Queer Eye Season 2 Premiere Review: The Tears Don't Stop
Justin Carreiro
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The Fab Five are changing lives wherever they go. And it's only been the first two episodes of the season.
Queer Eye Season 2 Episode 1 tackled their first female client with the goal of updating the town's community center, as well as her life. Queer Eye Season 2 Episode 2, on the other hand, focused solely on William's transformation and his goal to propose to his girlfriend.
Both transformations left a lasting impact on everyone involved, and it caused a waterfall of tears to emerge. You know, typical Queer Eye fashion.
Right out of the gate, one of the best things that came from the premiere episodes was the fact that nothing major had been changed from Queer Eye Season 1.
There's always a fear that a show will hit a sophomore slump because production tries to make it grander or fix something that didn't need to be fixed.
The first season was a success for its genuine portrayal of the Fab Five, and the heartwarming emotions that came from their clients. Nothing from an editing or format standpoint needed to change.
Luckily, "God Bless Gay" and "A Decent Proposal" stuck within the same vibe of the series.
Each member of the Fab Five truly connected with the clients, their families, and the community. Furthermore, they didn't try to steal the show with quippy lines or scene-stealing personalities.
The ensemble stayed an ensemble, and the focus was both on the client and team.
Tammye's transformation was the perfect story to focus on in the first episode.
Her goal to help herself and help the community was a noble mission because it spread the Fab Five's impact on countless people in the small town.
Many townsfolk will be positively helped by the services offered in the community center now that it's been completed. And, the makeover repaired any tension that had risen between Tammye and her son Miles.
"God Bless Gay" showed how impactful a week with the Fab Five could be. Plus, it wasn't even an overstated show of impact; the team was pretty mellow in how they made a difference and interacted with the town.
The focus was more on Tammye, her son, and the theme of religion in the LGBTQ+ community.
Picture it! You click on Netflix and you turn on that Bob Ross collection they have on there now. So peaceful. You’re taking a little gander; you see a little side street. You’re like, “Let me go down there.” You come upon a little horse farm. Some little birds living up there, and some little hay over there. That’s Tammye’s house. Gorgeous!
Jonathan
Speaking of Tammye, she was absolutely lovely as a client. She had no reservations about the makeover or being on Queer Eye; she opened herself up fully to the experience. Plus, she had such a lovable and energetic personality.
This is the type of person we need to see more of on reality television.
Whenever she spoke to the Fab Five or Miles, you could feel the love and support emanating from her heart. She truly cared about doing good in the world and not harming anyone. Her words were so emotional and deep.
Related: Queer Eye Season 1 Review: The Reboot We All Needed
She deserved to be pampered by the Fab Five. Her makeover looked gorgeous, the community center got a great update, and her home finally became her oasis.
The tears flowed heavily when she recounted the story of supporting her son's sexuality. Hearing a parent love and support their child is always an emotional moment; there is so much positivity in the air. When Tammye told her story to Tan and Antoni, the tears came out.
Even Antoni was crying over this encounter. (Antoni is the crier of Queer Eye Season 2 Episode 1.)
Tammye: I said, “But I need to ask you for your forgiveness, because Mama has not loved you unconditionally.” And, you know, he looked at me and said, “Mama, I forgave you a long time ago.” And, I said, “No! I need to hear you say that.” I said, “Because, the Bible that I read tells me that if I have wronged someone or mistreated someone to ask their forgiveness first and then I’m free to go to the Father.” And then I told him at that point, “Your Mama has your back.”
[Cuts to confessional]
Antoni: She thought her faith told her to judge somebody who was gay, but she chose to see past that and she saw the individual. She saw the person who her son is and she changed her mind. She says that it was a religious experience, but she made that choice. Not all parents do that.
"God Bless Gay" tackled a complex issue that happens in the real world.
Religion and homosexuality is a touchy subject when discussed together, and it can cause a lot of debate regardless of on which side you argue. Queer Eye Season 2 Episode 1 took the approach of discussing the Fab Five's own experiences with the Church/religion, and Tammye's relationship with religion and her gay son.
None of the conversations felt forced.
The Fab Five had open dialogue in discussing their pasts and how they incorporate religion into their lives, like how Karamo is still very much involved while Bobby doesn't step inside churches anymore. And Tammye was more than welcome to share her stance on how to be loving and her approach to life.
This place is incredible. And, I think everyone involved has grown and been touched this week. I know I have. This has been a life-changing week for me. And, you know, it’s just God’s AMAZING grace that we stand here in this beautiful facility today. Before he gave the vision, he already made provisions cause he knew you guys would wind up together, even before you were formed in your mother’s womb. He knew you. I’m just... I’m thankful.
Tammaye
Her speech when she thanked the Fab Five for their help might be one of the most tender and loving lines delivered by a client yet. As mentioned before, she was open to the experience and held no judgments.
You couldn't help but feel loved by her.
In the case of Queer Eye Season 2 Episode 2, the hour was less heavy in its tone.
"A Decent Proposal" followed the typical formula on focusing solely on William's journey. The update to his hair, house, and confidence was meant to propel and sustain once the Fab Five left. This structure worked well, and it continues to work well.
William was a nice guy who was merely stuck in a rut. He needed a push to get him in the right direction and focus on his future with Shannan.
Once he got the makeover, you could see a vast difference in his personality. The William before the Fab Five arriving would have never done the movie proposal in public. But, after some confidence boosting, he got the courage to make the changes he needed in life.
Shannan must've been really happy. William was so full of joy and self-esteem being with the woman he loved.
The tears were coming down lots during the proposal, and the ring looked gorgeous. He made a good choice.
When it came to his makeover, the team did a great job!
Jonathan's grooming techniques were top notch; this could easily go down as one of his best from the series. Bobby, Tan, and Karamo all equally did a good job with his home, self-esteem, and fashion. In regards to Antoni, he deserves a lot of appreciation here too.
Queer Eye Season 2 Episode 2 was how the show should utilize Antoni.
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He taught William how to cook new meals, he showed him how to do it, and he introduced him to new foods for his lifestyle. Between the two episodes, Antoni recognized here was where he could make the most impact. Tammye didn't need his help, so he knew when to step away.
In addition, Antoni didn't use any avocados. ("Proud" can't even begin to describe this change in his lessons.
Jonathan: This haircut just aint quitting being real handsome. Yes, you sexy beast! You feel like comfortable in it?
William: I feel comfortable. Yeah, I feel a little bit of confidence. So...
[Jonathan is speechless]
Jonathan: I just got chills in my triceps.
What did you think of "God Bless Gay" and "A Decent Proposal"? Which makeover was your favorite? Did you shed a tear as well?
Queer Eye Season 2 is now available to stream on Netflix.
Justin Carreiro was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow him on X.
