RPDR UK versus The World: S2E8 – The Recap
Well, this is bullshit.
**spoiler alert**
I mean, we knew this “versus the world” format was bullshit already, but what are we doing here?
At best, it’s an opportunity to see a version of drag represented on TV, it’s an opportunity to see queer people on TV, and it’s an opportunity to reconnect with some of our drag performers.
But it’s bullshit, right?
In theory, the format of this episode was a reasonable way to use of the time – we got a reunion, a final eleganza runway, and then a lip-sync battle for the title.
Fine.
A big part of the problem with his format is that the concept itself is very unclear. What does “UK versus The World” mean? When we look at the content that’s produced, it doesn’t seem to mean very much. Despite some attempt at storytelling, there wasn’t really any sense that it was the UK queens versus the rest, this was just a version of Drag Race with a mixture of international performers but weighted with UK queens because it was a UK broadcaster who was funding production.
The other problem is more fundamental to the franchise itself. Despite everything that the show tries to tell us, we have to keep reminding ourselves that this isn’t a drag competition – this is television. We’re not trying to determine who is the best drag queen on stage, we’re trying to make light entertainment – we’re creating content. This is basic scripted reality TV.
Even knowing all of that, I feel that the producers have dropped the ball with what they’ve created in Season 2 of UK versus The World.
If you’re going to climax the entire show with a lip-sync battle for the crown, how are you going to get your preferred winner over the line if she’s the worst lip-sync performer in the Top 4? You’re setting yourself up for failure and you’re asking the audience to suspend disbelief to such an extent that it’s an abusive relationship.
What that left us with was a shoddily edited lip-sync performance between Hannah and Marina. We’re supposed to believe that Hannah beat Marina in a lip-sync? Even from what we saw, Hannah did a lot of walking and pointing while Marina served absolute cunt. Crazy.
Then, surprise surprise, Tia is declared the winner against La Grande Dame.
Cut to Tia being declared the winner against Hannah, and being crowned with the title and the trophy.
Absolutely nothing against Tia – she’s a fantastic drag queen, a very entertaining performer, and she knows how to excel in this format and give good TV. I’m happy she’s that she’s done well here.
But the entire thing seems farcical and devalues the brand of the Drag Race franchise. It’s very hard to see how anyone is going to get excited about watching future iterations of the “versus The World” format. It needs a total rethink.
Season 2, done! Let’s never do this again!
The Cast
Tia Kofi
Final Ranking: Tia delivers great television, and the judges really connect with her. This season has enabled Tia to establish herself as one of the biggest drag names in the UK.
Hannah Conda
Final Ranking: A very accomplished and confident performer, Hannah always looks comfortable whatever she’s doing. It’s been a great season for Hannah – she’s reaffirmed herself as a talented queen.
La Grande Dame
Final Ranking: For someone so classically beautiful it’s always surprising that La Grande Dame can do humour as well as fashion. This has been a great platform for her to showcase everything she has to offer to the world.
Marina Summers
Final Ranking: Loved Marina on her original season of Drag Race and she’s effortlessly made it clear to everyone why she’s one to watch. They did her dirty on this season but she is my winner.
Scarlet Envy
Final Ranking: Scarlet is an accomplished competitor who’s very comfortable in front of a camera. It’s been another strong season for Scarlet, she gives good TV.
Choriza May
Final Ranking: Choriza knows how to entertain and she came into this with all guns blazing. It’s often chaotic with Choriza, but it’s always entertaining. She made it to Episode 6 – another great season for Choriza.
Gothy Kendoll
Final Ranking: It was a great move to bring Gothy back for this season but she never seems comfortable in this format.
Keta Minaj
Final Ranking: Keta was very strong on her original season and is very experienced in all aspects of drag. Her low-key personality and dry humour made it difficult for her to make an impact in this season but she’s performed well and it will give her a welcome boost to her profile.
Jonbers Blonde
Final Ranking: Jonbers is incredibly likeable but it’s is relatively soon after her original season for her to return to an All Stars format. She’s was never going to win this but it was fun to have her back on our screens. We’ll be seeing more of Jonbers.
Arantxa Castilla-La Mancha
Final Ranking: A very likeable performer. Her sense of humour is really engaging. I’m a bit surprised we lost Arantxa so early in this competition but she’s always going to be famous.
Mayhem Miller
Final Ranking: Mayhem is the Pork Chop of the season. Her stumble in the talent show was surprising – for such an experienced queen she looked nervous and unprepared. She was able to share that she’s been struggling with long-Covid, but she’ll be disappointed she wasn’t able to find her groove in this competition.