RPDR 18: Episode 3 Rucap

Alright dolls, Episode 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 18 is officially done — and let’s just say… I have thoughts.

Fresh off DD Fuego’s elimination, the queens gathered around to reflect on the previous week. Honestly? Not much drama came out of it, which was a little surprising. I was low-key expecting something to bubble up, especially considering DD kind of threw Athena under the bus last episode. But nope — calm, collected, very kumbaya. Moving on.

---

RDR Live… But Make It Flat

A new day in the werkroom, and one of my usually favourite challenges arrives: RDR Live. And yet… I was not living.

I don’t know what it was this season, but the whole challenge felt oddly flat. Most of the queens leaned heavily into physical comedy, but forgot the most important part — actually delivering funny lines. Maybe it was the writing? Maybe the sketches just weren’t strong? Either way, for a comedy challenge, I barely laughed.

Even Sarah Sherman as the guest judge didn’t really do it for me, and I normally enjoy her chaotic energy. Maybe my expectations were too high, but this episode just didn’t hit the way RDR Live usually does.

---

Tops of the Week: A Surprise Win

From the RDR Live performances, I was genuinely surprised to see Juicy Love Dion outperform Myki Meeks, land in the top, and eventually win the challenge.

Don’t get me wrong — Juicy did good. But “hilarious”? Not quite. I do think her runway look pushed her over the edge, because what Myki wore on that stage… yeah, it was giving basic costume. And on Drag Race, that can absolutely cost you.

---

Runway Theme: Animal Attraction

Now this is where the episode really redeemed itself for me. The runway theme was Animal Attraction, and some of the queens ate.

My Top 3 runway looks:

Athena Dion

That was a biblically accurate white owl — if such a thing exists. Opulent, haunting, and incredibly detailed. Easily my favourite of the night.

Nini Coco

Her Poisonous Dart Frog look was simple but effective. Clean, polished, and visually striking without doing too much.

Juicy Love Dion

A pangolin-inspired look on the Drag Race mainstage? I’ve literally never seen that before. Unique, thoughtful, and memorable. Points were earned.

---

Bottom Two & Lip Sync

In the bottom this week were Mandy Mango — again — and for the first time, Briar Blush.

At this point, Mandy is giving me Shangela Season 2 energy. The charisma is there, the fight is there, but the drag still feels juvenile. Honestly? I can totally see her coming back for All Stars 20 way more polished and fully realised.

The bottom two lip-synced to Lizzo’s “Love in Real Life”, and… that was a lip sync. We’re three episodes in, and I still haven’t been wowed by a single one this season.

In the end, Mandy Mango lost her second lip sync and sashayed away.

---

With That Said...

Next week has me excited again because — another Gaga name drop and a design challenge? Say less. I’m ready.

After Episode 3, my Top 4 saw a little shake-up. I’m officially taking Myki Meeks out of the roster and replacing her with Jane Don’t.

Updated Top 4 (Post-Episode 3)

• Juicy Love Dion

• Jane Don’t

• Nini Coco

• Darlene Mitchell

What did you think of Episode 3?

Were you living for RDR Live this season — or did it fall flat for you too? 👀👑