RuPaul’s Drag Race: Life, Liberty & The Pursuit of Style

Things got patriotic on last night’s episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race, as the six remaining queens were asked to make uplifting videos for our troops. The inspiration for each clip was “Why I love the USA”. We’re still shocked that none of the competitors responded, “Because it provides a home for Shawn Morales and Jason Carter‘s bulges.” (Click above for a larger view. You know you want to.)

Guest judges for this week’s challenge included iconic swimsuit model Cheryl Tiegs and (ugh) Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir. What were some of their criticisms of the contestants? Who turned out the most entertaining and inspirational video? And who wound up going home in the end? Click through to find out!

– Dewitt

To watch this episode and check out the rankings, follow the JUMP:

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CATCH UP: Episode 2 – The Queen Who Mopped XMas, Episode 3 – Queens In Space, Episode 4 -Totally Leotarded, Episode 5 – QNN News, Episode 6 -The Snatch Game, Episode 7 – Face, Face, Face of Cakes, Episode 8 – Ru Ha Ha

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1. ALEXIS MATEO (LW – 6, Winner): We’re becoming more and more suspicious that they’re setting up Alexis Mateo as this season’s winner. More accurately, we’re finally convinced that she could conceivably wind up in the top three. We had our doubts in the beginning, but the fact of the matter is that she won three or four challenges. And she’s getting less bland and more likable with each week that passes. Or at least for this week alone.

2. SHANGELA (LW – 2): We would have ranked Shangela lower for all her smug faces during the judging session. However, we read an exit interview from last week’s ousted contestant Delta Work, in which she explained that a lot of those looks were played up in editing… Of course, maybe Shangela just is a bitch. In which case, we have three words to say–“Bless her heart”.

3. YARA SOFIA (LW – 1, Chante, You Stay): Spoiler alert! No one was eliminated on last night’s episode. After Yara and Carmen lip-synched for their lives to the Spanish version of Toni Basil’s “Mickey”, RuPaul allowed them both to stay in the competition.

Our love for Yara Sofia became explicitly clear when Ru called Carmen’s name first. We burst up from the couch and loudly shouted “Hell to the no”. Then we let out a huge sigh of relief, upon discovering that she’d have a second chance to be “crazy with a purpose”.

4. MANILA LUZON (LW – 5): Straight up? We hated Manila Luzon’s video for the troops. But while it was a bit too crass for our tastes, we appreciated Michelle Visage’s criticism that some people do enjoy bathroom humor. Plus, we can’t get over the “Thoroughly Modern Millionaire” look she rocked on the runway. Those credit card earring were fierce with a capital FABULOUS.

5. RAJA (LW – 4): Johnny Weir provided an excellent critique on Raja, pointing out that there are two types of cold. On the runway, we get this intimidating yet all too brilliant stomp. Of course, when it comes to personality? We occasionally get this flat, “dead fish” persona. Dearest Raja! You need to make more faces like this. Your fate in this competition depends on it.

6. CARMEN CARRERA (LW – 3, Chante, You Stay): Earlier in the episode, Carmen almost got me teary-eyed as she talked about how being American came easy for her, but she had to fight to be “Carmen Carrera” and marry her husband. Then she turned out the most painstakingly boring video (aside from this moment when Jason ate a hot dog). Honestly, we won’t complain if she goes home in the next round. Right back to her husband’s big cock.