Click here for full Season 5 episodes
Looking back at Season 5 of RuPaul’s Fantasy Drag Race: Super Smash Bros, it was clear that the show had entered a new era of intense competition, with queens who were fiercely ambitious and hungrier for the crown than ever. This season was marked by unpredictable alliances and simmering rivalries, as well as prominent themes of personal growth and self-discovery. The journey was relentless, testing their drag skills and resilience, while undercurrents of tension and drama frequently surfaced due to shady remarks and strategic gameplay. Season 5 solidified itself as a pivotal chapter, showcasing the evolution and increasing intensity of the competition.
Iconic Moments
😈 Joker's Reign of Shade
Throughout the season, Joker established himself as the villainous queen, consistently stirring drama and making shady remarks. From his initial questioning of Pit and Palutena's relationship to his snarky comments after Pit's elimination and his dismissive attitude towards his fellow queens, Joker's antagonistic behavior created significant tension in the werkroom. This culminated in the other queens voting to exclude him from a paired challenge due to his unpleasantness and a direct confrontation about his negative attitude. Even at the reunion, his villainy was a major point of discussion, solidifying his role as the season's primary instigator of conflict.
The Smash Hit: Cosmic Crush 🎶
The girl group challenge, featuring the song "Cosmic Crush" performed by Samus, Palutena, and Captain Falcon, was a standout moment. The fact that the team won the challenge and Samus ultimately won the episode for her leadership and performance is punctuated by the song's favorable reception outside the show.
🃏 The Pivotal Snatch Game
The Snatch Game in Episode 6 proved to be a pivotal point in the season. In a notable turn, Red, who ultimately did not make it to the finale, won this crucial challenge for their impersonation of Isabelle. This victory was a major accomplishment for the Pokemon Trainer, highlighting their comedic talent and ability to embody a character, even though they were later eliminated. Furthermore, this episode was also marked by the controversial elimination of Falco. Despite a decent Snatch Game performance and a generally strong track record that included a recent high placement, Falco landed in the bottom and lost a lip sync against Lucas. This elimination was considered an upset by many viewers who felt Falco had outperformed Lucas and deserved to stay in the competition, solidifying this episode's significance as a turning point with a surprising challenge winner and a debated elimination.
💪 The Clash of Titans: Samus Aran vs. Palutena
Palutena versus Samus emerged as a defining storyline of Season 5, showcasing the prowess of its two most consistently high-performing queens. Palutena established early dominance with wins in the first two episodes, setting a high bar for the competition. However, Samus soon rose to meet this challenge, securing her own win in Episode 3 and consistently maintaining a strong presence in the top ranks.
Their rivalry wasn't marked by overt conflict like Palutena's with Joker, but rather by a constant push to outdo each other through their talent and performance. Both queens accumulated multiple high placements and challenge wins throughout the season. Palutena's strengths lay in her divine presentation, confident demeanor, and strong stage presence, while Samus excelled with her futuristic aesthetic, powerful looks, and focused determination.
The judges consistently recognized their exceptional abilities, positioning them as frontrunners. This culminated in the final episodes where they both secured spots in the top two, directly facing off for the crown. Their final lip sync was described as one of the most incredible the show had ever seen, further solidifying their status as the season's powerhouses. Ultimately, their journey showcased a compelling battle between two incredibly talented drag artists, with Palutena ultimately being crowned the winner and Samus the runner-up. Their consistent excellence and final head-to-head cemented their legacy as the season's most formidable competitors.
Challenge & Runway Points
PPE: 0.00 CPE: -3.00 RPE: 1.25 TPPE: -0.88
ELIM
Wins: None
Bottoms: Drag Fight
Queens eliminated: None
Eliminated by: Ness
Lipsyncs:
"Survivor" by Destiny's Child (Bottom, loss)
Villager's time on the season was a short-lived but memorable experience. As the Porkchop queen, she exited gracefully and left a heartfelt message for her fellow competitors. Despite a weak showing, her cheerful and playful personality shined through. Villager's positive attitude and memorable mirror message cemented her as a fan favorite, even if her time on the show was cut short.
Exit Line & Mirror Message:
"Time to catch some new horizons. See you all soon!"
