Do you have what it takes? Only those with Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent will make it to the top! Start your engines...and may the best drag queen win! Dedicated to everyone's favorite drag queen tv show.
I haven't heard Nicole Byer's podcast before, but ya'll know I'm invested in Drag Race Thailand, so I thought I'd do a review because I figure a lot of the cultural barriers they face are going to be similar for others and it would be a good way to help other people understand and get into it.
Link:
https://art19.com/shows/what-the-tuck-rupaul I think it's good they recognise that unlike Canada and UK, Thailand really is an entirely different culture with its completely different values and references and its important to take a step back and try to understand before you jump in and critique when you're lacking context, I focus mainly on knowledge gaps or points of confusion rather than negatives/positives, so this isn't like a "take down" just more of like an explanation note.
Pronounciations: Miss Gimhuay (Gim-hwhy) not Miss Quinoa
S(r)ee-mala not Shrimp Myler
Tohr-mai not Tore-my (hole)
Angele Anang not Angela
Maya B-Haro not Maya Borrow
Vanda Miss Jo-Kim not Vanda Miss Yohim
Context: Drag Race Thailand S2 opened up to international contestants, there are three. They do not live in Thailand and do not speak Thai (which is why they speak English).
* Vanda Miss Joaquim - Singapore. (Vanda Miss Joaquim is the national flower of Singapore). Lip synching expert. She has ongoing issues with her eye so she wears eyepatches sometimes.
* Mocha Diva - Philippines (lives in Hong Kong) - High energy performer.
* Genie - United States - Conceptual look queen.
Thailand itself is a diverse country, there are four main areas (North, (North)East, Central and South). They vary in many ways, I would say Northeast is the most distinct, these differences don't come up much in the show itself but it does explain some of the nuances (esp re Srimala who is quite distinctly and obviously from the Northeast compared to the others).
* Srimala - Deep East. A queen who incorporates traditional Thai, countryside and comedy elements into her drag.
* Silver Sonic - East. A very young queen.
* Angele Anang - from a gateway city between Central and East. A trans woman who is a Beyonce impersonator.
* Bandit - Central, a look queen.
* Katy Killer - Central, a young hairstylist queen.
* M Stranger Fox - Central. Owner of the Stranger Bar, a very popular gay bar that books most of the queens including host Pangina.
* Miss Gimhuay - Central (technically Southeast, but culturally more similar to Central).
* Kana Warrior - Somewhere between North and Central, a theatre queen.
* Kandy Zyanide - North. A trans woman Ariana Grande impersonator.
* Tormai - South. A high concept queen who incorporates many traditional Thai cultural elements into her drag.
* Maya B'Haro - South. A showgirl type queen.
Art Arya is the Ru, Pangina Heals is the Michelle, their level in hierarchy is closer but Art is higher. Thai culture takes hierarchy very seriously and people need to know where they stand in society.
Art Arya is gender non-conforming.
For things like "gentlemen" and "shemail" appearing, trans people in Thailand have had a much more prominent place in society, so there isn't as much as a need for that sort of distinct pride element. In short, they don't really care both trans contestants have said they don't really care. It's "mai pen rai", a very important Thai concept. It means "no, don't worry", it symbolises the Thai culture to not worry about small details.
---
Gimhuay is Thai Chinese, they are a large minority with a lot of cultural power in Thailand and have done so for like two hundred years. It's important to see Gimhuay as Thai Chinese not a Chinese person in Thailand because Gimhuay is Thai and Thai through.
The episode's theme is Life and Reincarnation, these are important concepts in Thailand which is vast majority Theravada Buddhist.
---
Kandy jokes about M Stranger needing to go home to pay her, not really drag mother but more because she's her employer.
Judging:
Since Drag Race Thailand is a different culture with different values, you kind of have to throw out what you understand of Drag and Drag Race judging. The judges here encourage **
Originality, Concept, Story and Delivery**. Imitation, copying, costuming, rehashed ideas from other sources are rejected. Someone like Gigi Goode would not receive a good reaction from Thai Judges. Of course they do care about silhouette and execution too, but they are willing to overlook if there are strong enough elements behind it especially if a story that forms a connection with the judges is made.
