Reality television has entered a new sickly sweet era. It’s the feeling you get watching the rebooted Real Housewives of New York City, with its cast members unwilling to throw jabs in an attempt to protect their image. The same goes for The Bachelor or Survivor; afraid to be the villain, most cast members chart a prolonged boring streak. In a tragic move, RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars is the newest victim of the kindness economy.
The ninth season of All Stars has some great talent: Roxxxy Andrews, Gottmik, even Nina West, when she’s not throwing off precariously laid sequin capes. But, with no eliminations in sight and an oddball “badge” system securing their status, the competition has stalled. In the immortal words of Lashauwn Beyond, it’s become “RuPaul’s Best Friend Race.” Great drag, dull television.
Not even a surprise appearance from Kamala Harris in Friday’s finale rescued the series.
