• Overall, it was a good episode, with the right mix of comedy and drama.
• The opening was great – we as viewers weren’t sure who Betty was talking to, and what kind of trouble she was in.
• They probably won’t be able to do it, but I’d love to see them keep Fisher Stevens around for a bit.  He’s the perfect mix of likeable, with a touch of menacing crazy right beneath the surface.
• There were many surprises, but none more than the Daniel/Marc storyline.  I LOVED how this turned out, when Marc explained that all his “bumbling” was for a reason.  The look on Daniel’s face was priceless.
• Wilhelmina was strong in this episode.  Not only did Vanessa Williams look wonderful as usual, but she was able to show an interesting range of emotion within her bitchy diva persona.  Not only was there her usual mama-natrix behavior at Mode, but her “proposal” to Connor was so Wilhelmina-like, and her softening confession to Betty just as Betty was about to let her have it was classic.
• Hormonal Hilda was funny, if a little scary.
• Bobby was a woman’s dream in this episode.  Please don’t expect the rest of us to act like that all the time.  :)
• I thought the “In Her Shoes” storyline was nicely done and so Betty-like. The blog is the perfect vehicle for the show to include this wonderful side of the character, while still being true to Mode’s concern for the most comfortable stilettos.
• The one Detty scene was very good to see.  They are really going to ease Daniel and Betty back together (for friendship or something else) quite slowly, aren’t they?
• I loved the flashbacks when Amanda remembered how she had “told” Betty about moving out of her apartment.
• They just kind of dropped the buyout of Cal Hartley, didn’t they?  Not that I mind, we all know what happened.
• Ugly Betty writers: each individual entry in a blog is called a “post”.  ”Blog” is the collection of posts.  A blogger publishes posts. Just a little quibble, and everyone on TV and film seems to get that one wrong.  (I’m available as a consultant :)  )
• SPOILER – I knew that Matt and Connor were both leaving the show (at least temporarily), but I had no idea the ways they’d end up leaving.  I always figured Connor would get killed off in a prison fight.  Matt was extremely likeable in this episode, then he’s just up and gone to Africa.  I like that they had him leave on a noble cause.
• The more I think abut it, I really love the idea of the blog,  I don’t know if the writers did it on purpose, but through the blog, the show became more integrated with the Wednesday night comedy lineup at ABC.  You see, The Middle is narrated, and Modern Family is produced like a sort-of documentary.  Both shows often end with a poignant voice-over at the end each episode, tying things together and leaving things on a high note.  Betty did that in this episode, when she read her “Goodbyes” draft to the landlord.  I really hope the writers incorporate this vehicle into the show endings more often – it’s a nice change from the crane shots (which are also nice, but predictable).
• The ending scene between America Ferrera and Daniel Eric Gold was incredibly well acted.  You’ll need tissues, even if you aren’t a Metty shipper.

All in all, Back In Her Place was a strong episode, and a pivotal one.  The show has moved on from Cal, Connor, and Matt (at least for now).  As much as those characters brought to the show, bringing the cast back to its core makes watching Ugly Betty feel like “home” again.