The Judges employ separate wins for main challenge and runway. They tally up scores from the main hosts and the guest judges mathematically (so you'll hear them discussing point counts and writing on paper). (Queens are aware of how how main challenge contributes to their final score). Art Arya picks the lip synch winner.
Thai Shade: Roasting your friends is a grand Thai tradition and we do not hold back, if people are being shady to your face, there's nothing to worry. The real worry is if you're getting muted silences or being ignored.
The Runway: I think Nicole and Mano misunderstood the challenge. It wasn't quite baby queen/mama queen, it was 10 year old/60 year old, so all these associated ideas of what it means to be young and old. Many queens took a "what it means to be young as a gay person" route.
Gimhuay 60 - Wu Zetian, a famous Chinese Empress.
Kana 10 - Tantrum after getting caught in her mother's clothes.
Kana 60 / Bandit 60 - Both took "futuristic" concepts of how the world will change.
Kandy 60 - She is a maechi, a sort of Buddhist nun. In Thailand some normal women may later in life decide to dedicate their lives to Buddhism.
Srimala 10 - Banana leaf horse is an iconic Thai childhood symbol. She basically nailed the concept. She connected very deeply with Thai culture.
Srimala 60 - Very happy Nicole immediately got Srimala the first time, I remember when it first came out many people in the West misunderstood, but it really is that universal drunk auntie who don't give a shit. The way she sold it on the runway is why she won.
Vanda 10/60 - I think she didn't get the assignment.
Angele 10 - Using towels to feel like a lady as a child.
Tormai 60 - Classic Thai funeral.
Angele 60 - Poking fun at herself by doing a de-transitioning look.
Silver Sonic 60 - A Thai Hell look, she died but still performing. I understood it, but I think she went too far into it she lost the connection to the assignment.
The guest judges:
Tae Piyarat (gold cloak) - the show's producer, a drag queen, local media empire inheritor.
Yai Amat Nimitpark (man with white wings) - notable fashion photographer
Pitt Karchai (man with gold wings) - actoex-boyband
---
I'm not sure why they fixate on there being 14 queens since this has been the norm since season 6.
I'm glad they talked about the implicit racism in the lack of interest and promotion for Thailand. Sure there are probably other reasons to, but at the core it is clear this brand is less popular due to differences in race.
My son and his partner live next door to me. They bought a British bulldog pup nearly 2 years ago. They had never had a dog before so they would ask me for advice. They had 2 children as well so I used to take him for a walk every day. Because they hadn't got the time. When they went on holiday I would look after him.If he needed a bath shemail (my sons partner ) would fetch him round for me to bath him because he was too heavy for her.He would run to the door every time I went round. He loved going for walks and I taught him everything Then one day I went round to take him out.He ran to the door all excited. She said I couldn't take him because she was jealous of the bond he had with me. She wouldn't let me take him out any more and neither did they.So when they went out anywhere instead of bringing him round to me as they used to. He would be left in all day on his own. I would get into my car and he would stand staring out of the window at me.I felt so helpless. It's been nearly 4 month now and he never goes out for a walk he's got really fat and gets out of breath easily. I asked my granddaughter why the dog didn't look out of the window anymore. She said he couldn't get up on the chair anymore. My grandchildren still come round to see me.But the dog isn't allowed. I haven't seen him at all for 4 month. Poor boy .Why would someone spite their pet because of their own jealousy. I even have to keep my voice down when I go outside so he dosnt hear me..What does anyone think? .P. S. We don't speak anymore because of this.
As Manila and Nina finished their lip sync to "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", Ru smiled as she looked between each queen.
...
"Ladies, that is a lip sync right there. Bring that same fire each time."
...
"
Manila Luzon,
you're a winner baby!"
