Warning! This article contains MAJOR spoilers for season 1 of Survival Of The Thickest. In the season 1 finale, fans were finally treated to an exciting climax as Mavis, the protagonist, made a pivotal decision regarding her love triangle. The story revolves around Mavis, played by Michelle Buteau, who discovers her boyfriend Jacque, portrayed by Taylor Sele, cheating on her. In response, she decides to start a new life in Brooklyn, pursuing her career as a lead stylist while navigating the challenges of being a single woman in New York City. Finding solace in the drag club, CC Bloom, Mavis finds support from her close friends Marley (Tasha Smith) and Khalil (Tone Bell). Mavis forms a strong bond with Peppermint (played by Peppermint), a drag queen who helps her secure styling jobs. After a significant breakthrough, Mavis's styling brand experiences tremendous success. During one of her jobs, she crosses paths with Luca (Marouane Zotti), a man who quickly captures her heart. Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend Jacque makes attempts to win her back. In the season 1 finale, Mavis meets a non-binary teenager named Billy (Misha Osherovich) who is distressed by the gender-specific dress code for their prom. With the assistance of Peppermint, Mavis organizes an inclusive prom and offers styling services to all attendees.
Why Mavis Chooses Luca Over Jacque
Mavis and Jacque have a conversation to resolve their issues. Jacque claims to have changed, but Mavis refuses to reconcile, wanting a peaceful separation instead. Later on, when Mavis is hospitalized, Jacque takes it upon himself to decide they will get married, despite not being in a relationship. He seeks her parents' approval for this decision, which reveals that he hasn't truly transformed as he claims. He is still self-centered and disregards Mavis' feelings.
Mavis discovers Jacque's intention to propose through her demanding parents, who pressure her to accept. Feeling the need for her mother's approval, Mavis experiences this particularly when she is in an altered state. She wishes her mom would support her instead of questioning her choices while on a phone call. Additionally, Mavis desires to have children. With all these factors in mind, accepting Jacque's proposal is the easier choice. It pleases her mother, and she can begin her journey towards motherhood right away.
Mavis' Big Career Breakout & Why She Turns Down Natasha's Job Offer
However, thoughts of Luca consume Mavis's mind, revealing the depth of her feelings for him. In the end, Mavis breaks off her engagement and embarks on a journey to Italy to reunite with Luca. This decision signifies Mavis's growth in confidence and her diminished need for approval from others. Despite lacking the practicality of a partnership with Jacque, Luca has consistently proven himself to be a devoted and supportive partner. It will be intriguing to witness if this unwavering support continues into season 2 of Survival Of The Thickest.
In the beginning of Survival of the Thickest, Mavis embarks on her journey as an assistant with ambitions of establishing herself as a renowned fashion stylist. She possesses a keen eye for fashion, as evident from the captivating opening photo shoot she takes part in. Mavis's breakthrough comes when Peppermint pairs her up with '90s supermodel, Natasha Karina (Garcelle Beauvais), for a styling gig. After creating a dazzling gown for Natasha, they attend a significant event together. Interestingly, as Natasha confidently struts down the aisle at her ex-husband's funeral, she surprises everyone by delivering a speech and discreetly placing a sex toy in his casket. To add to the spectacle, Peppermint urges viewers to embrace the hashtag #MavisKills while live-streaming the unconventional act.
The entire incident goes viral, generating significant attention for Mavis's brand. She receives requests to style other drag queens at the renowned drag club, CC Bloom. Furthermore, she secures a job styling Nicole Byer's lingerie release and is also entrusted with the task of styling an all-ages inclusive prom at CC Bloom. In a twist of events, Natasha, fueled by jealousy towards Mavis' success, approaches her and offers an exclusive styling position with a monthly salary of $10,000. However, Mavis declines the tempting job offer, expressing her desire to establish a brand that serves multiple clients rather than relying on one.
Although Mavis's decision to turn down Natasha's offer carries the risk of financial instability, it exemplifies her willingness to take a leap of faith for her own aspirations. She profoundly believes in her ability to create something extraordinary and meaningful through her brand. Mavis finds the greatest fulfillment when styling for lingerie shoots, inclusive proms, and events celebrating body positivity and the LGBTQ+ community. However, with Natasha unexpectedly resurfacing in the season finale, it remains to be seen whether Mavis will once again be styling for her while simultaneously building her own brand. Additionally, the upcoming second season might delve into Natasha's personal journey towards overcoming her insecurities.
Mavis' Speech At The Prom Explained
In the season 1 finale of Survival Of The Thickest, Mavis delivers a powerful and inclusive speech that not only resonates with the prom attendees but also with the show's viewers. The speech encourages individuals who are different to strive for more in life instead of settling for the negativity around them. It also serves as a reminder to older individuals that it is never too late to dream and work towards their desires. Bringing a moment of seriousness to the otherwise escapist show, Mavis concludes her speech with the proclamation, "I hope your wildest fantasies become your truest reality because dreaming big—it makes life worth living."
This speech marks a departure from the escapism typically found in Survival Of The Thickest. While the show generally offers a reprieve from the current political climate, Mavis's words create a heartfelt moment. In an interview with Decider, actress Michelle Buteau, who portrays Mavis, explained the significance of this moment by stating, "This is a love letter to those who feel rejected and unseen, unheard, unloved, or deemed as not beautiful. F*ck that. You are f**king beautiful." Buteau wanted to counteract the ongoing attacks against minorities with this empowering message.
Will Survival Of The Thickest Season 2 Happen?
Fans of Survival Of The Thickest are eagerly anticipating a second season following the success of the first. In an interview with Decider, Michelle Buteau expressed her hesitation to commit to a second season until the Writers Guild of America strike is resolved and writers' basic rights are met. This sentiment was echoed by Buteau's involvement in the picket lines after the Studio Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists also voted to join the strike.
Despite the current setbacks, once the strikes come to a resolution, there are numerous compelling storylines available for Survival Of The Thickest season 2. One notable development at the end of season 1 is Mavis traveling to Italy to be with Luca, their reunion punctuated by a heartfelt kiss. This suggests Mavis's pursuit of a healthier work-life balance. Furthermore, Marley embarks on a journey of self-discovery as a queer woman, while Khalil grapples with his girlfriend India (portrayed by Anissa Felix) over his involvement in her child's life. These storylines provide ample opportunities for further exploration in the upcoming season.
Sources: Decider and Michelle Buteau's Instagram