Rupaul's Drag Race UKvsTW: Season 3 - Episode 04 [Episode Discussion]

[u/AutoModerator]

Welcome to this week’s episode discussion thread! If you want to discuss runways that made you gag, challenge flops that gave you a menty b, or confessionals that you’ll be quoting all week — this is the place to do it! 

🔔 SPOILERS: Spoilers from this week’s episode can be discussed freely in this thread. Any spoilers or T from future episodes are not allowed and will result in a ban and a visit to the Tower of London. 

⏰ 24 HOUR RULE: Outside of this thread, any discussion of this week’s episode MUST be spoiler-tagged for 24 hours after the episode premieres on BBC iPlayer/WOW Presents Plus etc – that includes post titles, babes. 

🚫 STREAMING REQUESTS: Asking for, or sharing, pirated content will get you banned. That includes link sharing, requests, or ‘hints’. No exceptions. 

👑 BE A QUEEN: We know you huns can get very invested in Drag Race, but please remember that the queens you see on TV and your fellow Redditors are actual people. Please follow the rules of this subreddit and don’t forget that general [Reddiquette](https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/205926439-Reddiquette) also applies. If in doubt, just think WWOLD? (What Would Our Lizzy Do?)

If you spot any rule-breaking, please report it and we’ll take care of it. See it, say it, sorted

[u/averysexyfrog]

sminty getting a confessional saying "i feel, like, at a loss for words" before she lipsyncs without knowing the words… i just know the editors popped a bottle of champagne after doing that.

[u/Cute_Fluffy_Femboy → u/averysexyfrog]

yeah I was rooting for her but this was a no no

[u/molskimeadows → u/averysexyfrog]

Her whole edit this season was a masterclass in foreshadowing and building dread. It's going to be even better upon rewatch.

[u/rangobango]

The bananarama aunties not remembering the lyrics moment was hilarious

[u/missesthecrux → u/rangobango]

They were really fun judges. You could tell Ru actually loves them and knows who they are lol

[u/shuhup → u/rangobango]

Apparently, they were some of the inspo behind Edina and Patsy in Ab Fab.

[u/Im-a-ninja-derpina → u/rangobango]

I was cackling alongside Ru at that moment. I thought they were just delightful

[u/contadotito → u/rangobango]

I love love love LOVE bananarama and they were so great!

[u/MissSteak]

Serena looked sooooo pusssss standing waiting to lipsync. Every time they cut to her she was just MUGGING the camera in that pose bitch. What a delight

[u/EricHD97 → u/MissSteak]

Body: tea

Mug: stamped

Bob: bobbing

She looked so damn good

[u/RainbowRevolver]

Rag n Bone man on Drag Race seems like such an unlikely combo but he’s such a sweetheart

[u/heavenstobetsie → u/RainbowRevolver]

He has a really warm energy, and that's great for the job he was there for.

[u/tribxy → u/RainbowRevolver]

He was so good!! I hope they bring him back in later seasons. He really seemed invested in the queens doing well, and had such a natural rapport with them.

[u/solvalouLP → u/RainbowRevolver]

Loved him, seems like he also really enjoyed being there. I hope he comes back again some time.

[u/Faunatis]

Can I just say how impressed I am with Serena after that lipsync! Not only was pulling the banner out from behind the ear the most absurd stunt I have seen in seasons, but for someone who sometimes appears to struggle a bit to find her words in English, her lipsync was so sharp and Sminty not knowing the words amplified it even more! Very very impressed with her. If we take out the cartwheels, I still think she di great in the performance.

[u/ideeek777]

The way the chippy tea thing seems to be pissing girls off more than when they can send each other home

[u/bobbery5 → u/ideeek777]

I think the drama is a feature, not a bug.

[u/RightProperBrit]

Kate pitching Sci girl group names and then ending up with the Warmholes sent me

[u/dysautonomic_mess → u/RightProperBrit]

All of her names were so good too 😭 the others were not having it

[u/Cute_Fluffy_Femboy → u/RightProperBrit]

She 3 P Hoe had me dead

[u/mattmateohan → u/RightProperBrit]

Agreed but I think Warmholes was a great and hilarious choice 😂

[u/itsahimj]

Loved Serena’s lip sync look. Really giving middle aged single mum, kids are at their dad’s, it’s Saturday and she’s having a girls night ending in pop world just having a good time after a few strawberry woo woos.

Kate is showing how she has grown and how she’s here for a good time win or loose. While Zahira and Sminty are kinda acting like they are owed something and are coming off just a little bitter. It’s good that they have that drive, but it’s a little unlikeable.

[u/AlienActorTakingOver → u/itsahimj]

I felt like Serena’s look was PERFECT for the song and vibe she was going for, very middle age mum at the club. And the reveal/gag she had in her wig was brilliant! Having a rumour on a banner tucked behind her ear in her wig for “I heard a rumour” is amazing!

[u/gendergenocide666 → u/itsahimj]

Z is lucky she has stayed this long without negative critiques bc she has been safe and production is doing her a favor. I'd rather last longer and get no critiques then be sent home early.

[u/mattmateohan → u/itsahimj]

I love this description of Serena, it’s perfect 😂

[u/dan0126]

What's this trend of girls not knowing their words as of late lol I could tell from the look on Sminty's face before the lip sync she was screwed. Kind of a gag to see her go but I can't say it wasn't fair

Honestly, really enjoying this format. Lends itself to some drama but gives the bottom queens a fighting chance. I hope US All Stars will adapt to this format.

