Drag Race México

The first of a glut of three new international drag shows recorded at the same gigantic studios in Columbia - Mexico debuts a nice chunky stage, an absolutely cavernous werk room with loads of mirrors and a newly remixed soundtrack. The unique elements include two hosts, an unmasked Valentina and the great Lolita Banana (a personal favourite contestant of mine from the evergreen Drag Race France) and a glut of talented and not-so-talented Mexican queens. The two hosts work well together and have good chemistry, but their permanent co-judge Óscar Madrazo doesn't make much of an impression. There's also a few too many episodes and a strong sense of padding (compilation episodes, multiple double shantays/sashays). I've also never been a fan of crying "rigged" at Drag Race, it's usually just folk who wanted someone else to win, but there genuinely feels like a case for it here which is a serious shame.

The second series is far less annoying and has some real highlights. However the wild bias against interesting or experimental queens feels almost comically overplayed and the new co-judge doesn't add a great deal into the mix. Lolita easily has charisma enough to go it alone if needs be! Again it felt too long but certainly worth a gander for one of the raunchiest lip synchs in the history of the entire franchise.