Manila beamed at the result and embraced Nina, who was a mix of a happiness for Manila and relief for herself.
"You've won a cash tip of
$10,000.
Nina Flowers, you are
safe. You may join the other girls!"
As Nina stepped to the back of the stage, RuPaul beckoned the bottom two forward. Manila felt a lump forming in her throat as she tightly clutched the lipstick bearing the name of the queen she was about to eliminate.
...
"Now Manila," Ru continued, "With great power comes great responsibility. Which of these bottom two queens have you chosen to give
the chop?"
...
"It was a difficult decision," Manila nodded, a tear running down her cheek, "But in the end I had to go by who I thought you would have sent home based on challenge performance. And that queen..."
Alexis braced herself for the worst, while Tammie shot a kooky look to the judges.
...
"Is
Tammie Brown..."
Alexis hugged Tammie, who was acting perplexed at the situation, still smiling brightly.
"
Tammie Brown," Ru declared, "As it is written, so it shall be done. You are, and always will be, an All Star. Now,
sashay away."
Tammie nodded and stepped forward, taking the lipstick from Manila and wiping away her tears.
"Don't fret my dear," Tammie smiled, "We all win in the end."
The judges and queens applauded as Tammie left the stage, pausing for one final "Tootsie Loo!" before leaving for the workroom.
...
"I am certain Manila made her correct decision," Tammie smiled, clutching her RuPaul maquette, "And as my father said to Marlene Dietrich..."
Tammie was interrupted by the ringing alarm and familiar laughter, and turned to face the TV set.
...
It flashed into life, with RuPaul sitting in a reconstruction of an
America's Got Talent judges' desk.
"All is not lost Tammie," TV Ru laughed, "This is Hollywood, and the end is never quite as it seems."
Tammie laughed, "Well I'll be damned..."
...
Later that evening, the queens entered the workroom to de-drag, lead by Manila, with Alexis bringing up the rear. They immediately headed to the mirror to read Tammie's farewell message.
...
"Did I ever tell you about the time I found a dead body? Remind me to tell you next time. Win it for Season 1 Ms. Loca! Tammie xo"
...
"She is quite something that Miss Tammie," Jujubee laughed, "I'm still perplexed by her every time I meet her."
"We love you Tammie!" Manila sprayed some cleaner and wiped her message clear, as the girls applauded.
"Nina," nudged Shannel, "Who did you choose?"
Nina smiled softly, "I had chosen Alexis," she said, producing the lipstick from within her glove, "I'm sorry my love, I could not have sent Tammie home. I still wanted to give it my all but I held back a little to not have to make that choice."
"She what?!" Manila exclaimed in her confessional, as she looked confusedly at Nina in the workroom, "I won that lip sync fairly, but I don't want the other girls thinking I only did so because Nina gave up."
"I don't think that's the best solution," Ongina noted, "We all worked hard to get here, let's not start playing games with each other. It's part of the gig now, we win, we send someone home."
Nina looked a little deflated.
"I don't want these girls to think I'm playing games," Nina noted, "I did what I had to do, I didn't want to send Tammie home and I did not have to make that choice. If they think that is unfair, that is their decision."
The girls started to de-drag and split off into smaller groups, Nina being the topic of conversation amongst most of the queens.
"Nina chose me to go home," Alexis reviewed in her confessional, "But I was not sent home because she threw the towel. I need to prove to these girls that I deserve my spot in this competition. I was a Top 3 girl, I need to get back there."
...
The next morning the queens returned to the workroom, filled with optimism and, for the most part, leaving yesterday's revelations behind them.
With a You Got SHEmail!, the queens crowded around the TV set for today's message.
...
"My All Stars," TV Ru spoke, "I have built my legacy for YEARS. And all I ask is for a little recognition, god-dammit!"
...
With that, RuPaul entered the workroom with his signature "hello, hello, hello", met with cheers by the queens.
...
"Ladies," Ru smiled, "For this week's maxi-challenge we're going to be celebrating... me!"