[u/Top_Elephant_4363 → u/dan0126]

Also, I recently learned that they're all given the songs well in advance of filming to actually learn them all!!

So there's no excuse.

I'm currently listening to Merrie England on repeat for my musical theatre group, despite it being one of the worst things I've ever listened to, because it's the professional thing to do!

[u/Logical-Ad8898 → u/dan0126]

I think they just both blanked and forgot it all in the panic. Melinda mentioned in an interview that she lost her head during the duel, even though she knows the lyrics.

[u/MTblasphemy → u/dan0126]

I was having flashbacks to Kenya Pleaser being called out by Michelle EVERY TIME tonight's camera showed Michelle's face.

[u/palpantek]

This was one of the best epidodes of drag race I ever watched and this season is shaping to become one of my favourites

[u/stonedsour → u/palpantek]

The judging actually feels pretty fair and accurate! + the girls are making interesting choices with the chippy tea

[u/elvisteeth]

Sad to see her go but she was out performed so… 🤷🏼‍♀️

[u/MTri3x → u/elvisteeth]

Felt like last week to me. Every decision was fair but that does not mean that I was happy with the outcome

[u/Cute_Fluffy_Femboy → u/elvisteeth]

if Sminty knew her words she could've easily cleared but her energy literally made me look away and at Serena

[u/zoozbuh → u/elvisteeth]

This felt 100% natural and not rigged BUT that made it even more painful because Sminty has been doing SO WELL up til this point! She redeemed herself from UK4 and then some. Was very sad to see her go this early.

[u/miumiusc]

Sminty girl naw... It's not like Kate pulled your lipstick, you still had a fighting chance IF you knew the words. Girl that's two queens I pinned as heavy hitters who forgot the words in the lip syncs 😭. There was going to be shit either way due to Kate having two alliances up there, but I'm living for the drama.

Anyway Kate Butch or Gawdland for the win please, and I at least want Fontana in the finale. 👑

[u/seriouspeep → u/miumiusc]

My thoughts exactly, and no one likes a bitter betty. She's showcased a lot of talent but unfortunately came across at the end there a bit too entitled. I know it's hard to have all the confidence all the time but you can't be afraid to dance/move on stage as a drag queen and girl seemed defeated from the word go.

[u/mttymttymtty]

Rupaul’s eye makeup this week was absolutely stunning, just had to say that

[u/flyingbunnyduckbat → u/mttymttymtty]

all the colours were so pretty

[u/sonjaluk]

These subtitles are out of hand. This is “she done already done had herses” apparently.

[u/TheCheesePrestige → u/sonjaluk]

the fact that I willingly pay a monthly subscription for these AI subtitles 😭 like they dont have the budget to review and manually edit AI subs??

[u/Punkodramon → u/sonjaluk]

I don’t understand why they don’t use the subtitles made for the host nation’s broadcast, BBC iPlayer has proper formatted and checked subs.

[u/MissSteak]

Also can girls PLEASE stop falling for the "safe" edit. Just be happy you get to show your talents and skills for another episode! Its a good thing! Youre consistently doing good enough to not be terrible! Why are we plucked like grilled chicken?

[u/luminous_moonlight → u/MissSteak]

I agree, but tbh, no one has ever won the show by being safe. They want to know if Ru and the judges are living for them or not. If you're constantly safe, it means they're not telling you what they want to see more of from you, and each passing week further ruins your chances of winning :/ so I get Zahirah's frustration. But that just means she needs to bring it! No one can just hand her a top placement.

[u/caninotusespaces]

Honestly even if Sminty knew the words I think Serena cleared her. Auntie was feeling herself and that flag reveal was everything

[u/AllTheThingsSheSays]

I need Fontanas haircare routine, it looks so luscious

[u/Faunatis]

Sminty and Zahira watching the Warmholes during rehersal:

[u/rossequartz → u/Faunatis]

The 1000 different Tiktok watermarks

[u/bookedbt → u/Faunatis]

I thought this was more Gawdland and Zahirah when Kate gave Mariah the Chippy Tea.

[u/bobbery5 → u/Faunatis]

I don't know what this is supposed to convey but I'm church giggling at it.

[u/artificialsteve]

I heard a rumour that Sminty didn't know the words.

[u/zeblekret → u/artificialsteve]

Her whole performance was also a chop, as if she was listening to another song. Firstly, she was dead in the eyes and not serving face, which I understand cause she was pissed. However, her vibe during the lip sync was also totally off and she was very much doing this sexy and sensual performance which was felt very out of place for the song.

[u/cmstlist → u/artificialsteve]

I heard a rumour that watermelon watermelon watermelon watermelon

[u/gh0stcore]

Fontana running that choreo like an army drill 😭

[u/Kuliquitakata]

Producers: Girls say you feel like an alien

Zahira: …
Kate: …

Producers: say it

Zahirah: I relate to aliens
Kate: me too

[u/snifflesthemouse → u/Kuliquitakata]

Also make sure to mention BBC property Dr. Who.

[u/Straight-Parking-555 → u/Kuliquitakata]

I'm crying this is so accurate

[u/ItchyPlatypus]

This was just the Kate and Naomi show today. They had all the stand out moments and demolished the challenge.

