Ugly Betty In Need of a Makeover?
September 3, 2008 by Tom
Ugly Betty has been named, along with Heroes, Private Practice, Brothers and Sisters, and Lipstick Jungle as a show in desperate need of a makeover. The writer, Alex Strachan of Canwest News Service, is pretty spot on, and reminds me of the one thing that bugged me about season 2 that I couldn’t quite put my finger on:
Bright-eyed, idealistic Betty (America Ferrera, an Emmy nominee despite an off-season last year) has become pouty and frustrated, increasingly irritated with her uptight ex-boyfriend Henry (Christopher Gorham) and increasingly impatient with her beau, Gio (Freddy Rodriguez).
(Nevermind that Strachan misses a little bit on the Henry/Gio/Betty triangle).
Pouty and frustrated. THAT’S what’s been bugging me. In my opinion, Ugly Betty is at its best when all the characters around Betty are full of angst, while Betty is the innocent, moral center.
I think Silvio Horta realized this, too. The problems began early in season 2 (long before the WGA strike), when Betty seemingly had lost her way, and Daniel was the one that kept her honest. It was a neat twist, but the show definitely lost its way. It didn’t feel right. That’s why I think we saw the firings of Pennette and Hayman.
Now, here’s the part of the article I don’t agree with:
More tellingly, the bitchy behind-the-scenes goings-on at Mode magazine no longer have that screwball flair that made them so much fun to watch. Bring back the fashion crimes, the hissy fits, the easy put-downs – and the sweet confessionals.
I really didn’t notice much of a difference in the lines of the supporting cast in season 2. Marc and Amanda, if anything, had more screen time (which is good, in my opinion). The only problem is, for a good part of the season, they were apart. Also, taking Wilhelmina out of Mode took away some of her best sniping opportunities. I think the lines were fine. The stories just made them more rare.
However, all the signs are pointing to Betty righting the ship this season. The scenes of Betty dancing in her new apartment are encouraging.
The rest of the article is about the other shows, and it is a good read. Check it out.
Image: Newscom
He hit the nail on the head with the whole “pouty” Betty thing. As much as I love Henry, most of this season consisted of Betty being upset about something he’s done or she’s done. Isn’t this the same girl who heard constant ridicule throughout most of her life and didn’t let it get her down, and now all the sudden she’s moody over everything? I think we all missed Betty’s liveliness and optimism. Hopefully this season will be different!
PS: “Exboyfriend” and “beau”? This guy needs to do some research!
Agree with you OMG-UB. It seems it was written by someone who doesnt really know much about the show.
Anyway we all know there are already some changes planned for next season. We know they are going to put down some of the drama and the angst of last season and bring on some adventure and Betty happiness of season 1. So there´s not much need to KEEP talking about what we already know they are going to change…