The queens laughed, as Ru announced RuLegacy!
"Each of you will play the part of someone important in my life and in building my legacy to what it is today. I have allocated the roles as follows..."
...
"Jessica Wild, you'll play leading lady... me!"
"Shannel, you'll be playing the woman behind it all, Momma Ernestine"
"Jujubee, you'll play my eternal inspiration, Diana Ross!"
"Nina Flowers, you'll play my good friend, Martha Wash!"
"Manila Luzon, you'll be playing my right hand woman, Michelle Visage!"
"Ongina, you'll be playing the original Drag Race judge, Merle Ginsberg!"
"Alexis Mateo, you'll play Season 1 Winner, BeBe Zahara Benet!"
"Yara Sofia, you'll play Season 2 Winner, Tyra Sanchez!"
"Finally, Raven, you'll play Season 3 Winner, Raja!"
...
"Ladies, you'll be spending the day rehearsing and learning choreography with the insanely talented... Paula Abdul!"
The queens screamed with delight at Ru's announcement.
"And tomorrow, on the main stage, you'll be performing live in front of a live audience, including our judges, Michelle, Santino and special guests Merle Ginsberg and Paula Abdul. On the runway, category is... Swingin' 60s - a tribute to my birth decade!"
...
"Gentlemen, start your engines. And may the best woman... WIN!"
...
Poll: http://polljunkie.com/poll/pfwzwc/all-stars-take-two-s1e2-rulegacy
Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uqZooT5-FjmUwoQmx7_PUlIGsME7ta_Us2sn2XHddUk/edit?usp=sharing
Shemail.
Shemail.
Watching the marathon and the episode just now (mid Season 6) , they used SheMail and didn't dub over when RuPaul said it. Is it back for good? I sure hope so!
S07E09
Here's a guide to all the puns and pop culture references in RPDR. As usual, these walkthroughs are mostly written for newbies, people for whom English is a second language and for all the 'why can't I go to a drag show if I'm 13' out there who need to shut up up with their no-drag knowledge mouth.
FEEL FREE TO CONTRIBUTE IN THE COMMENTS as a few/lot of them are still a mystery to me!
Episode 1 Ep. 2 Ep. 3 Ep. 4 Ep. 5 Ep. 6 Ep. 7 Ep. 8 03:38 -
Good Morning Baltimore is a song from Hairspray, the remake of the original Hairspray by featured guest John Waters.*
03:38 - Female Trouble is also a film by John Waters, starring drag icon Divine.
03:40 -
Crybaby is a movie by John Waters starring Johnny Depp and Amy Locane (from Melrose Place).
03:45 - Polyester and Hairspray are, again, movies by John Waters, as is
Pecker.
04:18 - The reading challenge has been on the show ever since Season 2, and is an hommage to several scenes in the drag documentary Paris in Burning.
04:25 -
Reading is fundamental refers to this scene in Paris is Burning.. It's also the name of the biggest litteracy organization in the US.
06:30 - Kennedy's laugh is an imitation of a horse neigh.*
06:32 - The store is named American Apparel
06:38 - Trixie refers to the medium in the
1982 horror movie Poltergeist 06:42 - A summary of the 'Violet stole Sharon Needles's crown'
can be found here. 06:56 - Pearl's referring to Kennedy's lazy eye,
evidence here 07:43 - Sultan of Sleaze, Barron of Bad Taste and Pope of Trash are
all nicknames given indeed to John Waters. 13:22 - This is Lady J's second appearance on the show; ironically, this trans icon only other appearance was in the censored S06E04 episode at the center of the 'Shemail' controversy.
14:00 - The outfit Kennedy's wearing is also the dress she usually puts on to do her makeup.
20:20 - Motormouth Maybelle is the host of Negro Day on the JW movie Hairspray.
20:30 - As mentioned earlier, Female Trouble is a JW movie.
20:37 - Miss Baltimore Crabs is a
song from the movie Hairspray 20:42 - Polyester's a movie by JW.