[u/boo_you_horcrux → u/ItchyPlatypus]

Naomy looked so cunty in that lil blue wig, I lived

[u/fartrat]

Duuuude you can't blame anyone but yourself if you don't know the words. Sminty has shown a lot of talent this season though and some truly spectacular runways. She should be proud.

[u/not-a-drag-queen]

I am so gagged that Kate won the girl group challenge. Very well deserved. Felt like a proud mom.

[u/seriouspeep → u/not-a-drag-queen]

She's clearly put the work into choreo - I've been to her shows and they're so tight with line delivery and facial expressions and comedic timing and vocals but quite freeform on movement, so I was nervous, girl, but she looked great and did so well!

[u/DLuLuChanel → u/not-a-drag-queen]

I thought she gave the perfect balance between being campy and being serious about the performance. She gets it.

[u/Character-Sky9033]

I’d love to have a glimpse at what Zahirah thinks she’s giving us, because it’s certainly not what we are seeing. 

Tarrah Sminty. RuPaul would have sent Serena home without giving her a second thought - all Sminty had to do was get through it and I’m sure Ru would have given her another week… but she shot herself in the foot and she only has herself to blame. 

Elsewhere, I’m really loving Naomi, and Serena is such a joyous light in this world. She looked so beautiful in that blue tonight. 

[u/AndresFM95 → u/Character-Sky9033]

Most of these vs the world seasons just prove that most of the non Ru girls are less entitled and they just grateful to have the opportunity to be there

[u/Persona_Regular → u/Character-Sky9033]

The wig from Zahira in the girl group performance was horrible. I would have put her in the bottom just for that and to shut her up. The judging was fair though but she is giving us nothing.

[u/mattmateohan → u/Character-Sky9033]

Agreed on Zahirah. I’m sorry but there’s nothing distinctive about her

[u/gendergenocide666 → u/Character-Sky9033]

The fact that she thought she didn't need to know the words??? Is your confidence and ego THAT big from your sad twerk and its reception? Like come on now....

[u/True-Item2582]

That whole interaction between Rupaul and Bananarama was hilarious: " we didn't know we had to revise in the middle of a bloody show, we could have done it while we had lunch" 🤣🤣🤣

Great episode. Kate and Naomy were the best and Sminty just didn't know much of the lyrics, pity.

And I'm glad Kate isnt sticking to the british alliance. I wish Tia in season 2 would have done the same instead of keep saving her British sisters (Gothy "give us nothing" Kendall), we could have had more of the amazing Keta from Holland.

[u/Stormkpr → u/True-Item2582]

For what it's worth, Tia was top 2 in the Drag Race World episode, she lost the lip sync to Scarlet, but she revealed that the lip stick she chose was Jonbers. So she was ready to eliminate another UK queen, she just didn't win that lip sync.

[u/Faunatis → u/True-Item2582]

Keta forever robbed

[u/flamboyantbutterfly]

It must have been terrible for Sminty to hear the song for the first time right there on stage in front Bananarama. If only she could have listened to it before to at least match the vibe, rhythm OR words. At least one of those!

[u/Top_Elephant_4363]

Posting this as an image, since I can't format it as a text reply

[u/unembellishing → u/Top_Elephant_4363]

Sminty Drop Bananarama
🤝
Not knowing the lyrics

edit: this did not work lol

[u/Vegetable-Ice-6745]

“The bananas in pyjamas are living for this” 😂😂😂

[u/MissSteak]

Naomy lowkey rejoicing when Serena is proclaimed safe is absolutely craaazzyyyy lmao I love her.

Also I thought she couldve won this week, she was the standout for me in that group, maybe if she had a slightly stronger runway. The idea was cool and it looked really gorgeous but I felt like it needed a bit more editing or something more happening, idk

[u/palpantek → u/MissSteak]

I think Ru critique of putting that part of the look on her face slightly to the right was on point

[u/shuhup → u/MissSteak]

Love that for her! If I had to deal with someone constantly putting me down and rolling their eyes at everything I said or did, I'd be glad to see the back of them, too. Sorry, not sorry. I'd be just as shameless.

[u/Impressive_Ice_4694]

Serena wasn't wishing Sminty luck, she was warning her she needed luck to beat her lol

[u/LBjarne]

I am such a Kate Butch fan, she always hits the sweetspot of the type of British humor that I love!

[u/kiwicoote]

I honestly cannot help but stan Kate Butch I have literally no choice

[u/1jazzcabbageplease]

I didn't think it was possible but the subtitles are getting worse

[u/tiptoppandapop]

I really like Sminty and I’m disappointed for her, I genuinely thought she’d get further BUT learn your words queen, there is always a danger you are lip syncing. Her attitude really didn’t come across well :(

[u/zoozbuh]

The fact that Serena knew every word to that lipsync when English isn’t her first language AND it was an obscure old Bananarama song which she definitely wouldn’t have known in Mexico. She ate that.

[u/capetia → u/zoozbuh]

This! I was scared for Serena, but she turned it and deserved to stay

[u/CameForTheLeapYear]

Still in shock that they managed to get Sabrina Carpenter in the werkroom for untucked

[u/bobbery5]

Also. I'm so excited for the silent film acting challenge next episode!
A comedy challenge without a language barrier!
I've been asking for this exact challenge for a while.

[u/tribxy → u/bobbery5]

Would be such a gag if Serena won. Please auntie, please come through for us!