Image: SplashNewsOnline.com

Post from: Crushable

Ugly Betty Episode 4.11 Quick Thoughts

• The theme of this episode seemed to be hostility (especially to those we love).  The subtext was art and film noir.  Both were included seamlessly.
• Even though I had seen it before, the black and white Virginia Woolf scene was still hilarious – especially Daniel Eric Gold.
• The Dr Farkas scene to open the show was still awesome – and weird.  I guess we won’t be seeing Jesse Tyler Ferguson on the show again.
• My absolute favorite scene was where Wilhelmina left a “trail” of fashion items to lure Amanda into a dark room, then got information out of her.  Becki Newton was awesome.  “You’re hurting me!” … “I’m not touching you” … “Oh…” .  The film noir touch, with the fan creating alternating light and shade on Newton’s face ass she proclaimed “Damn you!” to Wilhelmina … that was just sublime.
• Speaking of Newton, I wonder how hard it was for her to keep a straight face in the scenes where Troy (played by her brother Matt Newton) followed Marc around like a puppy.  You could almost see her lose it when Troy tried to kiss Marc, and instead offered his cheek.  I’d really love to see the outtakes.
• Christine Ebersole was fabulous as Frances, the art patron.  Her cougar-ish characteristics were a little off-kilter; she reminded me of a subdued Heinrich.
• Speaking of “the art” : I WANT SOME OF THOSE PAINTINGS!!!!  I don’t know if the producers are going to sell any of them off for charity, but I am just dying to buy one, especially the one of Betty as Godzilla, eating a skyscraper.  My second choice, of course, would be the fantasy Betty boobs painting, but that’s just me.  :)  They were all SO funny – Betty as Medusa, an astronaut eating Matt’s heart (?), a demon, a DEER!  I wish they could have spent a few more seconds using them as site gags.
• There were some good quips:
• Hilda saying “miss you much” will turn into “bam! murder/suicide”
• Betty: “Someone here [at Mode] will want to go to a hockey game”…Looks around…”Maybe not”.
• Denise [about Suzuki] : “I thought I saw him take a sneak peek at my snookie”.  Heh.

I even liked the ending.  Claire and Wilhelmina’s guarded truce at the end makes us realize that these two are the real powers behind Mode, and probably always will be.  I loved Claire in the episode.  (Putting down the drink was a nice touch).  And it’s good to see Wilhelmina being Wilhelmina again.

Ignacio not liking Bobby was pretty predictable, but I liked the scene when he found out Hilda was pregnant with Bobby’s baby.  His dropping of the glass and disappointed look was good drama.

I thought the episode was really strong – everything Ugly Betty should be – comedy, quips, camp, and good, soapy drama.

So, did you like the episode?  Did you have any favorite parts I missed?

Image: SplashNewsOnline.com

Post from: Crushable

Ugly Betty Episode 4.10 Quick Thoughts

Oh, I know you’re out there.  If I am reading the ratings correctly, there are somewhere between 4 and 6 million of you who watched in season 1 or early into season 2, but no longer include Betty on your must-watch list. 

Each of you quit the show for your own reasons (believe me, I’ve heard them all).  Regardless of your reasons, I have something to say to you.

If you enjoy quality television, you are missing out on one of the greatest creative comebacks ever seen from a weekly scripted series.

I do not say that lightly.  If I may, I’d like to present 5 reasons why you should give Ugly Betty another try.

1) Desperation breaks bad habits.  Let’s face it – with the move to Friday, and the awful early season 4 ratings, the show seemed condemned.  Because the producers didn’t know how many episodes they had left, they broke their awful habit of letting stories unfold too slowly.  Now, storylines are begun, then closed, at a feverish pace.  Don’t like a storyline?  Have no fear – it will be over in 4 episodes, tops. (Daniel’s cult experience comes to mind).  Until, maybe, they bring the story back in a fresh new way (Connor Owens).  The writers are being forced to bring their ‘A’ game every single week and make each episode stand on its own.

2) They are challenging America Ferrera again.  In 2007, Ferrera was the first ever TV Actress to have won all 3 major Lead Actress Awards in a single year: the Emmy Award, the Golden Globe Award and the Screen Actor’s Guild Award.  Since then, the episodes in which Ferrera was asked to use her talent to the fullest have been few and far between.  In season four, however, the show has turned to its star quarterback and said, "You are going to have to win a few games for us".  And she has.

In the most recent episode (4.09, Be-Shure), there was a brilliant sequence in which Ferrera deftly and dramatically played Betty’s confusion when Betty’s boyfriend Matt reacted in an unexpected way to a pregnancy scare, then a few minutes later was madcap in trying to cover up for blurting out Bobby’s (Hilda’s new flame) name in mixed company.  This was a reminder of just how talented Ferrera is.

More after the jump.

3) Becki Newton and Ana Ortiz.  Both supporting actresses have been outstanding in season 4.  Newton had a scene so funny in episode 4.04 (The Wiener, The Bun, and the Boob) that I’m STILL laughing about it (her multiple screams after kissing Betty in a dream, then seeing Betty standing before her in real life).  She’s actually been given something to do this season, because both matt and Claire NEED Amanda’s help. 

