Alright Mary: All Things RuPaul's Drag Race

We finally have a full workroom of queens this week, and we’ve brought on a guest to help us officially kick off the competition! CJay from “Can We Kick It?” and “Straight Talk with Ross” joins the conversation to discuss Symone’s Drag Race, Denali’s lip sync assassination, Utica’s face journey, Kandy’s rebranding (and that cowboy hat), and why you don’t want to act up in church with Tamisha. Follow CJay on Insta: cjaylyfe His Podcast: Can We Kick It? or on Twitter: CJayLyfe Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

Here’s a 20 minute preview of our discussion on the UK Season 2 premiere! To hear more, subscribe on Patreon (link below). Spoiler Alert: we loved it. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

It’s déjà vu all over again as the six Pork-Chopped queens return to the race for a couple more fashion shows, requisite chaotic choreography, another main stage performance plugging Ru’s Vegas show and still no eliminations. But this week mother truly arrives as Tamisha Iman becomes the ultimate adult in the room, Utica sails into pizza queen territory (on a boat made of French bread), Joey Jay finally and frequently goes wigless and frankly, we have questions about Kahmora Hall’s boyfriend. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

Last week we had six lip syncs in one episode, and this week we got three runways and a live show! Granted, half the queens spent the week in their hotel rooms, but that just meant we had a chance to fall in love with Lala Ri, see a more vulnerable side of Gottmik and bask in the glow of Olivia Lux. To say nothing of Symone TKO’ing the competition once again this week. Despite a fake-out with two T’s, no one’s been eliminated yet, and frankly, we’re not ready to see any of them go. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

To anyone who’s said that Drag Race is getting stale, Season 13’s response is, “What about this?” This week remixes the typical premiere episode we’ve come to expect from the season with six lip syncs before the queens can even get their catchphrases out. Does this mean half the cast was eliminated in week one? Not necessarily, but we do see a lot of them thinking otherwise. Symone steals the show, the crown, and our hearts, but Olivia Lux also shines, Tina burns it down, Rosé doesn’t quite rise, Denali skates through the challenge and Utica gives us 7-11 legs on day one. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

For our special ‘Free Skate’ patreon movie for the holidays, today we discuss 2011’s Bridesmaids which we feel is the gift that keeps on giving. These wise, funny women followed the stars and brought us 4 notable scenes (the engagement party, the dress shop, the airplane, and the bridal shower) begging for a deep dive. We queen out over each performance, explain why we didn’t need the Police Officer Rhodes storyline, and how this movie keeps the party going to the last “I Do.” Whether you need a distraction or a hearty laugh for two hours, this movie is just the last minute gift you might be looking for. Thanks for listening and have a merry merry, Mary! Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

2021 will be teeming with queens with both Season 13 and Drag Race UK Season 2 kicking off in January. That means this week we have 25 new names and faces to get to know, share some hot takes on and make mostly baseless predictions about! As usual, we expect to be mostly proven wrong over the next few months, but are excited to see if Symone or Olivia Lux are going to run away with their season, whether Tamisha will warm up or fans will have a sweet tooth for Kandy Muse. Across the Atlantic we indeed fancy a slice of Ginny Lemon, are excited to meet Joe Black, and are already on a nickname basis with Ronnie Green. But despite the duvet, don’t sleep on Sister Sister! Find out which season we’re more excited for, our thoughts on this show as a US vs UK platform, and which queen we’re ready to see sashay away first. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

Patreon Flashback: Imagine if Home Alone was just a 10-minute Christmas movie about a rich AF mother’s journey to get to her son and it starred Catherine O’Hara. That’s essentially the movie we discuss on this week’s Alright Merry. Of course we discuss (a lovely cheese) pizza (just for me), John Heard, John Candy, and who Colin would play, but we do our best to highlight as many nuances of Kate McCallister as we can. And that DONUT. On the phone! Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

A Special Patreon Flashback: This week we discuss the drag queens of Showgirls and dissect why this movie fails so perfectly. Liz Berkeley only has two actions, nothing in the movie is sexy, Kyle MacLachlan shows us his brown eye, and Gina Gershon leaves us … deceased? We could talk for another 2 hours about this movie and just might in a year from now. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