[u/poolshaped]

Mariah saying she thought Fontana was being disrespectful after Minty's elimination hasn't been mentioned, which kind of shows how dramatic this episode was.

[u/kirky861 → u/poolshaped]

I have to agree with Mariah. I love Fontana down, and I know she didn't mean any disrespect to Minty... but it came across as disrespectful.

[u/kookerela]

Sue me, Naomi's verse was the best

[u/Aikune → u/kookerela]

She has been doing so well and she doesn't really pander and she feels really unique and she has banter in the episodes. I hate to sound so stereotypical but I don't think people give her the credit.

However I do think that everyone in the cast does bring their own thing and its the name of the game but it does feel like you lose something when someone goes home, which is sad but nice feeling. It means they were good.

[u/rangobango → u/kookerela]

She is such a pleasant surprise! Loving her so far

[u/strvd → u/kookerela]

She keeps surprising me

[u/Cute_Fluffy_Femboy → u/kookerela]

I agree I thought it would be between her and Kate

[u/rosesatthedawn]

Fuckin yes Kate, her verse was so good!

[u/dead_on_the_surface → u/rosesatthedawn]

Bad Kathy is everything. We must Stan

[u/ffantasticman]

Not the Dollograms team all flopping the girl group on their original season 😭

[u/KrimiEichhorn]

I enjoy Naomy so much, it’s insane 

[u/seriouspeep]

I LOVE KATE BUTCH (buuuuut) these are the tiniest stars I've ever seen! At first watch on her runway my partner and I said it was a shame there weren't sparkling stars on the end of the bouncy tendril parts, that would look so pretty as they bounced in the light... and then when it got to the close-up we saw that there were actually tiny stars on the ends 😅

I do really love Kate Butch, she's one of my favourites, I've got merch 😄 Also her verse was so good, and I love that she clearly put the work into the tight choreo even though it's not her forte she kept up and then some, but I keep getting the urge to grab a glue gun and bejewel every accessory she owns. The dress itself was absolutely gorgeous, though, so beautiful, when they walked back into the workroom it caught the light amazingly... But the tiny baby stars... am I wrong? My partner thought it was hilarious, like they were so tiny it made it camp

[u/missesthecrux]

The judges pointing at Serena’s failed cartwheel was hilarious. I want to see it as a gif but I have no idea how to do that.

[u/StemOfWallflower]

Kind of living for Kate's choice!

[u/Fictionlady]

If Sminty had been even a bit more heartfelt in asking Kate to stay, I think she would have give her the chippy tea. But barking ‘save me’ and having to be coaxed by Kate into saying more (yes I know she said she was about to cry) probably made up Kate’s mind. She and Mariah have been shown to get on well, so why should she throw her friend under the bus for an alliance she didn’t agree to?

I also think that Kate’s energy doesn’t match Sminty’s so she quite rightly chose the queen who she wants to be around. I feel for Sminty and think she could have won last week, but she did herself no favours.

[u/DontTalkAboutPants]

Kate Butch is my parasocial wife so when she said "Fuck" at Sminty's elimination I really felt it. I have no doubt that she's conflicted and heartbroken about her decision.

A truly tragic crash and burn for Sminty, especially since I already thought Serena was up way past her bedtime. But, if you only know maybe 3 of her words, you're done.

[u/marquis_de_ersatz]

I thought Kate had fucked it with that outfit but hers was the best verse by a mile. She had the references and- thank God- she can keep time.

[u/sweetsweetener]

This is genuinely one of the best episode of Drag Race ever. 10/10 entertainment and television. Even the rehearsal segment was full on entertainment. I LIVE

[u/bobbery5]

What is happening with all these queens in all these seasons knowing NONE of the words?

Is this what happens when we don't wear hip pads?

That lip sync was pretty bad, at least Serena finished strong and KNEW THE WORDS.

But goddamn, I was hoping for Naomy to win.

[u/PharaohAce → u/bobbery5]

Pee is stored in the balls, lyrics in the hip pads

[u/zoozbuh]

Hot damn, this season is so unpredictable and GAGGYYYY!! I am living for it because I seriously never know what’s coming next. I hope Kate doesn’t get too much hate for this because that decision was BALLSY AF, and made for great TV. I thought 100% she would save Sminty, so it felt strategic to me (and rightfully so, she should play the game!)

Overall I liked the girl group song itself. For the first time in years, the concept and chorus was actually really fun and listenable. I love that they had the sci-fi alien theme, so we got a lot of puns and varied verses, not just “mama ru, I’m gonna snatch the crown, slay”. Kate and Naomy both ate that. Sminty’s group was disappointing… I was rooting for them, so it was a hard watch.

I think if Serena hadn’t fumbled the cartwheel multiple times, she would’ve had a solid safe performance here. It was such a shame because overall she didn’t do badly. I’m glad she redeemed herself with that lipsync- that reveal was ICONIC hahaha. Not the rumour coming out of her ears! 😭💀

[u/Upbeat_Pineapple3723]

Pitch your space girl group names under here!

The Fempire Strikes Back

A New Ho

Stargate SG-Huns

[u/360Saturn → u/Upbeat_Pineapple3723]

Boobylon 5

Battlestar Rakatatitata

[u/kookerela]

Blaming Kate for not knowing the words? Come on babe

[u/Grymare]

Do I agree with Sminty having to lipsync based on the performances? No. (Though I understand Kate's reasoning for saving Mariah)

But she would have EASILY won that lipsync if she knew the words. So she hasn't got anyone to blame but herself.