20:53 - Some background
about Ru's fat comment 21:11 - Ru keeps in theme with the scene 'Poo' and makes a pun on scat (shit fetish) and the board game Scattergory.
21:40 - Rose Kennedy is the matriarch of the Kennedy clan, mother of John F. Kennedy
21:57 - Crochet would be the technique used to make Katya's dress; it's a pun on 'Shantay you stay'.
22:00 - Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is perhaps best remember for her roles in Scarface, The Color of Money and Robin Hood:Prince of Thieves.
22:06 -
Raggeddy Ann is a classic red-haired doll for children. 22:11 - McCall's was a women's clothing magazine and is also a clothing pattern company. Also a pun on callgirl.*
22:14 - Glitter please is a pun on Nigga Please, an expression parodied by
Chris Rock 22:23 - Tracy Turnblad is a character in the movie Hairspray.
22:40 - Carson refers to Molly Ringwald, a popular actress in 80s teen movies.
22:42 - Baby Jane Hudson is a fictional character and the antagonist of Henry Farrell's 1960 novel What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? She was portrayed by Bette Davis in the 1962 film adaptation and by Lynn Redgrave in the 1991 made-for-TV remake.
22:43 -
Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion is a 1997 comedy starring Lisa Kudrow.
23:00 - The real show is called 'Toddlers and Tiaras'. It's about children pageants.
23:08 - Kawaii is a japanese esthetic focusing on being cute. Michelle's making a pun with 'I got my eye on you'.
23:12 - Ru's quoting lyrics from the song Jeepers Creepers, a 1938 song by
Louis Armstrong 23:19 -
Connie Marble is an antagonist to Divine in the movie Pink Flamingos 23:28 - Insane Clown Posse is a hip hop duo from Detroit. Ru's making a pun on 'pussy on fire'.
23:33 - Ru's saying it's her 'eating dress', like a dress someone would wear when they binge-eat and it makes a mess.*
23:36 - Carson's making a pun on brocade, a type of fabric, and the expression 'if it's not broken, don't fix it'.
23:46 - Popping a tent is slang for an erection.
24:13 -
This is the scene from Female Trouble the skit is adapted from 24:40 - Interestingly enough, the present is already opened when 'Mom' gives it to 'Dawn'.
25:38 -
This is the scene from Pink Flamingos the Eggs skit is adapted from 25:42 -
Your country breakfast is ready is from this scene in Starrbooty Also reference in S05E08, 'Scent of a Drag Queen'.
27:21 -
This is the scene from Pink Flamigons the Poo skit is adapted from Divine indeed ate real dog poo and had to follow the dog for an extended period of time in order to do it.
29:05 - Ru uses the word filthy a lot during the episode; it's probably in reference to the plot of Pink Flamingos, where Divine's story revolves around being the filthiest woman alive.
30:45 - A gunny sack is one of those big potato bags.
34:36 - Ginger Minj being slang for red-hair vagina, thus the (old) joke that Carson and Ru aren't very good at handling it.
34:46 - This is the
Lucille Ball moment Michelle is referring to.*
35:19 - The use of the word 'Pussy willows' is probably a reference to
the movie Serial Mom, by John Waters. 35:49 - Ru's making a pun on the book
Green Eggs and Ham, by Dr. Seuss 36:11 - Not sure about the 'huevos ranchero'. Probably about the eggs from Pink Flamingos, but confirmation would be fun.
36:27 - BM is also short for bowel movement.
39:49 - The expression '15 minutes of fame' is credited to artist Andy Warhol, who included the words "In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes" in the program for a 1968 exhibition of his work at the Moderna Museet in Stockholm, Sweden.
40:38 - Not sure about 'Darn it' and 'Can I buy a vowel' apart from the Wheel of Fortune. Anyone?
Timeline is approximative, as I have lost my torrents of the show when my laptop died and I'd need a GoFundMe to pay for all the shit I want to redownload on the new one.
*refers the info was added from the comments