This week, two major races come to their rightful conclusions. Congratulations, of course, to the next Dutch drag superstar, but first we need to spend nearly 20 minutes queening out on a clip of VP-elect Kamala Harris on the phone with Joe Biden. Then we discuss this perfectly fine finale challenge, with some choreography that needed more pump and bump, a runners-up runway that needed less awkward clapping, a loving send-off of this season’s surprise pizza queen, the puzzling return of Drag Race’s worst guest judge, and the crowning of Miss Envy Peru after a stellar showing all season. We wrap things up with a truly celebratory last chance lip sync as this marathon year of Drag Race recaps finally comes to an end. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

Drag Race Holland’s 11:00 number is a musical fit for a queen, as the final four give Maxima the royal Rusical treatment this week. Then it’s an unofficial red, white, and blue ball on the runway, leaving us with not much to say about the looks and more to say about the problem with just being pretty. The competition is Envy’s to beat at this point, while Janey Jacké pulls out another win before the finale, MaMa Queen pulls on some pants and Abby pulls through after 4 lip syncs. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

Surprise, Sydney! We’re ending our “Alright, Scary” season this year with a discussion about the 1996 (classic?) Scream starring Neve Campbell. We delve into some of the details of this movie that we love, gush over the bathroom scene, praise some of Neve’s line readings, and of course pick apart why that opening sequence is a film in and of itself. So make some Jiffy Pop popcorn and take a listen. Happy Halloween! All month we have been discussing scary movies over on our patreon and put out patreon episodes every week. See the link below to sign up. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

Drag Race Holland peaks this week with a wonderful, heartfelt makeover episode featuring three proud parents talking casually in the middle of the workroom. We got beautiful tears from most contestants and judges, the first drag dad ever in the franchise, Abby OMG is safe another week despite not having any fans, and a mini challenge that featured a winner’s nuance from Envy Peru. Drag Variety Show for Johnny’s chorus Friday Oct 30 – 8PM PST: live.pdxgmc.org Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

The six queens standing face off in Holland’s first Snatch Game this week. While we didn’t recognize anyone except ChelseaBoy’s fully committed Joe Exotic, Envy Peru pulled out all the stops (and a hose) to get her third win of the season. Sederginne’s Mega Mindy was mega muddled and her multiple muppets on the runway weren’t going to be taking Amsterdam anytime soon, sending her to the bottom with de facto lip sync assassin Abby OMG for a surprise elimination. All that being said, we have quite a lot to say about an imaginary Halloween party full of moms and MaMa Queen. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it. Except there’s in fact a lot to it, as Holland’s Top 7 discover in this week’s vogueing challenge. No one is getting 10’s across the board this episode, which is probably why we spend a good amount of time talking about Lifetime movies. On the runway, Envy and Janey are queens of the same feather, Sederginne is pissed, ChelseaBoy continues to be a treasure, and Madame Baldness shaves her beard off in a last ditch effort to stay in the competition. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

It’s Desperate Housequeens this week as our remaining eight Dutch divas ham and cheese it up for the first acting challenge of the season. But not before eating cakes on a clothesline and squatting over glass bottles in a Queens Day inspired mini challenge. ChelseaBoy blows us away on the runway (and in the workroom with her evolved take on drag), Sederginne’s hay queen doesn’t quite stack up with her acting chops, Janey’s melting freezer bags didn’t make us wet, Madame Madness makes a moo-stake with that cow couture, Abby wilts, and Megan purses her tulips and windmills out of the competition this week. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

In this week’s free-skate Patreon episode, we couldn’t not sit down and talk about the first seven episodes of Pen15 Season 2. Our hearts are all aflutter to see a gay coming of age storyline with Gabe that feels so honest and rooted in so much truth. We queen out over Maya and Anna’s brilliance when it comes to sex shaming, boy sleepovers, school play occurrences and cast parties, other friends’ parents, and pool parties. We praise this season’s new tone of heavier, unresolved traumas including all that went into Maura’s storyline. And incase it goes without saying, “Mommy. Mommy! Mommy bring me water, bring me turnips.” Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

