Ep 3. Columbus

AJ and the Queen season 1 episode 3, titled "Columbus," follows RuPaul's character, Robert Lee, and his young companion, AJ, as they continue their journey across the United States. In this particular episode, the duo finds themselves in Columbus, Ohio, which is Robert's birthplace.

Upon arriving in Columbus, Robert is eager to show AJ his childhood home and the neighborhood where he grew up. However, when they arrive, they find that the neighborhood has changed quite a bit since Robert's youth. Many of the buildings have been torn down, and the once-thriving streets now look rundown and deserted. Robert is disappointed to see the state of his old neighborhood, but AJ is curious about what happened to it.

Robert reveals that many of the small businesses in the neighborhood were forced to close down when a large chain store moved in and put them out of business. He also tells AJ about the racial tensions that existed when he was growing up, and how the neighborhood was segregated along racial lines.

As they continue to explore the city, Robert runs into an old friend from high school, who invites them to a local drag show. Robert is excited to see some of his old drag queen friends perform, but he is also nervous about introducing AJ to the world of drag. AJ has never seen a drag show before, and Robert worries that it might be too much for her.

Despite his concerns, Robert brings AJ to the show, and she immediately falls in love with the performers. She is especially taken with a young drag queen named Ruby Red, who is new to the scene and struggling to make a name for herself. AJ sees a lot of herself in Ruby, who is determined to be a success despite the odds against her.

As the night wears on, Robert and AJ meet Ruby's boyfriend, a young man named Hector who works at the chain store that put many of the local businesses out of business. Robert and Hector immediately clash, with Robert expressing his anger over the destruction of the neighborhood and Hector defending his job at the store.

The episode ends with Robert and AJ leaving Columbus, with Robert feeling both nostalgic and frustrated over the changes he has seen in his hometown. Meanwhile, AJ is inspired by Ruby's determination and vows to continue their journey with renewed passion and drive.

Overall, "Columbus" is a poignant episode of AJ and the Queen that explores themes of gentrification, racial tensions, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. Through Robert and AJ's journey, we see the impact that larger societal forces can have on individual lives, and the importance of finding strength and community in uncertain times.