'AJ and the Queen' Episode 1: A sweet beginning to a raw yet light-hearted comedy
This article contains spoilers for 'AJ and the Queen'
Netflix's, 'AJ and the Queen' is a mix of light comedy and soul searching and the first episode was delightful. Robert Lincoln Lee, a drag queen who goes by the name Ruby Red (Ru Paul) dreams big — he wants to open up a club with his partner Hector Ramirez (Josh Segarra). Saving $100,000 for his upcoming adventure, he had "the money and the man" until bad luck comes knocking. Meanwhile, on the streets, scrappy little AJ (Izzy G) tries to make it in Manhattan, by stealing her way through the month her mother has been gone. Living just below Robert, she makes him her next victim, starting quite a hilarious cumbersome relationship.
Robert was under the impression that he could trust his partner until Ramirez leaves with his money. The cops not only find out that Ramirez's real name is Damien Sanchez but that he has a wife, leaving Robert broke and heart-broken. With the help of his close friend, Louis (Michael-Leon Wooley), Robert is able to slowly pick up his spirits. Louis — who had a diabetic stroke at 28, leaving him blind — proves to be Robert's biggest support system. In all this mess, Robert still had to do what he thought was his last cross country club tour.
As he prepares to leave, AJ steals the only money Robert had left and in that cat-mouse pursuit, AJ finds out that Robert is on his way to Texas. While Robert pulls over on the bridge to calm an emotional breakdown, he finds AJ in the RV. She demands to be taken to Texas where she claims her grandfather is and left with no choice, Robert agrees.
The first episode, 'New York', highlights the bright lights and the dark alleys of the city. It's a heartwarming introduction to the lives of what looks like quite complex characters. AJ narrating the episode adds an innocent touch to such a raw beginning to the series and has us looking forward to the duo's journey on the road.
All episodes of Season 1 of 'AJ and the Queen' are now streaming on Netflix.
