Queer Eye's big flaw is that it sets its subjects up for a life they can't afford

HuffPost

The Netflix makeover reality show, which returns for Season 3 this weekend, is still highly watchable, says Todd Van Luling. "But whenever I more deeply examine the tear-inducing joy the show brings me when the heroes have a transformation, I can’t shake a feeling of being duped," he adds. "This show may have an explicit message about inner empowerment, but implicitly all the transformation scenes are centered on turning the hapless heroes into wealthier (or wealthier-looking) versions of themselves. No amount of can-do attitude can achieve these results; only about six-figures in material upgrades can. These makeovers showcase the heroes with new clothes, expensive haircuts and fancy skin lotions as they walk into an expensively renovated home to consume a meal that likely came from a Whole Foods-esque store. With this in mind, all the asides about self-help and care seem insincere. The heroes aren’t choosing their own life renovations, which could narratively prove some actual change. The heroes just stumble into a whole new life of luxury and can only thank the hosts for the change in fortune."

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