A Queen To Remember

Mauriah Johnson, Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor

Image result for aj and the queen images

If you’ve ever doubted RuPaul’s skills, this will change your mind.

Netflix introduced the series “AJ and the Queen” earlier this year in January, and I was definitely skeptical of dedicating my time to the show but let me tell you, I was NOT disappointed.

RuPaul’s ability to stylistically co-create a series surrounding underlining issues beyond the assumed life of a drag queen is truly applause-worthy.

The story begins with the fabulous drag queen Ruby Red, who also identifies as a man named Robert, (RuPaul) finally achieving the financial goals of their dreams in order to open their own business while finding the love of their life. That is, until they get “grifted,” which in blatant terms means honey got scammed by their unknowingly sexy conman.

A tragedy, I know.

Though the story doesn’t truly begin until they meet AJ (Izzy G.), who undoubtedly is a true force to be reckoned with and the neighboring bodyguard of your dreams or thief depending on the circumstances.

AJ is one of the sassiest and strongest 10-year-olds one will ever meet as the child has encountered obstacles that one typically wouldn’t suffer until later in life such as eviction, abandonment, drug trauma and longing agony.

In search of a way to take his life back, Robert sets on a cross-country traveling adventure performing at drag shows where he snatches the audience every time with his fabulously ruby-red wigs and the outfits of your dreams while keeping his face beat flawlessly — you’d never think he’d be doing all this in his run-down RV.

Could you believe it?

To make matters even worse or dramatically better, AJ secretly stows away for the ride in search for her long lost “Pop Pop” (grandpa) that she has never even me, and knows of only through faint postcards or passed-down memories.

Seriously, you’ll live for the drama and action-packed comedy that pulls on your heartstrings with every episode.

And just when you think you know it all, think again because even though they’re on the road, they’re still on the run from the sexy conman and a one eyed nip-tucker who’s out for some serious revenge.

Let’s just say they picked the right duo to mess with despite being incredibly hard to hide when you’re covered in jewels, a defiant 10-year-old and of course, an old-time RV, but they make it work with a little tire popping justice here and there.

I never suspected to basically binge-watch the entire series in less than a week but I couldn’t get enough of AJ and the fabulous Queen who were nothing like I thought them to be — they represented their characters beyond their physical characteristics, displaying the internal relationship shared between the actors and whom they portrayed.

Also, let me be honest, I’m definitely a sucker for an amazing outfit and an unforgettable story line that may or may not contain a Grease scene and a one-of-a-kind identity indulging experience.

If you’re not for the dramatics, breaking barriers or anything comically drag related then this may be a loss for you because AJ and Ruby Red are definitely two Queens to be remembered.