by Chris Feil
We're almost to the finish line! This week, RuPaul's Drag Race brought the feels for an emotional runway but also at the thought of eliminating one of these queens. I don't know about you, dear readers, but I feel more affection to each of these four than any final four (maybe) ever. Everybody say "LOVE"!
Taking a clear lead from All Stars popular final rap single challenge, the queens all have to write their own verse to a remix of RuPaul's "Category Is". Between rehearsal, the girls each guested on Ru and Michelle's podcast "What's the T?" and all its ad-friendly earnestness - all that Squatty Potty and Ru didn't take a minute to talk about Squarespace? Quelle surprise!
But the real story to this final competitive episode was to spend some real quality time with each of the queens before the crowning finale - it was really about giving each queen the chance to sell themself. The runway found each queen in peak form and pulled on our heartstrings as they spoke to their child-selves about their own journey. Once again, the show proved its worth in showing all different kinds of stories within the LGBT community, the competition itself at its most and least significant with all these queens have faced. How in the hell can one of these queens be sent home?
Well, Mama Ru had one more surprise in store. For the first time, the show is giving us a top four for the finale! While it's hardly surprising givenmany competition shows have gone this route when it's too close to call, it feels very rewarding here. After a powerhouse performance this week, it would have been unjust to send Peppermint home based on previous mistakes and a subpar turnout from Trinity would have flown against her brilliant season run. A win-win all around, especially for the audience.
Let's take a look back at what will help and hinder each queen on their way to the crown:
Peppermint
Working for her - Her heart. While you could mix up Michelle’s other C.U.N.T. assignments (Shea for Talent or Sasha for Nerve would have also been correct), Charisma is all Pep’s. Her story as a trans woman has been the most moving of the entire season. Momentum is also strongly on her side and she is going out on a high note with brilliant work this week. *Peppermint scream*
Best of the Season - Her “Jennifer Hudson leather mommy” lipsync to “Macho Man” last week or the Roast.
Working against her - Her unpolished moments have lingered. The stats simply don’t favor a win for her: she would be the first queen in the history of the show to win with multiple lipsyncs.
Worst of the Season - Yeah, those pink skirts are hard to let go.
Sasha Velour
Working for her - Our brainy queen is one of the few in Drag Race herstory to never land in the bottom two. Sasha is also the only queen in the finale that landed in the top three in the first episode - while her highs may not match her competitors for memorability, she’s been the most consistent from the beginning. She has the most distinct and recognizable aesthetic. And now for a gay history lesson!
Best of the Season - Marlene Dietrich in Snatch Game should have nabbed her a solo win
Working against her - Her two wins were shared with Shea. Her creativity takes a lot of explanation sometimes (like her Pride flag look), which softens her impact. The show always seemed to want us to root for someone else and never her.
Worst of the Season - At her worst Sasha just doesn’t register, like in the Kardashian musical.
Shea Couleé
Working for her - All those damn runways! Though 2 wins were shared with Sasha, Shea ties Sharon Needles and Alaska (for All Stars) with the most wins in a season. She won each for acing different skills: fashion, humor, dancing, sheer stage presence. The show has presented her in a “can do no wrong” way that no other contestant this season received - not even Valentina before her fall from grace. "Why y'all acting brand new?!"
Best of the Season - Her Hometown runway was a hint of the ferocity and wit to come
Working against her - But perfection can be boring. For all the Drag Race boxes she checks off with ease, you think she’d be more of a consensus favorite than she is.
Worst of the Season - Her crew makeover.
Trinity Taylor
Working for her - The season narrative has been about fighting your way to the top and Trinity is the most competitive. No other queen has pushed themselves past their own aesthetics and point of view more than her, or done so with such an unwavering sense of humor. Her bitchier side is her most endearing and don’t call her just a pageant queen - she’s not the girl we thought she was. *duct tape rip*
Best of the Season - Can her interviews count? If not, then her 9021ho mom
Working against her - Had this been a top three, her final performance would have likely sent her home - not a strong final note to be asking for fan votes in the most competitive finale ever.
Worst of the Season - The talk show that landed her in the bottom before she found her comic stride
This week's Untucked was nothing but love and reflection, and thankfully minimal shade thrown as they (and we) get to soak up the last time as an assembled group.
For the first time, this season of RuPaul's Drag Race gives us a finale lineup where any one of these competitors feels like a worthy winner. It's a very close call, but I am still firmly #TeamShea.
Final Ranking:
- Shea Couleé
- Trinity Taylor
- Peppermint
- Sasha Velour
- Valentina OUT
- Eureka O'Hara OUT
- Nina Bo'Nina Brown OUT
- Farrah Moan OUT
- Alexis Michelle OUT
- Aja OUT
- Cynthia Lee Fontaine OUT
- Charlie Hides OUT
- Jaymes Mansfield OUT
- Kimora Blac OUT
Gif as Episode Grade:
Tell us in the comments which queen you're rooting for!