Stay fierce, stay playful, stay true to yourself. And always remember, home is where the heart is. Love you all, Villager 💜🌸🌳🍃🏠
PPE: 1.50 CPE: 1.50 RPE: 2.67 TPPE: 2.08
SAFE - ELIM
Wins: None
Bottoms: Design
Queens eliminated: None
Eliminated by: Kirby
Lipsyncs:
"Get the Party Started" by P!nk (Bottom, loss)
Pit's time on Season 5 was relatively short-lived and marked by a lack of significant impact. While his entrance was positively received, he found himself in the bottom two during the second episode's design challenge, the "Timeless Style" runway. Ultimately, Pit was eliminated after lip-syncing against Kirby.
Throughout his brief appearance, Pit was generally perceived as friendly and even attempted to mediate tensions, but he did not leave a lasting impression on the competition's trajectory or create significant social waves within the group before his early departure.
Exit Line & Mirror Message:
"I may be leaving, but I'm taking all of your hearts with me. Thank you for an amazing experience."
I may be leaving the competition, but I'm not leaving my passion for fashion behind. Keep pushing yourselves, queens, and never stop striving for excellence. Remember, we all have the power to create our own destiny. Love, Pit.
PPE: 1.00 CPE: -0.61 RPE: 2.88 TPPE: 1.13
LOW - BTM 2 - ELIM
✰ MISS CONGENIALITY ✰
Wins: None
Bottoms: Design, Rusical
Queens eliminated: Pit
Eliminated by: Falco
Lipsyncs:
"Get the Party Started" by P!nk (Bottom, win)
"Tardy for the Party" by Kim Zolciak (Bottom, loss)
Kirby's time on Season 5 of RuPaul’s Fantasy Drag Race: Super Smash Bros was marked by a struggling performance in the main competition. After an initial low placement, Kirby found himself in the bottom two for the subsequent two episodes. Ultimately, his journey concluded with his elimination in the third episode during the Rusical challenge.
While his performance suggested that he might not have been fully equipped for the intensity and demands of the competition, Kirby undeniably won over his fellow queens with his endearing personality. This positive social impact was clearly demonstrated when he was voted Miss Congeniality at the reunion.
Exit Line & Mirror Message:
I may be small, but I leave a big impact wherever I go. Thank you all for sharing your energy with me.
Sucking up this competition was a challenge, but I'm leaving with my head held high. Love and luck to my fellow queens! - Kirby
PPE: 2.50 CPE: 2.13 RPE: 2.00 TPPE: 2.06
HIGH - SAFE - SAFE - ELIM
Wins: None
Bottoms: Acting
Queens eliminated: None
Eliminated by: Joker
Lipsyncs:
“Bye Bye Bye” by *NSYNC (Bottom, loss)
Wii Fit Trainer began her time on Season 5 with a high placement in the first episode, suggesting a promising start. However, she then seemed to coast through the subsequent episodes, remaining safe in both Episode 2 and Episode 3. While there were mentions of her friendly interactions and attempts to lighten the mood, she didn't make a significant social impact or stand out prominently amongst the other queens. Ultimately, her journey came to an end with an uneventful elimination in Episode 4, which was the season's first acting challenge, "The Cutting Edge of Drama."
Exit Line & Mirror Message:
Thanks for the workout, queens! Remember to stretch before the next challenge!
I may be leaving the competition, but I'm not leaving my fitness routine. Keep sweating, queens! Love, Wii Fit Trainer
PPE: 1.80 CPE: 0.77 RPE: 2.00 TPPE: 1.38
SAFE - LOW - LOW - LOW - ELIM
Wins: None
Bottoms: Branding
Queens eliminated: None
Eliminated by: Red
Lipsyncs:
“On The Floor” by Jennifer Lopez (Bottom, loss)
Little Mac's time on Season 5 was characterized by consistently struggling to stand out amongst the other competitors. While his entrance had potential, he mostly received low placements throughout the competition.
Despite a friendly conversation with Kirby early on, Little Mac was generally overshadowed by the more talented queens and didn't seem to make a significant social impact within the group. Ultimately, his journey ended in Episode 5 during the teamed branding challenge, where he was eliminated despite his teammate, Red, also being in the bottom.