The queens get physical this week for a dragged out workout challenge, but not before clogging the workroom and stirring up some classic high school gym class trauma while picking teams. We have a lot to say on the topic, plus: an extended take on the name Megan, escaping an Andrea, overcoming some tough Australians, little sister Abby, our ever-deepening love for potential pizza queen Sederginne, continued appreciation for ChelseaBoy, and of course that bore of a Roar that sent Patty pack-packing. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

The race is on in the Netherlands for the next Dutch drag superstar! Drag Race Holland runs the familiar course of a pilot episode, introducing 10 new queens to the workroom for a relay of entrance lines, photo shoots, and runway looks. Despite a predictable ride, we’re already excited by Madame Madness’s beard, Miss Abby OMG’s name, and Sederginne in and out of drag. We can’t say we fully agreed with the judges (one especially!) or fully understood the banter (what’s that about chocolate cake?), and we were sorry to see Roem check out so early, but it was a fun first lap around the track. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

Canada continues to keep us guessing down to the last lap! The Top 3 march the familiar paces of a finale challenge, with interviews, recording sessions and choreography rehearsals leading to a final floor show for their eliminated co-stars and just-family panel of judges. While Scarlett’s lip synch, Rita’s singing, and Priyanka’s runway win the competition this week, we talk about not comparing queens while comparing a lot of queens and tangent onto Vegas Revue, participators, Dutch pancakes, queer as a catch-all, and some brewing excitement for Drag Race Holland. Tot zeins! Already up to date with Canada’s Drag Race? So are we! Follow along with us on Patreon (link below). Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

We’ve seen the queens shivering through Untucked all season, but things get especially chilly this week as the final four bundle up for The Snow Ball. While the mini-challenge was a delightfully mild Act One, much of our attention this week went to the blizzard of confounding decisions made on the runway, both from the queens and the judges. We also have much to say about WoW’s response to the JBC backlash on social media, where “standom” comes from, the importance of reading, CDR’s moment of appreciation for ball culture, and of course, the much welcomed presence of a familiar face, Michelle Visage. Already up to date with Canada’s Drag Race? So are we! Follow along with us on Patreon (link below). Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

The final five find family resemblance in a quintet of brave new Canadians for this week’s makeover challenge. While the judges understandably soured on Lemon and Lime and were not amused by the Baga sisters’ clowning around, the mumbo jumbo judgment of Jimbo and Bimbo left us in limbo. The Bobos’ were so-so while Priyanka and Elektra floated to the top in Mardi Gras costumes. At least we finally got an Alanis lip sync. Already up to date with Canada’s Drag Race? So are we! Follow along with us on Patreon (link below). Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

Canada is pulling the padge for this week’s maxi improv challenge, the Miss Loose Jaw pageant. Lemon’s appeal continues to show as she immerses herself into the character of Miss Fitts, Jimbo deepthroats a microphone as the town pump, Priyanka labors to bring her pregnant persona to life, Scarlett bangs out another safe placement in the competition, Rita doesn’t quite bag it this week, and Ilona paints herself into a corner. We also have much to say about Rita’s big mom energy, Jimbo’s meltdown, Scarlett’s BSA-ness, the pizza queen energy in the room and VH1 Movies That Rock. Already up to date with Canada’s Drag Race? So are we! Follow along with us on Patreon (link below). Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

This week’s episode is all about bad advice—whether it’s from shammy psychics in the mini challenge, lunatic late night lawyers in the maxi challenge, or flawed feedback from the judges on the runway. Lemon continues to bring great flavor to this season, Jimbo and Rita harken back to frontrunners from the early days of Drag Race, Tom Green calls his mother, and BOA spreads her enormous wings and flies away. Already up to date with Canada’s Drag Race? So are we! Follow along with us on Patreon (link below). Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

