Faulkner

Lady Gaga’s collaboration with Ariana Grande debuts at No. 1. It’s Gaga’s 5th and Ariana’s 4th.

From Atlanta 🇺🇸

As potentially problematic as the “mammy” relationship could be perceived through a 2020 lens, Mamie really should still be a presence in the lives of the Abbotts. She really did adore those kids.

Never realized how much Scarlett Johansson’s voice is similar to Brenda Epperson’s. I literally thought I was hearing ScarJo with Y&R in the background.

That I could tell, but it seemed like they playing up some sexual tension.

Are Kate and Abe (Kabe?) a thing?

I think the weird arts-and-crafty thing was what Crystal was going for, but I do feel it needed something else. Like a big full-costume reveal at the end as mentioned. Ru seemed like she loved Jaida (in addition to how her win speaks to the moment). But if Gigi did indeed attempt to cheat, I can imagine that sealing Ru’s decision.

I think Jaida’s edit this season laid her out as the favorite, although they provided arcs for Crystal (finding her quirky voice) and Gigi (early front runner rediscovering her confidence after several shaky weeks) to try to make them seem competitive. (To be honest: The mostly white Drag Race fan community have often diminished the black queens, so I’m not surprised if there’s controversy beyond the usual “my favorite didn’t win,” but I see a good bit of support for Jaida.)

Flo added so much dimension to Nina, as Doris did for Sharon. Part of it is budgetary, I know, but I miss when recurring family members were integral and constant influences on characters who weren’t part of core families.

From Delhi 🇮🇳

In her new NYT advice column, Roxane Gay went off on a privileged woman asking if it was still safe to employ her housekeeper during a pandemic, and Times readers are *triggered* (read the comments). Plus, this, tying COVID together with the protests:

Protests as far away as Tokyo...

From Memphis 🇺🇸

From NYC 🇺🇸

This actor from HBO’s Insecure (he plays Nathan) got shot by rubber bullets and hit with batons while doing an IG Live from a protest in L.A.

From Los Angeles 🇺🇸

Winner was never in doubt. She’s amazing. I loved Heidi’s little sketch in the middle of the finale. She’s so much fun. Sad about the longtime Drag Race producer who passed away. That was a lovely tribute to her from the queens throughout the seasons. They really created a vivid picture of who she was. Much better finale than the lackluster reunion.

A friend of mine, who is a Peyton Place fanatic, posted this and said watch from 6:52 to 10:32 (although maybe start at 5:26 for context). It’s not a knockdown, drag-out “confrontation,” but a tense discussion between a daughter and her mother (played by Barbara Rush) about life choices and the responsibilities of love and sex. Really smart and nuanced dialogue.

Ok, watched the latest NYC episode. Everyone except maybe Luann was obnoxious. Leah is indeed exhausting, but Elyse, while insightful in a lot of ways, comes across very stuffy and self-righteous. I’d love to know more about Dorinda’s comment that Elyse isn’t in the position to judge. I’m glad that Luann put Ramona in her place. Again, Luann is perennially the MVP on trips, even when she’s not the center of attention.