We’re Here :: Twin Falls, Idaho

HBO

Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka O’Hara and Shangela say We’re Here to the folks of Twin Falls, Idaho in the second episode of the series, and Twin Falls makes Gettysburg look like New York City in comparison. And after they make their rounds in town in their Wild West finest to the shock, dismay and amusement of the residents — Shangela is instantly recognized by a diner waitress who completely loses her cool — they head to a theatre where rehearsals for a local drag show are under way.

To say the performers are little rough around the edges is being kind and there are three in particular that Bob will be mentoring this episode: Michael, Owen, and Amelia. Bob is a bit shocked to learn that the trio don’t see each other that much to rehearse, once every couple of months, but they are fairly spread out around the area. All of them have their issues dealing with being out in a small town in a Midwestern state and Bob has challenges particularly with Amelia, who is the most reserved of the three. But the real focus of this group is Michael, who performs under the name Lucid Dreams. Michael seems to really be the leader of this group, such as it is, but he just feels a bit stuck in Twin Falls.

Michael has actually left town a couple of times but has always returned to take care of his grandfather, and the scene where Bob goes with Michael to his grandfather’s house is wonderful. Michael has a great relationship with his grandfather but he’s just aching to have friends and to be able to just be out and proud somewhere other than Twin Falls. But his grandfather, who is everything and gives the thumbs up or down to Lucid’s outfits, needs him and to sever that bond would be heartbreaking. So Bob has his work cut out for him in helping Michael put himself out there a bit more and getting the trio to function as a unit come the drag show at the end of the episode.

Eureka works with a straight musician named Clifton who, now that he’s a bit older, sees that his past behavior to LGBT people may not have been all that great. Eureka meets with Clifton, his girlfriend and other family members and they are completely on board with his decision to don drag and get up on stage as an ally. Now, about that beard …

HBO

Shangela tackles another tough issue with Brandon and Mikayla who were high school sweethearts before Brandon transitioned. The pair had a tough enough time with their families as girlfriends but things became much more complicated with Brandon’s transition … and the couple’s marriage which did not include many of their closest family members. Shangela’s task is to put the couple through their drag paces on stage culminating in the wedding of their dreams. But will their family members be open to this performance/wedding?

As with the first episode, We’re Here has cast some great personalities for the queens to work with but without any of it feeling staged or scripted. And what I really like about the show is that they’re not afraid to show us that it takes a village to make a queen, with various hair, makeup and wardrobe people helping but the week’s subjects together, to help fulfill their mentors’ visions of what they should be once they hit the stage.

And of all the subjects on this episode, my heart really goes out to Michael. I just wanted to jump through the screen and give him a hug. I hope he and his grandfather are doing well, particularly during this time. As for the show itself, this is another terrific, heartwarming, life-affirming episode and kudos to everyone involved with putting it together.

What did you think of this episode? Tell us in the comments section below!