‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’ Recap: ‘Ghosts of the Gatehouse’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 503 of ‘The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

Something that is interesting regarding the many discussions we all have about the horror genre with our horror friends, is how so many sub genres we forget to celebrate. For some, that’s likely out of disrespect but normally, it’s not. It’s just somehow, certain subgenres get overshadowed by other stories and concepts that immediately come to mind. Take for instance, ghost stories. For when we think of those, we think of movies and shows about haunted houses and the spirits that roam them, and we often talk about our favorites there, downright forgetting… that’s there an entire subgenre of horror movies and shows and books that focus on a unique type of haunting. Specifically, haunted hotels. For there are some stunning stories out there about isolated places that harbor the worst spirits possible, and it’s shocking that we don’t talk about them enough.

After all, The Shining is all about that, and it is one of the most beloved iterations of that type of tale out there, yet it doesn’t come up in conversation enough. Nor does its haunted brethren. Which is why, we must once again celebrate the Boulet Brothers and their incredible work through The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula. For this series continues to bring the most important aspects of the horror genre to the forefront of discussion and well, ‘Ghosts of the Gatehouse’ just so happened to bring those types of stories into the spotlight again, through another amazing competition. One that had the monsters create ghostly guests and employees from a haunted hotel. To showcase how these stories pick upon our darkest fears, and well… once that and a powerhouse opportunity at immunity or damnation were handled, we were treated to ghostly delights, and some tea.

But the not the tea we often expect from this show. No instead, the construction phase of this week’s show was deeply grounded in respectful strategy. For so many competitors this week spoke to their weaknesses, their worries, and their hopes for the fight ahead, and who might be of concern in besting them and how to outmaneuver them to win. Giving rise to some real strategic tea in this episode, informing us of how much the competition matters to everyone this year, and how badly they want to win and that was inspiring to say the least. As were the more intimate moments here too. Since we saw competitors being honest with one another and supporting each other and even opening up deeply about what the competition means to them, and their lives in general, and their powerful stories were put on display as well. Which made for a very moving and engaging lead up to a very amazing floor show.

Because the message was indeed received this week, and ghostly beings floated across the stage with ease. In fact, the makeup and costumes and outright drag this week were so in line with what Drac and Swan requested, that they gave rise to a need for something of a tiebreaker via something we haven’t seen a ton of this season. Specifically, a good old fashioned performance routine. Which was perfect for this particular competition. Since it allowed for everyone to really sell their ghostly costumes and establish who will go far in the competition. After all, performing is key to becoming the Next Drag Supermonster and that did indeed help Drac and Swan and guest judges Landon Cider and Tananarive Due decide who wasn’t cut out for the competition, after another horrifying extermination round. One that played on different fears.

Since the bottom looks were strapped to a bed and covered in cheese so rats could feed upon their favorite delight, and that too… sealed the deal for someone. But that is sadly how things go, and their exit served as an exclamation point to a powerhouse episode. One that truly reminded us of the majesty of the haunted hotel and how it really is a perfect type of horror story. Since the outfits here reminded us of the fact that such stories and spirts prey upon our fears of the unknown and our fears of being wounded or harmed in isolated places where there is no real safety. And hopefully that re-energizes interest in those stories so others can celebrate in the wonder of these majestic tales of terror, and now that this leg of the competition has come to a close, it will be interesting to see what other lessons and what amazing drag awaits us as season five continues along. Until next time.

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