Summary
Queer Eye Season 3 returns perhaps better than ever, as the Fab Five remain unapologetically themselves in a world of filled with adversity and discrimination.
Queer Eye once again has succeeded in melting away dated stereotypes and cliche ideologies of the American South in Queer Eye Season 3, which debuts globally on Netflix today.
By now we are are all familiar with the joy and pleasure that can emanate from the finale of a Queer Eye episode. After turning the lives of deserving people from drab to fab it is easy to see the appeal of the amiable underdog transformation in the first two seasons. Season 3 is no different; the fab five have returned for their third installment of the Queer Eye more confident and emphatic as ever. This season is my personal favorite as the fab five seemed to have toned down their flare in exchange for a more passive yet highly effective approach of support.
Traveling to Kansas City, Missouri, the Fab Five take on a whole host of new ‘heroes’ (the name given to their subjects). Transformations take on a whole new range of diversity as the team equally give attention to both male and female subjects. These participants range from the sweetheart camo-woman, aching to feel the power of her feminine side, to a man in mourning fighting to move forward and live in his wife’s memory to support his sons. As you can tell this series once again ventures to tackle very serious subjects; we are taken through matters dealing with heartache, identity exploration, and even death. Queer Eye Season 3 also airs its first episode featuring a lesbian, ever-growing their repertoire for diversity and inclusion.
Queer Eye Season 3 is incredibly admirable in its approach to subjects. The new way in which they execute their first introductions is very refreshing and I welcome the change. Usually, our subjects of transformation are pounced upon by the fab five, unexpectedly approached and then possibly humiliated as the fab five delve into their personal belongings. Only after highlighting the ‘heroes’ embarrassing belongings and questionable life choices do the fab five return to the task at hand, which is to actually help those they have just ambushed. Queer Eye Season 3 is much different; the subjects are well in on the joke and no longer are they ambushed but very much prepared for the arrival of their ‘saviors’. It’s honestly a sigh of relief as an audience member; I couldn’t help but cringe and feel bad when the fab five took it upon themselves to rip into someone in need of their help.
The third installment of the series not only embodies a sounder way of helping people by the way they meet but the way they tackle the entire journey. Throughout the episodes, the team is noticeably more aware of the needs of their ‘heroes’. There has been a shift in the dynamic where the fab five are no longer the stars of the show but rather the people they are trying to help. This is shown numerous times as the fab five take a step back, and the subjects are given more screen time and interviews, allowing us to connect and empathize with the path the heroes are taking to better themselves. The team also look to external resources to help our subjects, for example, a support group of amazing women is formed to help a ‘hero’ come to terms with what it means to be feminine. This really humbles the fab five as they have clearly matured and have become more empathetic to their subjects’ needs.
The show must also be commended for their inclusion of difficult topics of discussion. We have seen previously that Queer Eye certainly does not shy away from the devastation that can come from challenging social dilemmas. This season is no different; in the first episode, Tan finds himself in a discussion regarding US gun control and hunting, both controversial in nature and yet spoken about in an environment of no judgment. These candid conversations work to boosts the show’s moral obligation to not turn a blind eye to the important subjects of the world. Queer Eye isn’t just about a makeover but rather a statement on the current political state of the USA, its success a clear indication of the relevance it has to modern audiences.
Overall, Queer Eye Season 3 will not let you down, if anything it is better than ever. The team are still un-apologetically themselves in a world of filled with adversity and discrimination. The fab five return more authentic and natural in this season, giving audiences episodes sure to make you tear up and feel inspired. Personally, I adore this show and feel it has a great weight of responsibility to its audience; it’s a makeover show that is about so much more than makeup. The focus in Queer Eye is never on what we see on the outside but rather aims to provide external therapy highlighting the significance and results of self-care. Queer Eye is remarkably feel-good and its no-nonsense approach to betterment is refreshing and essential in the current social climate.
In other exciting news, the fab five will soon be jet-setting into their next adventure as they travel to the far lands of Japan. The Queer Eye team will take on Japan as they work to help four heroes in need whilst also exploring and immersing themselves into the Japanese culture alongside local specialists.
More Articles on Queer Eye