Chi Chi DeVayne has always been an Alright Mary favorite. While we are heartbroken to lose such a bright light in the Drag Race community, we also wanted to celebrate some of our favorite memories of the bayou queen this week. We discuss her iconic looks (including the bathing suit, no corset, and a belt!), hilarious quotes, obscure references (Eraser, baby!), her infamous USB drive, her relationship with Kennedy, and how it feels to grieve someone you don’t know but feel deeply invested in. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

It’s not a season without Snatch Game and despite an all-American panel of celebrities, the queens of the north did Canada proud. Jimbo gave us the Joan Rivers we’ve been waiting for, Rita Baga delivered a living, breathing, dying depiction of Edith Piaf, Lemon squeezed every nuance she could out of her JoJo Siwa, and Scarlett was Liza with a Z and the occasional FU. A night of a thousand “Ce-lynns” on the runway was maybe 999 too many and Priyanka and Kiara seemed to lip sync all night before Ki Ki said bye-bye to the competition. Already up to date with Canada’s Drag Race? So are we! Follow along with us on Patreon (link below). Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com BetterHelp Promo: betterhelp.com/AlrightMary (discount code: AlrightMary)

There’s always that moment during a season when different elements click and we’re left with a completely satisfying episode. This week, CDR recycles some old storylines amidst a favorite reality show challenge and creates something new. We get a refreshing mini challenge, fantastic adjudication from a judge, talking through tears, a new way to think about the pressure of being “iced out”, and a last chance lip sync that was worthy of anyone’s Memorable list. Did we agree with the judges? Absolutely not. Garbage decisions. But every judge’s trash is a viewer’s treasure. Already up to date with Canada’s Drag Race? So are we! Follow along with us on Patreon (link below). Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

This week, in line with the chaotic charm of Canada’s Drag Race, Johnny has a laughing fit about Colin’s Suspiria reference and is actually sorry aboot it. They discuss why the rap battle didn’t work visually, how Debbie Cox was definitely supposed to be here, and why the lip sync was absolutely not everything. They dabble in a discussion about Illona’s rising charm, why Jimbo is a pizza sandwich, and who their predictions are going forward. One thing’s certain: we’re getting more and more attached to these queens and we were not ready to send one certain star home. Already up to date with Canada’s Drag Race? So are we! Follow along with us on Patreon (link below). Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

This week, the Top 11 Canuck Queens are drawing inspiration from historical moments in television–specifically the infamous Heritage Minutes. (Recorded July 10, 2020). From burnt toast to suffragettes, Canada’s aspiring next drag superstars continue to bring what can only be described as a pure chaotic energy to this acting challenge. We continue to have much to still figure out about our distinguished panel of judges–we’re not exactly loonie yet for Brooke Lynn Heights as Mother. Anastarzia breaks out heart in the workroom, BOA keeps it refreshingly real, Lemon squeezes ahead as a frontrunner, Jimbo towers over the runway and Kyne has a moment. Already up to date with Canada’s Drag Race? So are we! Follow along with us on Patreon (link below). Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

The Queen of the North has arrived and she’s blowing in 12 new drag geese to pass the puck around in Canada’s first season of Drag Race. (Recorded July 3, 2020.) We fall in love with a queen named Jimbo and all of the performance that surrounds her, we make baseless predictions and judgements about the rest of the cast that we can’t wait to be proven wrong, and we spend some time on what parts of this show are departures from the original franchise. We definitely disagree with the judges on the tops and bottoms, but I think we can all agree that we love Canada. How could you blame her? Already up to date with Canada’s Drag Race? So are we! Follow along with us on Patreon (link below). Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

