOW RIGHT? And it's especially odd because two of the three possible results would be just fine with me, which is better odds than one usually has at this point of a show.

[whenin-rome.livejournal.com]

+1

[idle-class.livejournal.com]

Anyone know of a live stream that works? I'm in a dorm with no tv and I usually wait until the video is up on logo, but I really want to watch this one live.

Thanks!

[omg-anna.livejournal.com]

when do they normally post the episodes on the website? i usually watch it later in the week but i want to get on this one ASAP!

[idle-class.livejournal.com]

It'll be there tomorrow morning... Hopefully this one will get posted elsewhere tonight. I don't want to be spoiled and I want to see Phi Phi lose.

[emmy0001.livejournal.com]

ahhhhhhhhh so nervous

[miss-sassy.livejournal.com]

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT THE FUCK. RU YOU SHADY BITCH

Shaking and crying right now, tbh, omg

[karenbcrazy.livejournal.com]

I am just as pissed as you are right now, I nearly tore one of the pillows on my couch into pieces.

[miss-sassy.livejournal.com]

I'm like too shocked to be mad. I was literally in my bedroom going "NO NO NO WTF NO". My husband thought I was dying lol

[dali-muse.livejournal.com]

Me too, can not believe it.

[miss-sassy.livejournal.com]

Idk if you got your spoilers yet, but Ru had all three of them LSFYL (which I sorta of saw coming with the constant "breaking all the rules" trailer, but then she didn't pick a winner and said that the viewers would decide. She's going to crown the winner based on votes on FB and Twitter, so the reunion will give us Willam's drama and the winner.

So mad tbh.

[karenbcrazy.livejournal.com]

All I have to say is: ARGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!

[karenbcrazy.livejournal.com]

I say still watch it, as there are some great moments within the episode but don't expect to be satisfied.

[(Anonymous)]

Hay girl. Didn't know you came here. Who you going for?

[jejuneraccoon.livejournal.com]

lol I forgot to sign on and it put me as anon. It's me!

[miss-sassy.livejournal.com]

Lol there's a comment on Ru's FB from somebody whose cable went out. Poor unfortunate souls

The episode is worth watching, I think. Seeing Raja and Tyra was neat.

[dali-muse.livejournal.com]

Let's start with what I did like about the episode:

The return of Raja as a mentor to coach the queens for the acting part in the video. Was not as excited to see Tyra, and what was up with her teeth? I know that she had corrective work done, but her grill looked worse, not better.

Chad letting the mask slip a little during her lunch with Ru. We learn why she started to create one in the first place.

The finished Glamazon video itself: super campy and fun.

SHARON. SHARON. SHARON. I loved the fact that she was the clumsy, uncoordinated one. She completely redeemed herself with the acting part in the video. I loved her fears about how her performance in the show will affect her relationship with Alaska. I totally disagree with the judging in that I DO think that America is ready for Sharon Needles. Anyone who can't handle her kind of drag probably doesn't like drag queens to begin with.

I love Michelle Visage: That is all.

What I hated: Seriously Ru? You can't choose? Why PhiPhi is in the top 3 when Latrice, Willam, and even The Princess are better performers and have better transformation skills than her, I still don't get. Other than the fact the producers want as much Sharon/PhiPhi tension as possible for the viewers revolt. I understand that Logo wants everyone to watch the reunion, but come on now!

I'm going to go vote for Sharon on Twitter. Not on failbook so there will be none of that.

[pharna.livejournal.com]

It's all being done by Twitter it seems:
https://twitter.com/#!/RuPaulsDragRace/status/194766389779759104
https://twitter.com/#!/RuPaulsDragRace/status/194767384211505152

[whenin-rome.livejournal.com]

[aeazel.livejournal.com]

While my initial reaction was WTF, mate?, I think this is better in the long-haul.

The next drag superstar should have fans, should be wanted, should be liked. This is Ru acknowledging that maybe she isn't always the best judge, and that we are the decision-makers in the end, because we won't go see a winner we don't like(within the confines of how things are edited—I'd almost say Phi Phi was sabotaged, if it wasn't clear there was so much shady business from which to choose).