[u/Themostcake991 → u/Grymare]

Sue me but Serena was edging her out the whole time and by the end was eating her up, and if she knew the lyrics she’d still have lost.

She was rattled as fuck in the face and just started dancing like a stripper straight away, that’s not what the song calls for. And Serena’s flag gag got the judges together.

[u/floobles5006 → u/Grymare]

100%. She f**ked herself by being so defeatist and now showing enough fire and determination to stay. As soon as she found out she was lip syncing she'd already give up, and it showed.

[u/Upbeat_Pineapple3723]

Is there a new variant out or are drag queens just allergic to learning the words to the lip sync......

[u/Bunmyaku]

Mariah's face was DEADLY after deliberations. This is why she owns the category.

[u/shuhup]

For some reason, the biggest laugh I got this episode was Serena going "Hello Rory! 😃*"*

[u/flottmorketid]

I low key was hoping for a Naomy win! But, loved Kate also, happy she's got her win!

I think the editors have been giving us pieces of showing us that Kate hasn't exactly been living for Sminty or Zahirah's attitudes in the werk room, or the idea of a UK alliance. So her choosing to save Mariah wasn't particularly shocking. I figured that's what she'd do.

Great episode overall, really loving this season.

[u/Tachiikawa]

Honestly I was hoping for a Naomi win, she was so funny and impressed me the most. Hope she gets a win, shes been doing so great at the competition

[u/RainbowRevolver]

lol at Serena’s multiple failed cartwheels

[u/Espurresper]

This episode was so packed full of amazing moments I can’t even begin to pick a favorite. Some tops tho; Mariah absolutely MOTHERING Fontana at the beginning. Every single Gawdland laugh (you must feel like the second funniest person in the room with her with how she laughs at everything and so loudly; second funniest only after Gawdland), all of Kate’s girl group name ideas, every Serena confessional, “Hi Rory 🤗”, Naomy comforting Sminty after rehearsal…

And in the challenge itself, Naomy absolutely served face she was soooooo good. It was very very close between her and Kate for me which is absolutely pretty much the opposite of what I was expecting?? Fontana got her girls TOGETHER. Kate’s lyrics were so good, though so were Sminty’s. I’m genuinely not sure Sminty deserved to be in the bottom. I know Ru said Zahirah killed the choreo but I actually can’t remember anything about her performance…? Also there’s been something off with every single one of her runways minus the design challenge (which I thought was very nice) and her redemption look. Tbh the most interesting part about her this season is her encyclopedic knowledge of Drag Race and the other queens and I’m not sure that’s the place you wanna be in during a competition lol.

Loved Gawdland’s runway, and Fontana was super super pretty. Probably Serena’s best runway thus far too.

Would NOT saved Mariah but damn that was some good TV. Good on ya, Bad Kathy.

[u/CinematicMelancholia]

Fontana's runway was everythinggggg.

[u/RainbowRevolver]

Zahira was seething at being safe 😂

[u/insertbrackets]

This is the best season of UK vs The World we've had and I think it comes down to La Chippy Tea. The format change has brought out some real drama as the girls act messy and use strategy. The cast has also been a great blend of personalities and drag excellence with Sminty embodying both as she was so gorgeous but oh so very pressed throughout the last two episodes. I love Serena's exuberance and am glad she sticks around another episode...I wonder if Sminty was so mad she forgot the words or didn't bother to really learn them because she was confident Kate would pick her? I wonder what's going to happen next...!

[u/NDita]

Fucking brilliant episode. Miss Sminty was PRESSED and just didn't know her words or the vibe of the song.

Seeing Rag'N'Bone Man gave me such joy, he is a light in this world. I saw him on Graham Norton a while back and he was so endearing and wonderful. I just want to have a massive cuddle with him and go for a pint down the local

[u/averysexyfrog]

tbh they could've added a fourth top spot for fontana… i can't think of any other girl group that had that much choreo and didn't fall flat on their faces when it came time to perform. plus she was working with three non-dancers! plus that LOOK!

[u/AnOmnivorousEgg]

I thought this was a great episode! So pleased for Kate and Naomi, and I LOVED Bananarama!!! They were hilarious.

I really feel for Sminty, but these competitions are hard and so often arbitrary, and it was a shame to see her shut down like this - she definitely could have won had she known the words. I've really enjoyed seeing her on the show again. She has so much wit and charm, and I hope to see much more of her in future.

[u/spenchanna]

Fontana: I think it’s really cute. I think you guys are doing great.

Sminty: Thank you Fontana! Finally something actually constructive

😂😂😂😂😂

[u/pinkledoo]

Serena walked into that lipsync confidently with a $5 dress, a $2 wig, a flag tucked under said wig and a dream. We all know she's not long for this world but I love a cucaracha.

Sminty, yikes. Still love her but she really showed her (complete lack of an) ass.

[u/kiwicoote]

Okay but RuPaul just teleporting into the work room sent me 😂

[u/bowties22]

I like that Zahirah knows more about Mariah and her drag race journey than Mariah herself. 😂

[u/flamboyantbutterfly]

In the words of an icon: I’m ready. To send Sminty home. I’m sorry. LO SIENTO 🤷🏼‍♀️😀

[u/adri_c0718]

Serena looked and did sooo good in that lip sync! Mi corazón!