Shea Couleé did say she came to slay, and she more than kept her word this season and most certainly in this finale. As is tradition, the Top 3 write thematic verses for a new Ru song and learn a whirlwind of choreography from Todrick Hall. But not before clearing an agenda of beefs with the eliminated queens who’ve returned for a mini reunion in the workroom (turns out, India was lying). All 10 queens bring their finale looks to the runway and we get a triple lip sync to Janelle Monáe that makes us feel good, if not a little dizzy from the edit (Good thing Mrs. Mateo is there to cheer the girls on!). And while Juju gave great mouth and Cracker distributed confusion from her breastplate, this lip sync, this episode, and this season were Shea’s to win. Donate to: National Black Disability Coalition: http://www.blackdisability.org/ Chi Chi DeVayne: Venmo: venmo.com/Zavion-Davenport Cashapp: $ZavionDavenport PayPal: [email protected] Campaign Zero: https://www.joincampaignzero.org/ The Black Resilience Fund: https://www.blackresiliencefund.com/ National Black Justice Coalition: https://www.mightycause.com/organization/nbjc Sphinx Organization: http://www.sphinxmusic.org/ Transgender Law Center: https://transgenderlawcenter.org/donate https://www.theokraproject.com/ Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

A wise drag queen once famously asked, “Where are the jokes?” Our final four attempted to answer that question in this week’s stand up challenge that left us sitting quietly for much of it. Cracker got the most cackles of the night and Shea did okay. Juju was better on the runway than the mic, and Blair, to be fair, looked a little lost up there. Despite some poorly timed laryngitis, Jane Krakowski was a great warmup act for the queens as mentor/judge, and hardly choked as much as this lip sync. Did they just bring Kennedy back for S&Gs? Donate to: Chi Chi Devayne’s bills: Venmo: @Zavion-Davenport, Cashapp: $ZavionDavenport, PayPal: [email protected] Campaign Zero: https://www.joincampaignzero.org/ The Black Resilience Fund: https://www.blackresiliencefund.com/ National Black Justice Coalition: https://www.mightycause.com/organization/nbjc Sphinx Organization: http://www.sphinxmusic.org/ Transgender Law Center: https://transgenderlawcenter.org/donate https://www.theokraproject.com/ Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

What’s a family barbecue without drama, suspicion, tears and at least one very questionable exit? The top 5 are tasked to bring a main and a side to RuPaul’s Backyard Barbecue Ball. Cracker is shuttlecocked to win the challenge, but it’s Jujubee who continues to win our hearts in the workroom. We aren’t quite ready to say “I do” to Shea’s backyard bride, Blair isn’t our pick of the picnic and Alexis Mateo sashays away in a shallow end to her time on this season. Roxxxy Andrews puts both asses in the word assassin and our pizza queen supreme taps her way into the Fingers of Drag Race hall of fame. Donate to: Campaign Zero: https://www.joincampaignzero.org/ The Black Resilience Fund: https://www.blackresiliencefund.com/ National Black Justice Coalition: https://www.mightycause.com/organization/nbjc Sphinx Organization: http://www.sphinxmusic.org/ Transgender Law Center: https://transgenderlawcenter.org/donate The Okra Project: https://www.theokraproject.com/ Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

Love is in the air in Studio C in Simi Valley this week with another round of Snatch Game of Love! Alexis serves up a shady psychic, but couldn’t have possibly seen the drama coming later when India channels her Snatch Game character to stir up trouble in the workroom with rumors of conspiracy against Shea. Meanwhile Juju continues to deliver Drag Race excellence with a hilariously direct Eartha Kitt, while giving good mouth and cat pictures in her confessionals. Plus: an unnecessary Lady Gaga, RuPaul feeling her oats in that dress, and Little Sister Vanessa popping up at the perfect time to potentially send her mother home. Donate to: Black Resilience Fund: https://www.blackresiliencefund.com/ National Black Justice Coalition: https://www.mightycause.com/organization/nbjc Sphinx Organization: http://www.sphinxmusic.org/ Transgender Law Center: https://transgenderlawcenter.org/donate The Okra Project: https://www.theokraproject.com/ Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

Here is a short preview of our discussion of the first episode of Canada’s Drag Race. We discuss how a juice box never lasts long enough, Jimbo is no bimbo, and thank goodness for Stacey McKenzie. To listen to the full episode now, consider becoming a patreon! Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com Donate to: National Black Justice Coalition: https://www.mightycause.com/organization/nbjc Sphinx Organization: http://www.sphinxmusic.org/ Transgender Law Center: https://transgenderlawcenter.org/donate https://www.theokraproject.com/

