RPDR 18: Episode 12 Rucap
- Faiz Faisal
- Mar 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 24
Makeover Challenge: Drag Family Resemblance? Or Not?
We’re down to the Top 6 queens, and this week they’re tasked with turning a group of queer cowboys into members of their drag family. A classic Drag Race makeover challenge — wholesome, emotional, and always controversial when it comes to judging.
Mini Challenge: Cowgirl Chaos
Before the main event, RuPaul kicked things off with a mini challenge that was equal parts ridiculous and entertaining.
The queens had to get into quick cowgirl drag and race on bouncy horses to the finish line.
Yes. Exactly what it sounds like.
🏆 Discord Addams won the mini challenge, earning a $2,500 cash tip and — more importantly — the power to pair up the queens for the makeover challenge.
And as always, that pairing power? Strategic.
Maxi Challenge: Makeover — Cowboy Edition
The queens were tasked with transforming their cowboy partners into full drag personas that reflect their drag family resemblance.
And as expected, this episode really leaned into the emotional connections between the queens and their partners. These makeover episodes always hit differently because we get to see a softer, more nurturing side of the queens.
But let’s get into the real conversation…
The Judging… Make It Make Sense
I need to say this.
The judging for family resemblance continues to be one of the most inconsistent things on Drag Race — not just this season, but across the franchise.
We’ve seen queens praised in the past for interpretation:
Different silhouettes
Different colours
Same essence
But suddenly this episode?
That same approach gets critiqued.
So when Jane Don’t shares similar hair, and clearly builds a narrative connection… it’s somehow not family resemblance?
But when other queens literally put their partners in:
The same outfit
Slight colour variation
Same headpiece
…it’s praised?
I’m confused.
If the judges don’t like the look, just say that. But saying there’s no family resemblance when there clearly is a conceptual link feels… off.
My Take on the Performances
Honestly? All the queens did well.
No one completely missed the brief, which made judging even harder (and maybe that’s why the critiques felt nitpicky).
If I had to pick:
🏆 Darlene Mitchell
Her makeover felt the most like a cohesive drag family. Clean, clear, and believable.
🥈 Jane Don’t & Discord Addams
Both had strong concepts and execution, even if the judges didn’t fully live for Jane’s approach.
Myki Meeks
More twin energy than family — but still polished and effective.
Juicy Love Dion
Praised for matching looks with her partner… which makes the critique toward Jane even more confusing.
Bottom Two & Lip Sync
The bottom two queens of the week:
Nini Coco
Discord Addams
They lip synced to We Can't Be Friends by Ariana Grande.
Not the most obvious lip sync song choice, but I’ll take it.
The performance was emotional, controlled, and very in line with the song’s vibe.
In the end:
💔 Discord Addams sashayed away
👑 Nini Coco stays
Final Thoughts
We’re now down to the Top 5, and the competition is getting tight.
Next week’s challenge is an improv challenge, which can either elevate a queen… or completely expose her.
And honestly? I can’t wait.
Top 4 After Episode 12 (Still Standing Strong)
Darlene Mitchell
Jane Don’t
Myki Meeks
Nini Coco
No changes. Still confident in this lineup.
Now tell me —
Do you agree with the judging this week?
And who do you think is taking the crown? 👀👑
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