Ortiz has been allowed to be hilarious (especially in the recent episode 4.09).  Hilda’s love triangle was actually interesting, and now, she’s pregnant, which will add all kinds of dramedy storylines.

4) Adam Rodriguez brings a new energy to the show.  Now, I’ll admit that I hate seeing Ralph Macchio leave the show – and they cleared the way by introducing Bobby, Hilda’s old flame.  Rodriguez’s Bobby was "the other man", and I didn’t want to like him, but for me, it’s impossible NOT to like him.  He’s funny, he has a "past", but he seems to be trying to do the right thing.  He is a mentor, alongside Michael Urie’s Marc, to Justin.  Which leads me to the final reason to come back to the show…

5) Justin Suarez has become a fascinating character.  At the end of episode 4.06, when Justin had bravely faced down the embarrassment of being named ‘Homecoming Queen’ in front of the whole school, he abruptly declared to his family: "I’m not gay".  And thus began what will certainly be the most intriguing storyline of season 4.  Is he?  Isn’t he? Is it any of our business?  What more will Justin have to endure at school?  The part is just so skillfully written and acted, we forget that there has NEVER been a character like Justin Suarez on broadcast TV before (starting his ‘journey’ at age 12).  We are in uncharted territory, and it’s going to be fascinating to see it unfold.

So, former Betty fans – now that the show is moving to a night/time when people are actually home (Wednesdays at 10), maybe it’s time to give the Ugly Betty a try again.  It’s as good as you remember when it was at its best.  Join us on January 6…I’ve been saving a seat for you.

Image: Bauer Griffin

Post from: Crushable

Five Reasons You Should Come Back To Ugly Betty

• I LOVE Betty’s new attitude.  I wasn’t sure if I would, but it’s not annoying or abrasive, it seems to fit her new situation.
• Marc’s face when he learned he would be Betty’s assistant was hilarious.  So was Betty’s.  At the same time, Wilhelmina’s expression when she thought Marc was going to get info out of Nico was priceless.
• Wilhelmina kissing Claire and Cal’s butt was very funny.  Uncomfortable, but funny.
• Brooklyn Decker was used perfectly.  Beautiful, but totally hideous.  Man, that is one tall woman!
• I can’t believe they told Betty and Marc that the associate editor’s position was settled by a coin flip!  And Marc calling her “tails” was pretty funny.
• I TOLD you who/what the “boob” would be!!!! HA!
• I wish they could have spent more time on Hilda’s sexting episode.  Archie’s original reaction was the funniest his character has been so far.
• Of course, Marc and Betty as hot dog and bun were sublime.  The comedy quickly turned to drama, and that was pretty good, too.
• Matt kissing Amanda morphing into Betty kissing Amanda morphing into Betty as a hot dog and Amanda screaming was the funniest thing on the show this season!  Isn’t it amazing how Becki Newton can be so funny in so little screen time?
• Marc and Betty’s relationship has to be one of the strangest on TV.  But, they are wonderful onscreen together.
• The ending was nice – they really know how to do endings on this show.

OK, one quibble.  Brian Tanen, one of Ugly Betty’s most talented writers, tried to fit too much into this episode, IMHO.  There were five major concurrent story lines.  It’s usually tough to fit in three.  But then again, many times in the past when I’ve thought an episode was too “busy”, it turns out to be one of the most popular, so what do I know?

But otherwise, it was a good episode.  The second half was the funniest on the show in a long time. 

Image: Bauer Griffin

Post from: Crushable

Ugly Betty Episode 4.04 Quick Thoughts

But, last nights season 4 premiere, episode 4.01 (and 4.02), “The Butterfly Effect” was wonderful, yet I think saying “it was like season 1” would be an insult.

The show is growing up a little.  “The Butterfly Effect” was enjoyable for reasons all its own.  My favorites?