This week’s TMZ-inspired improv challenge was, well, no hot scoop. While we were alternately intimidated and aroused by the bro-fest in the SheMZ offices (led with ascotted perfection by Carson Kressley), the biggest highlight of the three scenes was mostly Ross Mathews. Then it was camo on the runway, giving us a war zone of choices from Blair’s butterfly bush to Mayhem’s bathing suit. We also get Morgan’s cape, Sarah Hyland’s unfortunate self-introduction, and Michelle getting untucked. Donate to: National Black Justice Coalition: https://www.mightycause.com/organization/nbjc Sphinx Organization: http://www.sphinxmusic.org/ Transgender Law Center: https://transgenderlawcenter.org/donate https://www.theokraproject.com/ Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

It’s not uncommon for a season of Drag Race to lose the plot a little on the third episode (Shakesqueer, anyone?), but this week really went on a sudden vacation. The eight remaining queens are tasked with the ever-relevant task of designing themed hotel rooms. The results are, as expected, not exactly Fodor’s favorites. A 3-in-1 runway makes us nostalgic for Drag Race Thailand, the judges’ critiques are meticulously “crafted” for social media chaos, and the lip sync is surprisingly more of a mercy kill than an assassination. Donate to: Sphinx Organization: http://www.sphinxmusic.org/ TransgenderLawCenter.org/donate https://www.theokraproject.com/ Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

It wouldn’t be a season of Drag Race without a girl groups challenge! The nine remaining queens break into trios to create celebrity crush-inspired verses for “I’m in Love!” which is not only the title of the song but 60% of its chorus. Shea emerges with a frontrunner performance, a frontrunner runway, and a frontrunner lip sync, Blair thinks pink and it doesn’t stink, Ongina’s feathers are ruffled by a sore throat, self-doubt, and Mz Cracker, and an old favorite is our new pick for pizza queen. TransgenderLawCenter.org Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com https://www.theokraproject.com/

All Stars rules go out the window again—and a few new ones blow in just in time for 10 more stars of the series to return for Hall of Fame status. While the beats are familiar, with a good old fashioned reading challenge followed by a good old fashioned talent show, it’s a fun ride from the moment Derrick fake hugs India Farrah. While some frontrunners fell short this week, we may have already identified our Pizza Queen, as well as who we’re not sold on yet, and who we think might be our narrator this season. The Okra Project Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

This week, instead of listening to us recap the finale of Season 12 (congrats Jaida!), please use that time to watch Bob the Drag Queen and Peppermint’s discussion “Why you should say Black Lives Matter”. Click the above text or here. We also share some resources from Black Lives Matter for ways to donate, educate, and participate. Link: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/    

The 12 troopers of troubled Season 12 sissy that sleeping bag for a slumber party-style reunion. Ru wears a latex facekini and Bieber hoodie, but it’s 2020, why not? While nothing new is necessarily revealed and any conflict is purposefully performed, it’s a welcomed kiki after a kooky couple of months. To be honest, the biggest highlight for us was the cameo from Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin serving “your dad’s friends” realness. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

The final five are taking a trip down the Vegas strip for this season’s semifinal. In an extended promotion for RuPaul’s Drag Race Live in Las Vegas, the queens are singing, dancing and rapping three numbers that were at one point before quarantine filling the seats at the Flamingo every night. Gigi goes from Goode to Great, Crystal does the Dump again, Jaida exudes confidence even with autotune, and let’s be honest, Jackie won the lip sync. We also get dance daddy Jamal Sims, the return of Leland (now with Stitch), and just so many questions about the finale. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

This week’s lineup of one-woman shows had six very different interpretations of the challenge. While Jackie brought earnest TED talk realness, Crystal plumbed new depths of stupid to secure her first win. Gigi hit a fair bit of turbulence during her high-flying concept, Heidi’s family food fight got messy, and when it came to telling this particular story, Jaida really should have held it in. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

