Gay TV recap: The Search for the Next Elvira

Last week, when I included The Search for the Next Elvira in the Queerview, I wasn't expecting the deluge of camp and fabulousness that the show turned out to be. I mean, it's a Fox Reality original series -- a term that brings to mind some real stinkers (Rob & Amber: Against All Odds, anybody?). This show, however, has everything that makes Elvira fabulous, including the bad puns, snarky wit and big attitude.

There's plenty that The Search for the Next Elvira gets right. First of all, the show doesn't make much use of those lame "coming up" bumpers that are used to fill time on realty shows -- you know, the ones that spoil what's coming up after the commercial break while asking you to stick around through the commercial break. Instead, we get Elvira on her trademark couch recapping her own reality show as if it were being screened on Movie Macabre. Right there that tells me they know who their audience is.

I'm not usually a fan of audition episodes of reality shows. I usually get tired of the judges being bitchy for the camera but in this case they're being bitchy to people hoping to get a job that's all about being bitchy. That's just gold. Maybe if Simon Cowell had to reject American Idol hopefuls in song, I'd appreciate that part of the show.

Similarly, I love that the Search for the Next Elvira is judged by two "Manviras" -- Elvira drag queens. I mean, if you're looking for experts on Elvira, that'd be the way to go, wouldn't it?

There's also the eliminations, where Elvira tells the rejected to "Rest in Peace" and then incinerates them. She incinerates them with cheesy special effects, too! They really do know their audience.

I also love that the 13 finalists aren't all white women. There are a few women of color in the finals and one man, Erik-a:

I'm hoping Ms. Monster turns out to be as cool as she initially comes off. Every reality show has a competitor or two who's goals don't quite match the competition's but Ms. Monster's side gig is that she hosts her own horror movie show. On this show, I think that makes her pretty cool.

Of course, I also love that she looks more like Mystique than they ever let Rebecca Romijn look.

So. In short, it's campy, hammy, silly and it's not at all afraid to be courting Elvira's gay fans. My only complaint is that this show is set to have a short run (four episodes total) though viewers will get to vote for their favorite and determine the winner.

The Search for the Next Elvira seems to be airing in heavy rotation on the Fox Reality Channel, so you've got plenty of chances to catch it.