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| This looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship |
The story begins with Robert a/k/a drag queen Ruby Red announcing his plans to retire from performing and open his own club. When the time comes to close on the purchase of the club, however, Robert's boyfriend and business partner, Hector, is nowhere to be found. Robert's personal and professional dreams are then shattered in one devastating blow when he learns that Hector is actually a grifter named Damien who has disappeared along with Robert's life savings. Things go from bad to worse when Robert returns home only for his neighbor's neglected daughter, AJ, to break into his apartment in an attempt to rob him. Although he is able to apprehend AJ and retrieve the money she had stolen she quickly disappears before he is able to return her to her foster family. The next day, he resolves to start his life over and resume performing. He then packs up his trusty RV and sets off on a national tour, unaware of the stowaway hiding among his dresses and wigs.
Combining elements of classic comedy with a millenial sensibility AJ and the Queen is a comedy for the ages. Following in the buddy comedy tradition, the series juxtaposes drag queen Robert with tomboy AJ with equal parts hilarious and insightful results. What begins as a simple buddy comedy quickly ups its ante when the unlikely pair hit the road and encounter an array of colorful characters. These interactions form both the emotional and comic core of the series as Robert and AJ embark upon one misadventure after another, all while learning vital lessons. Much like drag comedy classic To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar the series utilizes its fish out of water protagonists to remind viewers of the importance of both embracing our differences and celebrating our common bonds. The duo's efforts to overcome the adversity in their lives also highlights the power of optimism while also serving as a surprisingly inspiring example of resilience. For a comedy with a heart of gold hitch a ride with Ruby and AJ in AJ and the Queen.
The wild world of AJ and Ruby comes to sparkling life thanks to the stellar work of the talented cast. Josh Segarra strikes the perfect balance between sinister and charming as duplicitous Damien. Tia Carrere makes for a hilariously memorable villain (and a fashion statement of bedazzled eye patches) as Damien's partner in crime, Lady Danger. Katerina Tannenbaum infuses her role as AJ's drug addicted mother with vulnerability and humanity. Michael-Leon Wooley runs away with each scene in which he appears as Robert's best friend and fellow drag performer Louis/Cocoa Butter. Izzy G convincingly balances her portrayal of AJ between street smart precociousness and childish innocence. Rupaul Charles reminds us all why he is the reigning queen of drag in his by turns glamorous, slapstick, and ultimately heartfelt portrayal of Robert/Ruby. Together, Charles and G make for a team that is the stuff of comedic gold as they play off of one another with a chemistry that carries the series from one misadventure to the next.
Whimsical, heartfelt, and utterly fabulous, AJ and the Queen is a re comedy that truly has something for everyone. The series' high hair and hijinks proves to be a winning combination as it continuously delivers more than enough laughs to go around. Through its expert comedic performances and witty script the series successfully takes viewers onto a wonderfully wacky journey into the depths of the human heart. When life starts dragging you down walk it off with AJ and the Queen.
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