They are saying timing is all the things, and effectively, RuPaul’s Drag Race timed their premiere out completely. To arrange the season, fairly than launch the premiere straight into the everyday Werk Room entrances, Season 17 of the fact competitors collection kicked off with a Squid Recreation–impressed chilly opening. Referred to as “Squirrel Recreation,” the queens of the brand new season, alongside main Drag Race alumni and random extras in drag or clown garb, are thrust into this sickening recreation. Enjoying “Ru Gentle, Inexperienced Gentle,” the queens needed to serve their finest strikes when the beat drops. When the beat stops, they have to strike a pose or be eradicated. Now, fairly than being gunned down, the losers are pied within the face by the scantly clad Pit Crew in masks when Lil Poundcake, Drag Race’s most notorious doll, detects motion.

With cameo appearances from RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars winners Angeria Paris VanMichaels, Kylie Sonique Love, and Trinity the Tuck, fan favorites Jaymes Mansfield, Kerri Colby, Mayhem Miller, and Morgan McMichaels, to Victoria “Porkchop” Parker actually being “porkchopped” as contestant 001, RuPaul introduced the beat, and it was sickening. RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 is off to an distinctive begin.

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Meets ‘Squid Recreation’

On the heels of Season 2 of Squid Recreation, Drag Race determined to convey the IP into the LGBTQ+ world for a superb parody. The wedding between the 2 universes was easy and simple, bringing in laughs for all the fitting causes. The “Squirrel Recreation” sketch was enjoyable, refreshing, topical, and gag-filled. It was a furvent strategy to introduce the queens into the queendom in a brand new method. We have been capable of see them navigate the campy world that they are about to compete in. Popular culture and Drag Race nostalgia are the proper recipe for achievement as they’re each main elements of the artwork type. Popular culture is one thing that’s constantly infused in Drag Race. It could, now and again, really feel pressured. This time it was naturally seamless. Generally, attempting new issues can work. This did!

Drag Race is thought for the lingo that has infused its method into mainstream vernacular. Now coming into Season 17, followers are used to recycled catchphrases tossed in right here, there, and in all places. But, swapping them in for the terminology, themes, and moments from Squid Recreation, the parody was ripe for a spot on Saturday Night time Reside. The cinematography was primarily a one-for-one from Squid Recreation with recognizable components. It did not strive laborious to be one thing it could not be. The writers of this sketch deserve immense reward for his or her seamless transition of integrating Drag Race lingo into the world of Squid Recreation. Generally, the writing throughout the challenges can verge on cringy. Right here, it was merely a chef’s kiss. The jokes have been low-hanging fruit, but carried out in a fashion that labored. The writing group introduced their very own model of charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and expertise that deserves a RuPeter Badge.

The Queens of 17 Are Able to Play

The “Squirrel Recreation” sketch was full of Easter eggs for us die-hard followers. The quick phase layered in beloved faces wanting to play alongside. Bringing within the outdated with the brand new not solely leveled out the taking part in discipline but in addition served as a reminder that every one these drag artists have been a part of the identical unbelievable dynasty. There might not be an interplay, however having drag mom Trinity the Tuck in the identical scene together with her drag daughter about to compete on the season, Sam Star, gives a little bit of levity and intrigue. Maybe Sam Star will likely be following in her mom’s footsteps and earn the crown and $200,000 prize ultimately. Ultimately, it showcased the brand new queen’s willingness to go full ham, which is critical to turn out to be America’s Subsequent Drag Famous person.

Now, Drag Race purists and traditionalists could ponder, “Why could not this sketch occur after the Werk Room entrances?” Properly, the reply is, “That is present biz, child.” This chilly open was the proper strategy to seize the viewer’s consideration in a charming method. Was this the queer artwork Megami stated we would have liked to guard throughout her Season 16 expertise present? This sketch was delightfully campy. Each particular person concerned leaned into the comedic nature. Positive, they might have moved via the motions. As an alternative, they created one thing hilarious that Drag Race followers will likely be posting about for years to come back.

RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 airs Fridays at 8:00pm on MTV. Earlier seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race is accessible to stream on Paramount+.

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