Review: Canada's Drag Race, S1 E9 - The Snow Ball

Each week Toronto based comedian Chris Middleton will review the latest episode of Canada’s Drag Race. The Canadian version of the worldwide phenomenon RuPaul’s Drag Race premiered July 2 on Crave. The main judges and mentors are Stacey McKenzie, Brooke Lynn Hytes, and Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman.

Top four whores! We’re one week away from finding out who’s getting crowned the FIRST winner of Canada’s Drag Race and the competition is stiffer than a stare from Michelle Visage.

For the mini challenge this week, the queens had to sing the national anthem with curve balls thrown at them from the guest . . . Sabrina Jalees?! When she was announced I, kind of surprisingly, gasped! Like, you could’ve given it to one of the many Canadian comedians that are currently working in Canada. But this girl’s written for some of my favourite shows so I’ll let it slide (just call me next season, okay? Please? I promise I’ll be nice!)

The mini challenge was fun, if a little clunky; the pace just needed to be upped. Rita won, which felt right. Jimbo was slutty, Bobo was neurotic, but both played it safe; while Priyanka needed to dial it back (what else is new).

The maxi challenge this week was a ball - A Snow Ball. Dang,  I’m not going to miss these punny challenge names (they really flatlined after Que-becky with the good hair).

Jimbo’s first look was GOLD, with a holiday nip slip under the mistletoe! The second look was Gay Grinch after hooking up in the Whoville circuit party bathroom. But her ice queen look was melting off of her. Things were falling, her makeup was sloppy, it was safe. Over all, it wasn’t haute couture, it was hoe couture. 

Rita’s first look was less aubergine and more bas-bergine (FRENCH). That second look, I LOST IT, but that reminds me (Siri, erase ski trip photos…) Her third look had me foaming at the mouth a little too much. Did she put that blinder on too early? It was almost there, but overall, it was stiff.

Priyanka’s first look gave me post-Christmas pine needle cleanup PTSD. I’m triggered, but it was FRESH. Her second look was a Roots hooker who fell off the runway and the wagon. But girl, you knew Michelle Visage was coming, and you wore a bodysuit? The absolute nerve.

Scarlett’s first look set FIRE on the runway which was off theme, but on brand; she read them (the New Yorker) for filth. Part of that second look was stolen from Jan’s frozen runway, but it wasn’t not hot, it was snot hot! That last look sent shivers down my spine! For someone who couldn’t understand the concept of cutting a piece of fabric into four pieces, she turned it out! Though Jimbo’s cutting look after Scarlett didn’t thank her on the runway for the sewing lesson was all she needed.

Scarlett Bobo

The winner for this week was FINALLY Scarlett Bobo! Jesus, kept us in suspense the entire season. Glad she snuck in a win before the finale!

The bottoms this week were unfortunately Jimbo and Rita. What a crisis turned into a catastrophe! Unfortunately, Jimbo got the chop faster than Rita chopped her dress off. As disappointing as it is, Rita at least made strong choices in the lip sync, whereas Jimbo just clowned around. But that exit was perfect! Goodbye Jimbo (“Fuck you”, Jimbo screams).

Only one episode, a remix, and choreography stand between this top three and the crown. Let's hope they can learn their steps this time!

THE SPOILERS:

Mini Challenge: Oh She Better Canada - National Anthem Challenge
Pit Crew: We stand on guard for thee
Mini Challenge winner: Rita Baga
Maxi Challenge: The Snow Ball
Winner: Scarlett Bobo
Extra Special Guest Host: Michelle Visage
Lip Sync: Rita Baga vs Jimbo to "Closer" by Tegan and Sara
Eliminated: Jimbo

Bodacious, bizarre and Intoxicating. Board the mothership with Jimbo!