Don’t Be A Playa’ Hate-a
July 11, 2008 by Tom
Image details: ABC Upfront Presentation served by picapp.com
The Ugly Betty message boards are buzzing – the on the set photos that have come out so far have given us enough clues to figure out and important plot point for the show (at least early in the season).
It was right there in front of my face, and I didn’t see it at first. The outdoor shoot in Dumbo had these huge banners, most of them with a lone “P”. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out what they meant.
There were other letters, on the capes of the motorcycle girls. An “A” here, a “Y” there. This photo, which seemed out of place, really perplexed me. (As a professional, I just HAD to look at it three or four times to be sure). 
Well, you guys are smart. The scene is all about Player Magazine. There’s a full banner in this pic. Remember Player?
In Episode 2.04, Grin and Bear It, Bradford tells Wilhelmina that she can run any magazine she wants, but Mode. Willy then proceeds to get briefed on every Meade Publications magazine, including a men’s magazine called Player. You know the type: Maxim, FHM – aimed at male adolescents and those who never grew out of it. Girls, cars, girls, extreme sports, girls, motorcycles, and uh, girls.
It now makes sense, the whole Betty on a motorcycle thing.
If you’ll remember, at the end of 2.18, Jump, Daniel (Eric Mabius) was “reassigned”. I think it’s pretty obvious that Daniel is going to be running Player now.
It’s a stroke of genius.
If you thought Betty was at her best railing against the size zero worship of the fashion world, wait till she aims her righteous indignation at the whole fratboy lifestyle. And,let’s face it, Player is perfect for Daniel because he’s, well, a player.
I don’t know how long it will last, but with three magazines to build stories around (Mode, Player, Hotflash), Ugly Betty is going to be quite interesting this season.
Hi! This is Angel25. I posted this theory on MGSG message forums yesterday. I’m so glad that it’s Semi-Official on UB News. I figured out the theory because of you Tom.
I was looking at the spoiler pictures you put up the last couple of days. You know the banner that says if you like this picture click on this link for more? Anyway, I did just that. I was looking at the pictures and saw the one of America/Betty reading a magazine called PLAYER.
I also saw the P-A-R-Y biker girls pictures and what looked like an L too. Then, it hit me: PLAYER Magazine!
I went straight to YouTube saw the PLAYER clip from Grin and Bear It and then I posted my theory/idea.
Thank You Tom for all of your help and keep up the wonderful work on UB News.
Yes! Angel25 was the absolute goddess who posted the theory at our boards! At this rate, we’re gonna have the whole episode figured out for you by the time they start filming episode 2!
After all, our motto is Getty Girls: We overanalyze so you don’t have to!
Great catch, Angel25!!
wow…ya, it is definitly Playgirl. I dont want them to leave Mode! But hopefully they leave Playgirl and go back.