Also, I've seen this season as RuPaul's efforts for campaigning during the election year (even before the political debate episode), so this fits perfectly in line with that.

Crafty, crafty Ru.

[teemn.livejournal.com]

I am convinced Ru didn't want to make the decision to crown Sharon without seeing how the viewers reacted to her. She had to wait until the season aired to know if we would love her or be afraid. Ru is openly about making her paper and I think she was nervous about a backlash. Some of the guest judges were weirded out by Sharon and I think Ru was afraid viewers might have been too. She already had guaranteed views for the reunion, because everyone wants to know what Willam did. I mean how hard is it to crown Sharon?! It was obvious since day one that Sharon was AMAZING and not to be fucked with. I really think this was all, because Ru was worried.

[10101110.livejournal.com]

I agree with Ru's decision, the viewers should have some say who is the next winner in Ru's drag race if the viewers don't like someone they won't want to go see them perform. I like both Sharon and Chad and really don't care who wins as long as it's not Phi Phi.

[barnacleboo.livejournal.com]

After the initial shock! gasp! reaction, I think it's a good idea and very very crafty of Ru indeed - they probably couldn't have banked on it feared backlash after crowning another 'alternative' queen, but it's completely unprecedented by how much Sharon has been embraced and of how far-reaching her appeal is. While she could be seen as too out there, I think it's her self-identification as not only a drag artist, but as an outsider and underdog that's made her resonate so much with people from all walks of life. I think it's a no-brainer that she'll take the crown and I'd be so pleased and happy for her.

[myswtghst.livejournal.com]

Agreed. I think, after crowning Tyra, who was not a fan favorite, then crowning Raja, who was a fan favorite, but also skewed much more androgynous / alternative (and many have complained about her level of experience), Ru had (perfectly reasonable) concerns about crowning any of the top 3 - Sharon is alternative (Raja), Phi Phi is never gonna be a fan favorite (Tyra minus any charm / self-awareness), and Chad may be a little too perfect / experienced for some fans (Bebe / Raja).

So, while I was totally frustrated last night, in the end, I'm kind of glad the fans get a voice in this one, too. :)

[10101110.livejournal.com]

I don't know why Chad being experienced would be a problem for some viewers. This is a competition after all and having experience in my opinion isn't a bad thing. As I stated I really don't care if Sharon or Chad wins as long as it's not Phi Phi, she is as Latrice Royale said "very shady" - there was no reason why she had to sabotage Jiggly Caliente, if she truly feels she could and should win then she let her talent shine instead of being under handed.

[pharna.livejournal.com]

For sure. Chad and Raja didn't win every single challenge. Both of them had to LSfYL before the final competition. Sure, Raja and Bebe were both models and had an advantage in the whole fashion thing, but there's more than just that to competition(thankfully) and they lost a fair number of times.

I agree, Phi Phi...GODDAAAAAAANG you are a shady bitch! GTFO!

[10101110.livejournal.com]

I love this shirt (http://store.sharonneedles.com/product/i-ran-into-sharon-needles-at-party-city-tee), Phi Phi and her bitchy/under handed ways gave Sharon a great tag line lol.

[pharna.livejournal.com]

That shirt is AWESOME. <3

Pity I won't be in Party City any time soon. :(

I think there needs to be a Phi Phi Phan Club sticker with that bloodhound mounting Phi Phi. Man that was a great scene. THANK YOU DOGGIE <3

[10101110.livejournal.com]

Sharon needs to do a commercial for Party City :)

[myswtghst.livejournal.com]

Oh, I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing (being experienced), it's just something I heard bandied about, both in fan communities and on the show (though that was mostly from Shangela / Alexis) as a criticism of Raja, and could see translating to Chad.

[10101110.livejournal.com]

I believe when they talk about experience they are referring to Chad's age and the fact that she is older than Phi Phi or Sharon, while they are looking for a talented queen they are also thinking about the next face of drag. I don't think it's an ageist thing per sa, I think it's more of a "next generation" thing. I like Chad, I think she gives to the community what is sorely missed, a sense of well...community. If they do rule her out just because she is older it would be a shame. On the other hand, if they are strictly going for the next face of drag, it's Sharon, hands down.

