Him tearing up over Nina's departure was possibly the most affecting display of waterworks this season. Valentina's last episode notwithstanding.

rooting for a peasant queen

I seem to recall her talking about it in the opening episode, in her talking head (which admittedly was most likely filmed post hoc). I don't think she talked about it openly to the other queens in the workroom until mid-season. Specifically, when she and Sasha were talking about their homophobia experiences in Russia.

If you have experience with loved ones (or your own, perhaps) with affective disorder - they're complicated relationship dynamics to work through. Even with the "sisterly" bonds the queens go on about over the course of a season, there are still limits to the extent of support one can reasonably expect from…

(Reply got moderated out last night, ugh)

The math of the season's challenges certainly did not favor Jujubee in any way, but it seemed like among the final 3, she edged out both Tyra and even Raven for fan popularity. Even surviving a record 3 LSFYLs with no wins, she had a compelling, magnetic charisma that stood out against the catty edge that Tyra and…

If it's any consolation - the only winners I can think of that never had to lipsync were Tyra, Bianca, and Violet.

*Rattlesnake Sound Cue*

I dunno if it speaks to her being a favorite - but Pepper's the oldest, most experienced remaining queen, and an institution of New York drag. I'll grant it's a matter of reputation more than what she's really presented on the show.

I think I get what you're saying now. Even with her not doing as well in this challenge, her name-checking Naomi again this episode is sort of reframing her entire Drag Race season in those terms for me.

Let me feel my oooooooats…!

Group hug, y'all!

1) This season hasn't really been as deep with the fourth wall-breaking as season's past (if we count Untucked, mind you). But as soon as Ru picks the victims makeover subjects, it's clear everyone involved has an added dimension of whatever existing relationships the queens have with the otherwise invisible crew.

She sewed this right here. And she sewed this hem right here. And that right there.

The selection of crew members gave us a pretty good variety of bodytypes to thirst over. Legitimately hot as Rizzo was, I may be alone in thirsting for Duncan's frazzled deadpan.

Looking at the matrix, she's definitely the most at-risk, statistically - with a lipsync and two more bottom-threes, all within the most recent episodes.

I was definitely getting just a touch of that vibe as Shea went Naomi Campbell on the runway over the chorus. It's useful that she name-checked Naomi earlier in the episode, since that lipsync kind of perfectly encapsulates how Shea equates sex and power with that runway stomp.

For all the posters kvetching that this season is short on shining star-grade drag talent, I might propose that Sarge is the real breakout of season 9.

Looking back on Kimora's edit - she was decidedly far more sisterly in the workroom and Untucked than her arc wound up being. Since we know that the confessionals and talking heads are shot at a significantly later date, I've been guessing that she cranked up her huntiness specifically for the camera in the latter…

…the one and only time Derrick Barry, in the context of this show, has been referred to as a "master".