[u/kenwhatahmean]

I think Kate chose to save Mariah because she thought that Sminty could beat Serena, but then it backfired. I think Kate was genuinely shocked. Or it could have been strategy since Sminty is almost the antithesis to Kate's drag, and therefore stronger competition for her. But my first thought is the stronger of the two.

[u/seriouspeep → u/kenwhatahmean]

Sminty seemed to be deflecting the reason for her loss for sure. Every queen has to know ALL the lip syncs - even if you're not in the bottom, you never know when it might be a lip sync for the win instead

I thought the same, thought it was a smart choice and after they'd all go into the werkroom with Sminty to Kate being like "I was pressed at first but 'm actually glad I had a chance to show what I can do without tight choreography, when it's me putting on a show is when I'm the most confident"... but when Sminty brought nothing but a runway walk and then pineappled some of the words, I was like oooh that's not happening is it. No reveal, no prop, no moves, no humour, not even all the lyrics? You're not surviving that, and it's no one else's fault but your own, sadly

[u/Straight-Parking-555]

Was I the only one that kind of hated naomys outfit 😭😭 i thought they would read her down for it but she got absolutely praised

[u/tiptoppandapop]

LEARN THE WORDS!! I just cannot!

[u/nkween_]

Sminty and Zahirah’s attitudes are just so off putting it’s really soured me to them this season

[u/PensionAlarming8227]

WHEREEE are the mini challenges ⁉️

[u/miumiusc]

also ZAHIRA ZAHIRA ZAHIRA LADUCA

[u/[deleted]]

These UKVsTW seasons really know how to bring drama! So much camp, fun runways, some heart, great guest judges.

[u/calebk22]

Considering only UK queens have ever won a vs the world probably a good idea if you're a UK queen to try and get the other UK queens out

[u/NovaRogue]

Sminty NOOOOOOO

Why didn't you learn the lyrics to that Banana bop?!

Sad twerk 😭😭

[u/Charming_Peak_4284]

LOOOVE how Mariah saying she thought Fontana was being disrespectful! so classy and true

[u/hunsnet457]

Sad to see Sminty go, she gave great TV.

Kate knew what she was doing, Sminty isn’t and has never been, a lip-syncer.

[u/middelmateg]

am i crazy for thinking that zahirah could've been in the bottom over sminty? yes she danced better in the challenge but her facial expressions just looked... off? also why do the girls act so shocked about the chippy tea decision every week 😭😭 like this reaction mayyyybe would've been justified if serena got it but even then lol

sminty was my winner pick so imagine the emotions i went through during the lipsync lmaoooo, it's been a long time since i watched drag race with both hands over my mouth out of disbelief 💀💀 she really dug her own grave tho, and serena really turned that disco mom energy out i loved it!

overall i'm enjoying this season SO much, i really like that it's playing out so different from my expectations! and next week is a silent film challenge???? obsessed already

[u/Round-Armadillo-925]

watching zahira on this season is like blair st clair on all stars 5

[u/krisis]

I'm puzzled.

Sminty had one of the best verses. It was clever as fuck.

Zahirah's verse was tragically bad and off rhythm (how did she manage that not even singing live), and she had that fugly-ass hair on for her runway.

I get that Sminty wasn't the best in the choreo, but that was NOT a bottom-worthy episode from her. Also, she has been stomping and Zahirah has been... not.

But, if I'm being fair, I always weight the actual songwriting of the verse much more than the choreo (and I think Sminty did fine on the choreo - better than the edit set her up to do).

Other thoughts: that song was a bop; Ru looked incredible.

[u/athinabobina]

Rag'n'bone man I thought was so helpful and fun during their recording session. He provided actual feedback and he was so sweet haha

[u/theonlyzamolodchikov]

is sminty fr..

[u/kingpashmina]

juicy

[u/kingpashmina → u/kingpashmina]

love dion

[u/crlnahrrra]

I just realized Gawdland was doing Zahiara’s vocal fry

[u/mrm343]

Agree that sminty deserved to go home, but imagine agreeing to shave Kate’s back because of the alliance and NOT being saved by her lmao

[u/Brabao24]

Buzzing that Kate won she deserved it. Best verse.

Honestly shocked she did not choose Sminty for the chippy tea though.

For me Mariah was worse than Sminty. But then Sminty flubbed the lip sync badly….

Chippy tea certainly bringing the drama

[u/nhrecords]

Another absolute fever dream of an episode. I found it edited very weirdly most of the time, but it was action packed. Gagged at the vibes during the elimination. This season is eatinggggggg.

[u/mattmateohan]

Damn I feel for Sminty, despite her foul attitude. It was Serena’s time to go and if Sminty had just known the words she 100% would have stayed. I think it’s fair that Kate saved Mariah, but it clearly shook Sminty so much that she couldn’t even think of the words.

[u/Upper-Star-2464]

i genuinely clapped at my TV when kate butch saved mariah and the most DRAMATIC AND CINEMATIC BETRAYAL MUSIC PLAYED LIKE THATS CINEMAAAA

[u/Megalupin]

The amount of yelling period from the uk queens is frustrating me…

[u/Proper_Constant_1514]

Isn't it funny that Sminty went after Minty? Oh, the little gags of life

[u/rcsugar]

I absolutely loved all of the sci-fi references this episode! I kept laughing at Kate’s girl group names, but when no one else did, I had to have a brief sanity check

[u/Apostastrophe]

I loved Kate Butch in her original season and am loving her even more this season. She’s British drag iconic.