[pharna.livejournal.com]

I figured the Miss Congeniality contest was for the fans. Man, season 2 had some nasty competition for that; Jujubee, Raven AND Boxx?!

Alternative is a HUGE pool. Raja could do the glamour queen when she wanted to but also be the whacko bitch with the cyclops hat. Sharon...can't turn on that glamour switch like Raja could, and I think she's got a bit more of the fan favorite power behind her. I wasn't really fond of Raja & co the Heather thing. I thought it was really retarded. Sharon didn't resort to any bull like that, she's been repeatedly attacked by Phi Phi but guess what, she just keeps on honey badgering and not giving a ****. I give Sharon huge props for that. Though I'd never label Raja a troll at the Phi Phi/Tyra level. Gawd, Tyra's singing off key.......If that wasn't real-life trolling, I don't know what is!

I think if there are any queens who are shafted, it's the Camp Queens. Like yes, Mimi Imfurst. I've only seen a campy drag show but I absolutely loved it! It takes guts to go in drag then further try and make a fool of yourself. Most of the camp queens don't know how to sew, and think couture is some typo of torture.

I know this is all about who can fill RuPaul's (Iron Fist) shoes, and Missy Ru is one of the most glamourous humans in the universe.

[miss-sassy.livejournal.com]

Does anybody know why Bebe wasn't with Raja and Tyra? I know Season 1 wasn't quite as polished as the following seasons, but Bebe was fierce and I would have loved to see her with the other Queens.

[pharna.livejournal.com]

It could be a timing thing, perhaps Bebe was tearing up the Ivory Coast with her sickeningness.

[chungguksaram.livejournal.com]

if the fans get to decide then sharon is the definite winner tbqh

[10101110.livejournal.com]

Her finger nail tentacles reminded me of the episode of My Strange Addiction with that woman that refused to cut her finger and toe nails lol. LOVE SHARON!

[whenin-rome.livejournal.com]

mte

[anansie-s.livejournal.com]

My prediction is that Chad will win, and that Sharon will be the runner-up. Because I think Ru likes Chad more than she lets on, and loves Sharon -- but I think they'll not give Sharon the win so that they can milk her a little more by putting her on All-Stars. She did win the fan vote for all-stars. And has already filmed an episode of Drag U -- none of the past winners have been on Drag U in the year following their win.

Although this might all be wishful thinking and my ideal outcome. Maybe PhiPhi will win. Much as I want to like Michelle VIsage, her commentary on the contestants is becoming so ridiculous it's meaningless.

I don't understand how she slammed Alexis for exactly what she's praising PhiPhi for. On Alexis it was regional and old-fashioned and pageanty. On PhiPhi it's great and the new generation of drag. Even though Alexis was actually talented, didn't paint her mug 10 years older than her age, a great performer, and often charming.

And criticizing Chad for being old-fashioned compared to PhiPhi? Saying that Sharon always does goth even though she doesn't? She's blithering.

I don't hate PhiPhi (anymore), she's not as bad as all that. But the lack of critique (and Santino turning her nastiness into something praiseworthy) is kind of insulting of the viewers.

It's a bit worrying though, the reaction to PhiPhi. Did anyone hear that interview with Sharon, PhiPhi & DIda in which Sharon was literally in tears about being worried about what's going to happen to PhiPhi after this?

[nearlynina.livejournal.com]

Do you remember where you saw this?

[anansie-s.livejournal.com]

Here it is:

http://thehomohappyhour.podomatic.com/entry/2012-04-19T15_29_11-07_00

[10101110.livejournal.com]

I agree with you regarding Michelle VIsage. Half the time, based on her comments, I doubt she is watching the same show as I am lol.

[entj.livejournal.com]

I totally agree with you about Michelle Visage. While I think perhaps she means well and I think she has a kindly, motherly streak, but her commentary ... maybe it's the editing, but for whatever reason, I get the impression that she's out of her league.