Ugly Betty Episode 4.07 Quick Thoughts

Ugly Betty episode 4.07, Level (7) with me aired last night.  Here are some quick thoughts about it.

• Overall, this was an entertaining episode.  The whole “Daniel in a cult” plot line has been a little cringe-inducing for me, especially since the writers have not been that subtle that the “Community of the Phoenix” was really Scientology.  However, this particular episode’s mystery/conflict was one of the most intriguing we’ve seen in a while.  Without Marc and Amanda’s quips, much of the episode felt like a wackier CBS procedural.  (That’s not necessarily a bad thing, just something different I noticed).
• It was good to see Suzuki St Pierre again, even if only in the very funny opening.
• This was a Suarez family-free episode.  I know every character can’t get substantial screen time every week, but the show really misses something when the Suarezes do not have at least a scene.  Especially Justin, whose story line has been the most interesting (at least to me) this season.
• On the flip side, isn’t it amazing how good Becki Newton has been these last few episodes?  When they give her more screen time, she has a Vanessa Williams – like quality about her.   She’s always the most compelling person in the room.
• Marc putting on the clogs and dancing was hilarious.  When Wilhelmina noticed he was wearing them was the funniest moment of the episode.
• I guess the plan is that the Nico character is gone for good.  I KNEW Wilhelmina was going to test her as soon as she kicked Marc out of her apartment.  36-24-36 as a safe combination – I LOVED that!  Let me add that Yaya DaCosta has been a surprise – she was very good in this role.  Her ability to switch between conniving and tears on a dime was impressive.
• The scene where Betty noticed that Amanda was with Matt was really good writing / acting.  It was short, but it set up next week’s love triangle.
• The Matt-going-to-jail scenes revealed some interesting things.  First, Matt made a great sacrifice, which shows he’s grown since he’s been at Mode.  Secondly, when Claire, Amanda and Betty were getting a cab to find Daniel, Amanda’s thoughts were on Matt, and Betty seemed more concerned about Daniel.  It may mean nothing, but it wasn’t subtle, so it probably does.
• I LOVED seeing Amanda and Claire’s fake grief counseling sessions.  They were not only funny, but it was nice to see them put the past behind them. 
• The Molly apparition scene was very well written.  When Betty and Claire entered and Claire laid into Bennett and all Betty could add was “yeah!” – that was good.  Alternating between Betty and Molly’s words was nice.
• I think it’s funny that Daniel had kissed Betty, but only her eyebrow.  :)
• I guess Jamie-Lynn Sigler was right – Natalie wasn’t evil, just desperate.

All in all, it was a pretty good episode.  Certainly not the best of the season, but entertaining nonetheless.  It wrapped up some story lines, and set up a couple more for next week’s Bahamas episode.

Full recap coming soon!

Image: Bauer Griffin