This week we chatted with Lil Miss Hot Mess, one of the first queens to host Drag Queen Story Hour and the author of the new children’s book “The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish” (Running Press Kids). We discuss the inspiration behind the book, the ways kids understand and appreciate drag, and what these kinds of books can do for many queer adults. We also discuss Lil Miss’s PhD work, the evolution of digital drag and what makes a performance legendary. “The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish” is now available wherever children’s books are sold! Please consider supporting your local bookstore or buy the book on Amazon! Follow Lil Miss Hot Mess: Twitter/Instagram: @lilmisshotmess Facebook: Lil Miss Hot Mess http://www.lilmisshotmess.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

Six drag daughters were born this week and some of them we half-expect to see back on a future season! Superfans of the show are the subject of this season’s makeover challenge. Crystal’s method may not have gotten her a win, but she and Opal were total gems this episode. Janet the Planet had us seeing stars, Heidi needed to find something else in her closet for Honey, Gigi continued a so-so streak, Jackie and Lil Snackie left us hungry for more, and, well, Jaida Essentially Has This Season in the Bag (Hall). The episode ends in the rare but requisite Double Shantay, but should Ru have killed the lights on one of the bottom two this week? Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

A reality TV star became president once, why couldn’t it happen again? The Season 12 primaries are down to 6 queens this week vying to be America’s Next Drag President. It’s no debate that Jaida won by a landslide. Heidi and Crystal were strong moderates while Jackie was too liberal with the Canadian jokes. Gigi’s repeat robot gig probably should have put her against a weary Widow in the final lip sync, but the electoral college of judges spoke otherwise (and instead gave us some iconic patriotism from Jackie). Regardless, we’d happily take 4 more years of Goldblum/Bloom as guests. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

Jan may have been selling the hell out of the Jantasy, but the judges just weren’t buying it. This week, the queens craft some GOOP-inspired crap to sell to the masses in a commercial directed by the fab, fit, fun Bob Harper. (Also, how about that FabFitFun-sponsored reading challenge? Was it a more fab and fun fit than a traditional reading challenge?) Heidi nabs a win for her efforts this episode and season so far, Jackie is Adult in the Room excellence, and Crystal continues to be the true dark horse of the competition. While Jaida’s frontrunner status remains secure this week, Gigi’s schtick isn’t working so good and Widow must channel Chaka to send Jan Sp*rt and her veritable backpack of tricks packing. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

This week’s Madonna Rusical was a nearly immaculate collection of the Queen of Pop’s many identities over the decades. Despite Jan’s best attempts at expressing herself, Gigi struck a pose (and won the challenge) like there was nothing to it. Just like a prayer, Crystal and Jaida both took us there, but it seems nothing really matters to the judges when it comes to Widow. Heidi’s ray of light dimmed a bit, Jackie sang like a virgin, and Brita learned the power of goodbye. All contestants need to take a bow, though, because this episode got us back into the groove. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

As much as things have changed lately, we can still rely on one thing staying the same: a classic round of Snatch Game on Drag Race. Gigi solves a problem like Maria the Robot while Jackie Cox pulls out all the props as Mrs. Harry Hamlin. Apparent New Yorker Brita gets close to being told she is in fact going with her jaw-y Jennifer Holliday, Aidan is rocky horrible as Patricia Quinn, and at least Crystal didn’t try to do El DeBarge. Then it’s Disney on ice on the runway and the season’s biggest feud ends as expected in a flurry of a lip sync. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com

Pick me, choose me, crown me! This week’s acting challenge is inspired by the emotional triage of Grey’s Anatomy. But the real code red is in Untucked this week, where Heidi puts the room in the ICU with some well-placed FU’s. Meanwhile Nicky struggles to show her funny bone, Jackie continues to be benign at best, and Aiden puts Brita into near cardiac arrest for being safe. Patreon: www.patreon.com/alrightmary Email: [email protected] Twitter: @alrightmary Johnny: @johnnyalso (Instagram) Colin: @colindrucker (Twitter) Web: www.tasteofreality.com/alright-mary/ www.alrightmary.com