• Betty’s transformation.  So, they aren’t handling it with a Nanny McFee subtlety, but this is television.  I loved how Betty played with her bangs the entire episode, as if she was subconsciously wanting to change them.  The blog with Betty’s greatest fashion hits was funny.  The new Betty is hot (nice touch, having the crew member double take as she walked by).
• I liked the braces-off teaser dream sequence.  It makes me really excited to see them come off for real.
• This was Justin’s episode.  Ugly Betty tends to give us drama with a heavy hand, but Mark Indelicato used mostly expressions and body language to portray his misery.  I hope they give him a little comedy in the future (and Justin needs an ally at school – pronto!), but his first day at school was portrayed perfectly.
• Marc’s in a weird position this season – hate/sabotage Betty, have empathy for and help Betty’s family.  Not to mention his insecurity with Wilhelmina’s future.  Michael Urie pulls it off, though.
• I LOVE the new Nico storyline, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I love YaYa DaCosta’s portrayal of her.
• 46-year-old Vanessa Williams is still the most beautiful person on the show.  With every scene she’s in, you can’t take your eyes off her.
• Speaking of, the sight gags in this episode were subtle and hilarious.  Those of you who paid attention in history class will know why Wilhelmina’s banging on the podium at the UN with her shoe was funny.  Also, Kristen Johnston’s temp character looking for “Daniel Miagi” – almost made up for the fact that Ralph Macchio was only in one scene.
• I’m really curious where they are going to take Amanda.  Seeing herself 20 years from now was quite a wakeup call, and she’s obviously decided to do something with herself.  (Writers – Please send her to community college.  OMG, what possibilities!)
• Matt and Megan are going to be the perfect foils for Betty this season.  Megan’s resentment seems more “real” – Matt’s just being a jerk.  Did anybody else love it when Daniel punched him?
• Speaking of, the Detty moment after the punch set up the Daniel / Betty story line for this season.  It will be interesting seeing them act as sort-of peers.

Before the show aired, I was worried about the writing in this one – but they struck a perfect balance.  No, it wasn’t madcap (except for the “Lion King” dream sequence), and the drama didn’t hit you over the head – instead, it felt like a nice visit from an old friend, who has changed but is deep down still the friend you remember.

Welcome back, Ugly Betty.  Stick around a while, OK?

Image: SplashNewsOnline.com

Post from: Crushable

Ugly Betty Episode 4.01 – 2 Quick Thoughts

Now, any show is going to have its highs and lows in a 24 episode season (especially one with ensemble writers, directors, and actors) , but the highs and lows this year were quite extreme.

These opinions are my own, and everyone has one, so I’d love to hear yours.  Here is my list of hits and misses for Ugly Betty in season 3.  I’m an optimist, so I’m going to start with the misses and end with the hits.  :)

Misses

• The soapy elements.  They just didn’t work for me this year, because there was less intrigue (like the season 1 Fey Sommers mystery). This leads to…
• Sisters on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.  I really thought this was the low point of the season.  First, Papi has what turned out to be the most harmless heart attack in the history of mankind.  It was also the height of the Wilhelmina/Connor romance, which was interesting, but turned Willi into a totally different person.  The sister drama was a little too heavy handed.  (There was one part of this episode that is a “hit”, though, which I’ll get to in a bit)
• Betty’s Independence - I wanted so badly for this to be a “hit”.  At the start of season 3, I had had enough of the “who did Betty choose” drama, and was wondering whether the “single girl in the city” storyline would work.  I thought, OK, a somewhat strange-looking, modern-day Mary Tyler-Moore would be pretty cool.  Then, inexplicably, they dropped the whole idea.  YETI ended up only being necessary to introduce Matt.  Pah.
• Jesse – Don’t get me wrong.  I like Val Emmich.  His music video dream sequence was very funny.  But his character was a needless distraction.
• Betty wins! I added this because I think that every now and then, Betty needs to lose.  She needs to not “save the day” at the end of every episode.  (Most of them, yes, but if can predict it, then it probably isn’t very interesting).  I don’t want to press the issue, because, of course, I want Betty to save the day most of the time – but every now and then, a loss would be pretty cool.
• Betty moving back home. Did the producers REALLY feel that what was missing from the show mid-season was Betty at home?
• Lindsay Lohan.  Fail.  (OK, the food fight scene was good.  But it wasn’t worth the turmoil and distraction).