Exit Line & Mirror Message:
I may have been knocked down, but I'm not out. I'm going to keep fighting and come back stronger than ever. Thank you for the opportunity, RuPaul.
I may have been down, but I fought my way through. Time to keep punching and keep chasing my dreams. Thank you, Drag Race, for this incredible experience. Little Mac out.
PPE: 2.80 CPE: 1.40 RPE: 2.57 TPPE: 1.99
SAFE - LOW - BTM 2 - HIGH - HIGH - ELIM
Wins: None
Bottoms: Design, Snatch Game
Queens eliminated: Kirby
Eliminated by: Lucas
Lipsyncs:
"Tardy for the Party" by Kim Zolciak (Bottom, win)
“Fly Me to the Moon” (Climax Mix) (Bottom, loss)
Falco Lombardi's time on Season 5 was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. After a rough start that saw him in the bottom two in Episode 3, he managed to bounce back and achieve high placements in Episodes 4 and 5, suggesting an upward trajectory in the competition.
Socially, he showed a helpful side by assisting Kirby and was involved in some dramatic moments, notably with Joker. Despite his apparent improvement, Falco found himself in the bottom again during the Snatch Game in Episode 6 and was eliminated after lip-syncing against Lucas. Many fans reportedly considered his elimination at the hands of Lucas to be a "robbery," indicating that Falco had built a strong following and was perceived to have more potential in the competition.
Exit Line & Mirror Message:
"I may have lost the crown, but I'll always be the top bird in my own nest."
I may be leaving the competition, but I'm not leaving the game. Watch out world, because this bird's still got some flying to do.
PPE: 2.14 CPE: 1.74 RPE: 2.98 TPPE: 2.36
BTM 2 - SAFE - SAFE - LOW - SAFE - SAFE - ELIM
Wins: None
Bottoms: Drag Fight, Ball
Queens eliminated: Villager
Eliminated by: Red
Lipsyncs:
"Survivor" by Destiny's Child (Bottom, win)
“Mary, Jane and Me” by HYRA (Bottom, loss)
Ness's journey on Season 5 began with him narrowly avoiding becoming the first queen eliminated, the season's "porkchop." While he managed to stay in the competition for several episodes, his challenge performances were not particularly memorable.
Despite not standing out in the challenges, Ness seemed to connect with the audience, as fans reportedly fell in love with him in his own way. Ultimately, his time on the show came to an end in Episode 7 during the Super Smash Ball challenge, where he was eliminated.
Exit Line & Mirror Message:
"I may be leaving the competition, but I'm not going to stop fighting for what I believe in, and I know I have a whole community of friends and fans who believe in me too. So watch out world, because Ness is still gonna bring the thunder!"
To all my Smash sisters and brothers, it's been an honor to compete alongside such talented performers. Thank you for pushing me to be my best, and for inspiring me with your creativity and passion. I may be leaving the competition, but I'm taking all the love and support with me. And who knows? Maybe I'll be back for an All-Stars season. Until then, keep smashing it!
PPE: 2.38 CPE: 1.88 RPE: 2.00 TPPE: 1.94
LOW - SAFE - SAFE - SAFE - SAFE - BTM 2 - HIGH - ELIM
Wins: None
Bottoms: Snatch Game, Talk Show
Queens eliminated: Falco
Eliminated by: Joker
Lipsyncs:
“Fly Me to the Moon” (Climax Mix) (Bottom, win)
“Genevieve” by Gregory Dillon (Bottom, loss)
Lucas had a somewhat inconsistent run on Season 5. He started with a low placement but then managed to remain safe for several subsequent challenges. After finding himself in the bottom two in Episode 6, he showed some resilience by achieving a high placement in Episode 7.
Socially, Lucas appeared to be friendly and supportive, particularly towards Ness, and he made attempts to console other queens during tense moments. Despite lasting until Episode 8, where he was ultimately eliminated in the Smash Talk Showdown challenge, Lucas made surprisingly little overall impact on the season's major storylines or the judges' consistent top rankings. While he was present and generally well-liked, he didn't have particularly memorable challenge performances that set him apart for the majority of his time in the competition.
Exit Line & Mirror Message:
"Remember, don't let anyone dim your light, especially not someone as shady as Joker."
