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Ugly Betty, Ep 2.04, “Grin and Bear It” Review

by Tom on October 19th, 2007

This was a kind of topsy-turvy episode of Ugly Betty.  Betty, normally the conscience of the show, cheats and gets herself into trouble.  Daniel is thoughtful and kind.  He ends up bailing Betty out and lecturing her (sort of).  Justin is a wanna-be gangsta, making moves on a neighborhood girl and drinking “be-ah”.  Henry was not upfront with Betty about the paternity test.  Alexis is the opposite of confident, and doesn’t know how to act as a girl.

The only normalcy at Mode was that Wilhelmina was evil and conniving, Marc was spastic and funny, and Amanda was her usual airhead self.  And Ignacio is now treating Henry like he treated Santos.

Two things made this show for me: the guest stars, and Wilhelmina’s wonderfully delivered lines.  Here are my quick thoughts from the episode:

• ABC, please, I’m begging you: bring back Kenny! (John Cho).  In his short screen time, he was a breath of fresh air.  He was just like so many people I know from corporate America.  He’s funny, and a great partner to Henry.
• Wilhelmina was given the best lines for the night: “I was a simple girl with an evil plan”, and “Even if I wanted to express sympathy, I physically can’t”, and “I put my blood, sweat, and old nose into this place”.
• Marc, once again, was given the best physical comedy: “We’re doooooomed!  Doomed!” and getting hit by the shoe.
• Victor Garber was great casting.  He was over-the-top, and intimidating - perfect for getting Betty to do something she wouldn’t normally do.
• I wish emo guy would make another appearance - his glance at Betty at the end was heartwarming.  But, it was just a bit part.
• Justin as “badass” is funny, but weird.  The new girlfriend is quite irritating.
• Rebecca Romjin is an actress who happens to be a model.  Besides Ferrera, she might be the best actor on the show.
• What was with Marc wearing Bear Bryant’s hat?
• Amanda not knowing how to “add” to fake her age was great.
• “Why can’t the rest of you get attacked by a bear?”  - priceless.
• They need to use Poquito the bear as Betty’s conscience more.
• Marc and Wilhelmina called each other “Marcie” and “William”; pet names, I love it!
• The character Luke (James Van Der Beek) is more realistic than you might think.
• Ted Kennedy as Amanda’s possible father - that was as good as the Dick Cheney moment.
• I’ve re-watched the entire episode: there is no “bagel” moment.  Perhaps I was wrong about the running sight gag. 

 All in all, this is one of the better episodes this season.  THe story moved quickly without getting confusing, and there was LOTS of comedy, both physical, and one liners. 

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POSTED IN: Commentary, Reviews, Ugly Betty Recaps