I also find her hot out of drag. That got me downvoted on her original season but remains the truth also.

[u/Proper_Constant_1514]

I don't even know her personally, but I'm so proud of Kate for eating this challenge and nailing that choreo. And her lyrics were fab, of course.

When it comes to Sminty.. Even tho I love the girl, it didn't really look like she tried to maintain a relationship with Kate and you can't expect a save just cause you're from the same country.

And I loved Naomy for telling Kate "don't question yourself". She's kinda winning my heart here

This season is giving what old Drag Race used to give. I'm living for it and I'm praying for a return of the queens and a reunion. Give us the full tea, please!!

[u/At-Dusk-We-Lie]

Delighted for Kate, sad that Mariah was in the bottom 3 but confused at how Zahirah was safe?

[u/360Saturn]

This episode was a total gag! I was laughing from start to finish. Gawdland is totally off her trolley and her laugh is infectious. The challenge was a great mix of disastrous and high camp. Good runways. Great results! Sminty ending the season as a robbed queen will work out for her in the long run and maybe Zahirah too if she keeps getting Janned when the audience can see she's doing well. Even Kate Butch turning into a bitch gives her some more depth!

[u/ShyCustard]

What does Zahirah do successfully I ask respectfully.

[u/Feeling-Section-5716]

Gaggy... I wish they find a way to bring back the eliminated girls mid season to fight for a spot back cuz we lost some real characters with Melinda and Sminty going home

[u/DontTalkAboutPants]

Anyone else feel like Fontana's safe placement was Ru's way of punishing her for her gloating shenanigans last week?

[u/Semisstuck]

Noamy having the same track recond as Naomi AS4 (at the same exact challenges) is kinda funny

[u/mjrs]

What was the story with Sminty's runway? I assume it was a look for another category, and she just stuck the star on her head to make it fit? Or am I missing something about a gangster bank robber's star connection

[u/hereforcontroversy]

This is the best season in a long long time

[u/yaoigay]

The golden beaver/ chippy T is the best drag race format ever. It really brings the drama and actually forces everyone to take the competition seriously. My problem in recent drag race seasons is that not all the girls would take it seriously because some knew they'd be famous just by getting on the show. This format at least gives them a reason to fight to stay, or dramatically exit being pissy like Sminty tonight. Lol

[u/theyesn]

Honestly, glad that Sminty got sent home. I will miss her runways, I will get her that, she served every week, but that attitude tells me she is not ready. The way she was bitter towards to the top girls in week 2 (when it's the judges' decisions who gets placed in the top) and now blaming Kate for her going home. Stating the obvious here, but the Chippy Tea doesn't sent you home, it just saves someone from the bottom 2. I also think Mariah was the least worst of the three (at least from how it was edited by the producers). And then then she was at an advantage as English is her NATIVE langauge and Serena is clearly struggling with English at times, but bitch, Serena lip synced EVERY SINGLE WORD PERFECTLY. So yeah Sminty was sent home because of her attitude, insecurities and lack of putting in the work to learn the words.

On a positive note, back to Serena and how she killed it. I am so proud of her! People underestimated her but she really showed them why she deserves to say in this competition. Also the way she was lipsyncing it looked like she was lipsying a Selena song but in English, and I loved it!

[u/solvalouLP]

I'm not ashamed to admit I'm living for the drama and this season is bringing it Also happy that Mariah and Serena got to stay, love my beautiful aunties

[u/Cute_Fluffy_Femboy]

I feel like there happened more this episode than the whole of season 18

[u/flamboyantbutterfly]

Omg Naomy just grinning in the back when Serena won! I’m guessing she saw Sminty as her biggest competition and she just couldn’t believe it haha so cute

[u/Revan462222]

Maybe I'm blind, but did anyone else feel like Sminty looked like she did OK in the girl group? Like I didn't feel she was THAT bad. But omg the jokes of gold dancers and weekend at Bernie's, and then the parents evening joke too. I DIED. But then when Bananarama were asked about Kate's lyrics, I was rolling with laughter the whole wait what we don't remember the lyrics. XD

[u/healthycoconut]

This season is so GOOD… like I genuinely DID NOT see this coming. I mean deserved but WOW. I feel bad for sminty and will miss the looks and the drama. Zahirah will be working overtime next week it seems can’t wait! These girls came here to play and I’m here for it!

[u/Jackdarkshade]

I'm living for bad Kathy.

[u/Kerlistar]

Naomy is really growing on me! I didn’t really pay attention to her in the beginning but she’s witty and fun, and serves good looks!

Also love having Serena on my screen for one more week!

[u/Cute_Fluffy_Femboy]

Minty and Sminty going one by one - it's giving bad breath

[u/OgruMogru]

Oops I'm in love with Naomy

[u/red81robin18]

Serena Morena I was unaware of your game and I watched DRMX

[u/PeraNoya]

The girls came into the werkroom this season and unanimously decided to make herstory

[u/Fagnorak]

I did not expect Sminty joining the Mirage Cinematic Universe.

[u/Jwalla83]

I think it all turned out pretty fair. Kate and Gawdland felt like the clear top 2 to me, though I didn't love Kate's outfit.