I may be leaving today, but I'm not leaving defeated. This competition has shown me that I am capable of so much more than I ever thought possible. I am leaving with my head held high, ready to take on the world and continue to grow as an artist. Thank you, RuPaul, and thank you to my fellow queens. This isn't the end for me, it's only the beginning.
PPE: 2.56 CPE: 2.66 RPE: 2.38 TPPE: 2.52
HIGH - HIGH - LOW - HIGH - BTM 2 - WIN - BTM 2 - LOW - ELIM
Wins: Snatch Game
Bottoms: Branding, Ball, Girl Groups
Queens eliminated: Little Mac
Eliminated by: Chrom
Lipsyncs:
“On The Floor” by Jennifer Lopez (Bottom, win)
“Mary, Jane and Me” by HYRA (Bottom, win)
“That Don’t Impress Me Much” by Shania Twain (Bottom, loss)
Red had a fairly strong run on Season 5, demonstrating consistent performance with high placements early in the competition. A significant highlight of their journey was snatching a coveted win in the Snatch Game challenge, showcasing their wit and impersonation skills.
Despite this success, Red ultimately found their prowess no match for the heavier hitters of the season and was eliminated in Episode 9 during the girl group challenge, indicating they couldn't quite maintain the momentum needed to reach the finale.
Exit Line & Mirror Message:
I may have lost this game, but I'll always be the very best like no one ever was.
Though my journey may have ended here, my love for Pokémon and the friends I made here will never fade. Thank you all for a wonderful experience, and remember to always catch 'em all!
PPE: 3.20 CPE: 3.06 RPE: 3.74 TPPE: 3.40
SAFE - SAFE - SAFE - SAFE - WIN - SAFE - SAFE - WIN - HIGH - ELIM
Wins: Branding, Talk Show
Bottoms: Design
Queens eliminated: None
Eliminated by: Palutena
Lipsyncs:
"I Believe" by Tata Young (Bottom, loss)
For the first half of the competition, Captain Falcon proved to be a consistently steady contender. Week after week, he navigated the diverse challenges, maintaining a remarkably safe streak. While some queens stumbled and others soared, Captain Falcon remained a consistent presence, observing the unfolding drama and the rising stakes. He wasn't afraid to step into the fray when necessary, even acting as a peacekeeper between the feuding Palutena and Joker in the early days.
His dedication and hard work finally paid off when he teamed up with Joker to conquer the Marketing Mastery challenge, securing his first coveted win. This victory seemed to ignite an even greater confidence within him, solidifying his position as a frontrunner. He continued to impress, showcasing his charisma and athleticism.
His ability to work well with others was further highlighted in the Smash Talk Showdown, where his dynamic pairing with Chrom led them to another impressive challenge win. Their energetic and humorous interview demonstrated his ability to not only perform individually but also to create compelling chemistry with his fellow queens.
Despite his consistent performance and two challenge wins, the cutthroat nature of the competition eventually caught up to Captain Falcon. In a shocking turn of events, he landed in the bottom two for the first time during the Runway Rumix challenge. Facing the formidable Palutena in a tense lipsync to "I Believe," he poured his heart and soul into his performance, showcasing his signature emotional intensity and athleticism. However, in a decision that stunned many, RuPaul deemed Palutena the victor, leading to Captain Falcon's unforeseen elimination.
Exit Line & Mirror Message:
"I may be leaving, but the Falcon will always soar. Keep shining, ladies, and I'll see you on the other side."
I may have faltered on the runway, but I'm still soaring high. Thank you to all the fans who supported me on this journey. It's time to spread my wings and fly towards new opportunities. Falcon out!
PPE: 2.91 CPE: 3.42 RPE: 3.39 TPPE: 3.40
WIN - HIGH - HIGH - LOW - SAFE - LOW - SAFE - WIN - BTM 2 - SAFE - ELIM
Wins: Drag Fight, Talk Show
Bottoms: Girl Groups, Final Rumix
Queens eliminated: Red
Eliminated by: Samus Aran
Lipsyncs:
“That Don’t Impress Me Much” by Shania Twain (Bottom, win)
"Pearls" by Jessie Ware (Bottom, loss)
Chrom's early performance was indeed strong, securing a challenge win in the very first episode. He continued his impressive streak with consistent high placements, proving to be a versatile and formidable queen.
