RuPaul's Drag Race - All Stars

Hello, hello, hello! A dozen runners-up convene court in "RuPaul's All Stars Drag Race," which features the best queens from seasons one through four, beginning October 22nd, and running Mondays at 9 p.m. (8 p.m. central) on Logo TV. The press-on nails are out as the girls battle for travel and cosmetics prizes, plus a hundred large in cash, based on talent, uniqueness, verve and charisma (what, no tucking prize?).

Favorite queens that just missed the gold rings in their respective competitions are back in Ru's "work it" room to try, try again. The best and brightest, spangliest and relatively sanest lady parade includes Caliente Queens Alexis Mateo, Yara Sofia, Nina Flowers, and Manilo Luzon; mono-monikered Raven, Shannel, and sassy Jujubee; edgy Chad Michaels; expansive BBW Latrice Royale; kitchy Tammie Brown; campy underdog Mimi Imfurst; and hilarious and precious Pandora Boxx, who says "raspberries," a la Carol Channing, like nobody's business.

Just when you thought it would be a fair fight, the diva dozen are forced into (spoiler alert) teams of two, where both contestants are eliminated at the same time. In Episode One, they have to pair up on a "half baked" photo shoot, where they document themselves made up only halfway, with the added challenge of being doused with "chocolate rain," where "rainy days and drag queens always make me wet."

The runway challenge asks the duos to show how "opposites attract," and features Teletubbies and why "it's not easy being green." In addition to RuPaul, this episode's judges are regulars Michelle Visage and Santino Rice, along with guests Ross Mathews and Rachel Hunter.

The "Super Bowl of Drag" opener isn't as pun-ny as usual, although there is a "she-mergency," but it's just as fierce as seasons past. In a cesspool of tired reality shows, this meritocracy is welcome - "cheers, my queers!"

"RuPaul's All Stars Drag Race"
Begins October 22, Mondays at 9 p.m./8 p.m. Central on Logo
www.logotv.com/shows/rupauls_all_stars_drag_race/series.jhtml