Hits after the jump

Hits

• Amanda – OK, Becki Newton’s probably going to hate me for this, because she hasn’t had her own story line since mid-season, but I LOVE how they are using her.  She pops in, says something that makes everyone scratch their heads, and leaves.  When I see Amanda in a scene, I know there will be comedy.
• Claire – I think making her a bigger part of the show was a great idea.  I love her rivalry with Wilhelmina, I love her mentoring of Betty, I love her mother-son moments with Daniel.  The only part that didn’t seem to fit in was the whole shoplifting thing.
• America Ferrera doing comedy – They didn’t let her do it often, but America is very funny when she’s given something funny to do.  The seductions of Daniel and Matt really stand out.
• There’s No Place Like Mode – Y’all know I’ve raved and raved about this episode.  The character Heinrich was so ridiculous, you couldn’t help but like him.  And the ending, with Wilhelmina presenting her baby ala The Lion King, well, that was classic.
• Sexual Ambiguity - I might be alone in this, but I thought the Suzuki / Byron Woo story line was hilarious.  The Jodi/Marc one was sort of funny, too.  Confusing, but funny.
• Ralph Macchio – I don’t know why, but everything about his character worked.  I liked the Archie/Hilda romance, I liked how Ignacio fawned over him, I liked him playing straight man in The Born Identity.
• Molly – Hate me if you must, but I love what she brought to the show.  When you think of Daniel beginning the season hiding at Player, and ending it with that wonderful heartfelt speech, whatever growing his character did, Molly was the reason.  My only complaint is that they didn’t even bother to make her look sick.
• Closure – Betty Suarez Land was almost the perfect tone (Gio hating Betty, then deciding the be her friend).  AND, it came early in the season.  Henry didn’t get his till the 23rd episode, and it was VERY good, I just wish it had come earlier.
• Goodbyes – Alexis, Christina, Molly. Each was done in exactly the right tone.
• Matt – On balance, I think he was good for the show.  Is he Betty’s true love?  No, I don’t think so.  But he added some interesting story lines, not the least of which, Victoria and Cal.
• The Finale – Especially the last 20 minutes or so.
• Michael Urie - Outside of Betty, the show revolved around Marc more than any other character.  He went seamlessly from Betty’s rival to her bestie, and his interactions with Justin have been some of the best moments of the season.
• The Cherry 7-Up Thing – It reminded me of the old Bob Hope movies, when he’d temporarily leave character, look at the camera and make some wisecrack.

So, what hits or misses do you have for this season?

Image: Pacific Coast News

Post from: Crushable

Ugly Betty Season 3 Hits and Misses

• They saved the drama for the last 15 minutes, which was surprising considering the promos.
• The opening montage was nice, classic Ugly Betty.
• The absolute funniest moment was the Suzuki St Pierre “surprise” (more on that in a minute).
• Ana Ortiz really showed off her acting chops in this one. Emmy nom?
• Amanda was totally likeable in this episode, but that left me a little disoriented. Who is this woman?
• I like the way they are handling the love quadrangel. They had one episode of hot-n-heavy, and now things are going to get a little more messy.
• Vanessa Williams: HOT! Seeing Wilhelmina be lust crazed was downright fun.
• The most sympathetic character: Marc St James. Michael Urie played it perfectly. Had I been Marc, I would have put a designer shoe in Wilhelmina’s butt after the way she acted.
• I wondered who would get left out this week, and it ended up being Christina. Perhaps she’ll show up next week?

Unlike many, I liked the sister drama; it seemed perfectly in place for the circumstances, and fit in perfectly with Ugly Betty’s tradition of dramedy.

Now, for the controversy. There was some discussion in the live blog about whether or not Suzuki’s “secret” was part of the overall ABC purge of gay characters from its shows. Even though I seriously doubt ABC is overtly trying to do such a thing, even if they were, I’d say Suzuki is different.

1) He’s a minor character.
2) It was totally played for laughs (and let’s face it, Alec Mapa is one funny dude).
3) He’s still going to be “Suzuki”. We’ll just see him differently now.
4) Anyone who thinks Ugly Betty is becoming less gay friendly hasn’t been paying attention.

That’s my opinion about that. I thought it was hilarious.

Note: I had some technical difficulties with the full recap (the details of which I won’t bore you with), so I’ll be posting it later today.

Post from: Crushable

Ugly Betty Episode 3.12: Some Thoughts