Interpersonally, Chrom established himself as a relatively grounded presence, though not immune to the occasional shade. He engaged in lighthearted banter and even offered a somewhat shady remark early on, indicating his awareness of the competitive nature of the show. He also formed a strong working relationship with Captain Falcon, which culminated in a second challenge win during the Smash Talk Showdown, highlighting his ability to collaborate effectively.
However, Chrom faced his weaknesses in the middle of the competition, particularly when it came to musical challenges. Despite his strong overall performance, the girl group challenge proved to be a significant hurdle, landing him in the bottom. This struggle with performing arts seemed to be a recurring theme, ultimately contributing to his later challenges.
Despite this mid-season stumble, Chrom showed resilience and fought his way back, continuing to deliver strong runway looks and showcasing his design skills. However, the competition grew fiercer, the final rumix challenge before the top three led to his elimination in a lipsync against Samus. Though his journey ended just short of the finale, Chrom left as a determined queen, proud of his growth and ready to continue his reign on his own terms.
Exit Line & Mirror Message:
"This may be the end of my journey in this competition, but it's only the beginning of my reign as the queen of my own destiny."
I may not have made it to the final three, but I'm proud of how far I've come. This competition has pushed me to be the best version of myself, and I know that my journey as a queen is far from over. Thank you all for your support and love, and I'll see you on the other side of the mirror.
PPE: 3.09 CPE: 2.83 RPE: 3.79 TPPE: 3.31
SAFE - SAFE - HIGH - BTM 2 - WIN - SAFE - SAFE - BTM 2 - SAFE - HIGH - HIGH - TOP 3
Wins: Branding
Bottoms: Acting, Talk Show
Queens eliminated: Wii Fit Trainer, Lucas
Eliminated by: Finale Challenge
Lipsyncs:
“Bye Bye Bye” by *NSYNC (Bottom, win)
“Genevieve” by Gregory Dillon (Bottom, win)
From the very beginning, Joker proved to be a master of stirring the pot, igniting early drama with his pointed remarks towards Pit and Palutena, setting the stage for a season filled with tension. His penchant for conflict and shady comments became his signature, earning him a reputation as one of the season's ultimate villains. While his abrasiveness rubbed many of the other queens the wrong way, it undeniably kept him in the center of the drama, ensuring he was never forgotten.
Despite his focus on interpersonal intrigue, Joker did have moments to shine in the challenges. He surprised many by securing a win alongside Captain Falcon in the Marketing Mastery challenge, proving he could collaborate when necessary. He also showcased his theatrical flair and surprising dance abilities, landing himself in the top ranks during the "SMASH: The Rusical". Later in the competition, he once again impressed the judges with his runway presentation in the "Runway Rumix" challenge, earning another high placement.
However, Joker's journey was far from smooth sailing. He found himself in the bottom two during "The Cutting Edge of Drama," but fought his way back with a fierce lipsync performance. He faced elimination again during the "Smash Talk Showdown," where, despite being excluded from the pairings, he landed in the bottom. Once more, Joker dug his heels in and survived a second lipsync, sending Lucas home in a shocking turn of events.
Against the odds, and despite a challenge record that some might consider less stellar than his competitors, Joker managed to gain momentum as the competition narrowed. His ability to survive crucial lipsyncs and his undeniable, albeit villainous, charisma saw him outlast what many perceived as stronger competitors, ultimately landing him a shocking spot in the grand finale. His journey was a testament to his resilience and his knack for playing the game, even if it meant ruffling more than a few feathers along the way.
Exit Line:
"Thank you all for this amazing experience. I came into this competition as a wildcard, but I leave as a fierce drag queen. And to Palutena and Samus, you two are fierce competitors and deserve to be in the top two. I wish you both the best of luck!"
PPE: 3.64 CPE: 3.74 RPE: 5.71 TPPE: 4.73
SAFE - HIGH - WIN - SAFE - SAFE - HIGH - HIGH - SAFE - WIN - WIN - BTM 2 - RUNNER UP
Wins: Rusical, Girl Groups, Design
Bottoms: Final Rumix
Queens eliminated: Chrom
Eliminated by: Palutena
Lipsyncs:
"Pearls" by Jessie Ware (Bottom, win)
"Disco Love" by The Saturdays (Final, loss)
From the moment Samus Aran stepped onto the runway in her sleek, power-inspired ensemble, she exuded an air of focused determination and quiet strength. While some queens reveled in drama, Samus seemed laser-focused on the competition, ready to take on any challenge with a collected demeanor.