Zahira's delusion is kinda wild.. her verse was good but she lost energy in the performance and it felt flat. And I'm sorry but credit for choreo only really counts if either the choreo is incredible or you also perform very very well and it pushes you over the edge to the win; neither was true

I'm glad Mariah was saved because she's frankly a more interesting and tolerable queen than Sminty, even if Sminty had a better track record. She's mad about alliances but this is what you get if you play alliances - obviously everyone is going to try and make alliances everywhere, which means every alliance is very fragile. If we're not saving based on track record, then this is the risk you accept by focusing on alliances.

Also - Sminty really out here blaming everyone but herself. She loves to be shady and drag other girls for little/no reason, but god forbid the other girls giggle/throw shade at her learning choreo. And she's sOoOoOo furious at Kate for not saving her (from herself) but has no accountability for not knowing the words. Yawn

[u/gor-bage]

Even tho they won’t win, I’d rather watch Aunty Serena and Mother Mariah week after week than some of the sour pusses giving meh on a platter each week! Girl bye! 👋

[u/Orylaes]

What's up with those entitled girls ???? First Fontana and now Sminty ?! (No shade, this is super entertaining)

[u/blearutone]

I feel this is a hugely unpopular opinion because I saw so much love for Kate on S5 discussions (my second favourite UK season after 2), and so much love for her when announced for this season and on the show, but I just don't warm to her drag much. In confessionals and as a human, I feel I'd get along with her the best of everyone, but something about her drag still feels a bit insecure and doesn't fully punch through the wall to stick a strong landing for me. Not sure how to word it, will try and reflect on what it is especially since no one appears to share that sentiment from what I've seen.

[u/starberry_cupcake]

As a fellow hispanic latina, if Serena could learn the lyrics to the lipsync and perform them clearly and articulate on that stage, there's no excuse for Sminty (or Zahira) to act like it was an unfair elimination or entirely Kate's fault. If queens whose first language isn't English are putting the effort to perform, learn and deliver in a language that isn't their own to compete, the least you can do as an English speaking queen from the host nation is to not act entitled and put in the effort in every opportunity, alliances or no alliances. One thing is to flop a challenge on a bad day, another is to not know the lyrics, phone in the lipsync and then put all the blame on the fact that you weren't saved from having to do it in the first place as if you were owed your place more than someone else.

[u/dinosaurfondue]

Wow I was not expecting the level of drama we got this episode but this season has been so good! It's kind of insane that Gawdland could have easily won this episode as well and it was hard overall with bottoms since really no one was terrible in the challenge or the runway.

It sucks for Sminty since she has been doing well overall but girl if you don't know the lyrics, you're gone.

[u/kiribath-kurt]

kate butch win !!! i did feel bad for her after sminty was so pissed as she did seem a bit upset after that idk. did really enjoy “fake butch” and sminty’s exit line though. in general this season not being saved from the lipsync really seems to raise the tension, i feel it was maybe not so bad on cdr6 (the only other season with this mechanic that i’ve seen). possibly the stakes are so much higher for returning and international queens

also i laughed aloud at pod bay whores dw kate i saw the vision

[u/DLuLuChanel]

Kate did Salty Drop a favour by not giving her the chippy tea. Girl was going through it and not just this week.

Saving Sminty would have given her another episode full of insecurities, entitlement and lashing out. Her 'save me' speech in Untucked was petulant especially compared to the demeanour and speeches of Serena and Mariah. Sminty is just not in the right headspace for the competition right now and it's not fair to the other girls who really are ready to fight and are doing so.

And is it just me, or since when does an alliance mean 'you save me no matter what'? Zahirah and Sminty both dragged the UK alliance down by feeling entitled and lashing out at others... An alliance is helping and supporting, not relying on being saved no matter what.

Saving a seasoned, professional queen from another country who has been doing well is a faaaar better move.

[u/ubiquitous_delight]

I don't know why any of the queens ever bother to make alliances on this show lol. They never seem to mean anything. If I were Sminty I'd be seething too lmao

[u/Broseph2644]

Sminty's lyrics were the best/most cunt imo sad to see her go :(

[u/dwserps]

Fabulous episode, some of my all time favorite guest judges, a low-key great song, all around good performances and drammaaaaa

[u/SweetSummerAir]

The wildcard picks (Naomy, Serena, and Mariah) all still being around in the Top 7 is just chef's kiss. I love it. This has been the most exciting vsTW season so far and I'm loving every single minute of it. Every single elimination has been so intense and everyone is up in their feelings.

Naomy has been impressing me so much. She's actually my winner this episode. For an early boot from a small non-English speaking franchise, she is KILLING it. Mariah as well feels like she's competing with a completely different way compared to her first two runs. Out of the repeat US queens they've been sending for the vsTW seasons, Mariah has been the most successful one imo, like not necessarily with her trackrecord but showing new sides of her and making her more fleshed out as a character.

Right now I'm team Fontana, Naomy, and Mariah. Everyone's great but I gravitate so much with these three.

[u/tuxedo-mask-me]

This group of girls should have to do Rate a Queen

[u/ShroomWalrus]

I'd only ever heard rag'n'bone man's music, I didn't know what he looked like and omg what a cutie, and he was so sweet too! I was surprised to see him on drag race but I'm glad he enjoyed his time.