Throughout the season, Samus proved to be a consistently formidable competitor, showcasing a remarkable versatility that allowed her to excel in a wide range of tasks. She quickly established herself as a queen to watch, snatching a well-deserved win early in the competition, demonstrating her ability to command the stage and impress the judges.
A notable aspect of Samus's journey was her dynamic with Palutena. These two queens emerged as clear frontrunners, their exceptional talent and consistent high performances leading to a captivating back-and-forth for the top spot. They traded challenge wins and high placements, creating a palpable sense of rivalry and anticipation for their inevitable showdown. Samus showcased her creativity and attention to detail in design challenges, her quick wit and character embodiment in the Snatch Game, and her captivating stage presence in performance-based tasks.
While Samus maintained a strong competitive edge, her interpersonal interactions were often characterized by a more reserved and focused approach. She wasn't one to shy away from offering support or engaging in lighthearted moments, but she largely remained outside of the major conflicts and dramas that unfolded in the werkroom. Her dedication to her craft and her quiet confidence earned her respect from the other queens, even amidst the intense competition.
As the season progressed, Samus continued to deliver exceptional performances, securing multiple challenge wins and consistently landing in the high ranks. Her strong track record made her a clear contender for the crown, and it came as no surprise when she secured her spot in the top two alongside her main rival, Palutena. Their journey had been a captivating race to the top, with both queens consistently pushing the boundaries of their drag. However, in the final lipsync battle, despite her incredible talent and unwavering determination, Palutena ultimately emerged victorious, leaving Samus as the season's impressive runner-up.
PPE: 4.00 CPE: 4.15 RPE: 4.99 TPPE: 4.57
WIN - WIN - HIGH - HIGH - HIGH - HIGH - WIN - SAFE - HIGH - BTM 2 - WIN - WINNER
Wins: Drag Fight, Design, Ball, Final Rumix
Bottoms: Design
Queens eliminated: Captain Falcon
Eliminated by: None
Lipsyncs:
"I Believe" by Tata Young (Bottom, win)
"Disco Love" by The Saturdays (Final, win)
From the outset, Palutena proved to be a powerhouse in the challenges, securing an impressive win in the very first episode, demonstrating her keen eye for detail and ability to embody a theme flawlessly. This early victory set the stage for a season where Palutena consistently soared, landing in the high ranks week after week, showcasing her versatility and adaptability. Whether it was her creativity in design, her captivating stage presence, or her ability to embody a character, Palutena consistently impressed the judges.
Despite her overall dominance, Palutena was not immune to the pressures of the competition. After an unexpected turn of events in the "Runway Rumix" challenge, she found herself in the bottom two for the first time, a moment that tested her resilience. However, in true goddess fashion, she battled her way back with a fierce lipsync, proving her determination to claim the crown.
Interpersonally, Palutena presented herself as a strong and often supportive figure. She displayed kindness by offering to help Little Mac with choreography, showcasing a willingness to uplift her fellow queens. However, her unwavering confidence sometimes bordered on a 'diva' persona, leading to moments of tension, particularly after the acting challenge. Her most significant interpersonal dynamic was undoubtedly her intense yet respectful rivalry with Samus. These two titans of the competition traded wins and high placements throughout the season, their parallel journeys creating a palpable anticipation for their final showdown. While a hint of jealousy towards Samus's successes occasionally surfaced, their shared excellence pushed both queens to consistently deliver top-tier performances.
In the final stretch of the competition, Palutena continued to shine, ultimately winning the pivotal final challenge before the lipsync, solidifying her position as a frontrunner. Her journey culminated in a breathtaking final performance and lipsync, where her divine charisma, unique flair, unwavering nerve, and exceptional talent shone through, leading to her well-deserved crowning as the winner of RuPaul's Fantasy Drag Race Season 5. Palutena's reign was indeed a dominant one, her consistent excellence and undeniable star power marking her as one of the competition's most memorable and deserving champions.