Poll: Least Favorite Thing About Ugly Betty Season 3 So Far
October 27, 2008 by Tom
OK, I’ll be right up front with you. I LIKE the direction Ugly Betty is headed in season 3. So far, the only critic I’ve read who agrees with me (tepidly) is Michael Ausiello. And I know, based on comments we’ve gotten since the premiere, that some of you have major problems with the show this year.
But, I’d imagine that most of you generally like the show in season 3, but have nitpicks here and there. And, since I haven’t put up poll in a LONG time, what better subject than pet peeves? (This will also prove to you that I’ve been paying attention to the comments).
So, here’s the question, what one thing are you most disappointed about in Ugly Betty’s third season so far? (Don’t worry, if I remember to do it, I’ll post the opposite, more positive poll next week).
Off the top of my head, I can think of several biggies that have drawn the most comments:
- The lack of closure of the romance story lines from season 2. This is probably the only issue in which Benry and Getty fans agree. To those who mostly watched the show because of one of the romances, the season premiere left much to be desired. Although Gio’s story line was given a better (and open-ended) ending in episode 3.04 (Betty Suarez Land), still, after all the buildup last year, many of you (especially Henry fans) were quite frustrated because your favorite character suffered from premature ejection.
- Lindsay Lohan – There has been a pretty large consensus that Lilo’s guest appearances have not been very good. I actually disagree. Don’t get me wrong; I HATE Kimmie. Of course, I think I’m supposed to hate her. Assuming Lohan was going for the Mach 2 Cady in Mean Girls, let’s face it, she succeeded. BUT, I know many of you have hated this story line.
- Speaking of hating story lines, it’s been almost unanimous that the Hilda/Coach Diaz affair has been hard to watch.Although I enjoyed the mistaken identity in 3.04, very little about this story line was funny or compelling.
- Betty’s new fashion and attitude. I was surprised at the negative comments there were about this. The fashionistas hated it because Betty was a little too fashionable, many longtime fans wondered how Betty could make such a quick personality change (although I must admit, I liked it).
- Alexis’ departure. Although we knew this was coming for a while, the way it was handled disappointed many. Now, I was quite pleased that Silvo Horta accepted our quirky idea that Alexis should be the father of DJ, but they sure sprung it on us at an unorthodox time.
- Something else – Many didn’t like DJ’s departure. Some don’t like the introduction of Jessie. Many (including me) aren’t happy that is is taking so long to get Cliff back on screen. Plus, there’s the unspoken subtext that the writers are going to “go there” with Justin this year (I think a year too soon – I’ll have more on this later).
If your most disappointing “thing” is “something else”, please let me know in the comments. Now it’s your turn:
Image: Newscom
Wow..Im suprised you said people arnt happy with this season!
I love it so far! I think the writers are doing an excellent job bringing back the heart of the show. I honestly did not enjoy the second season because the show was starting to turn into anyother show and wasnt distinct anymore. I am very pleased with this show so far.
As far as Lindsay goes..I think the story line is good and that she seems to be doing a good job. Also, I dont see a change in Betty’s “attitude”. If anything, I think she seems more like how she was in season 1 which, in my opinion, is a good thing. As far as her fashion goes…I think she needs to get a bit “uglier”
I’m just upset Alexis is leaving. I liked her. That whole competition thing could’ve been spun to further Daniel and her. Of course, the writers used her rather poorly. And at least they got rid of her by DJ. I wished she and DJ had actual interaction, though.
I don’t mind Lindsay. She doesn’t ooze chemistry with the rest of the cast, but she’s doing competently. And the focus on Mode is GREAT. I wished they’d heighten the Betty/Daniel interaction, not just because I’m a shipper, but because even without romance, their relationship is just so sweet and touching!
Although I agree with most of your points Tom – especially the romance issue/hilda&coach/alexis, I’m disappointed by the lack of Marc & Amanda in this series. I know there are so many important things going on right now that there simply isn’t time for more storylines, but it does disappoint me slightly. I’m still very interested in finding out who Amanda’s father is, and so far it hasn’t been mentioned at all. And I miss Cliff too. But considering we’re only 5 episodes in, I’m hoping some sort of storyline will crop up. I’m not making much sense with this. Otherwise, I’m most disappointed with the romance issue from season 2. I was confused at what had happened, and that’s never happened with me and UB.
I’ll be honest, even though I voted for the lack of closure on the romances because I’m a ’shipper’ (and I’ll reluctantly take that Gio got a ‘better’ ending; I do feel bad for the Betty/Henry fans), I’m really having trouble getting into the show this year. I kind of wish there was an ‘All of the above’ option.
I was really on board with Seasons 1 & 2, but I really feel like Betty is regressing more than she’s progressing, in attitude, wardrobe, you name it. The additions of Jesse and Kimmi have fallen a little flat to me thus far (although I will allow that Jesse has not had enough actual screen time for me to be 100% decided on that). In addition, some of the writing really just irks me. I can’t keep up sometimes, its so jumpy. I’m still watching, but its definitely not with the same kind of excitement I had for the first 2 seasons.
I voted for the lack of Gio and Betty (mostly Gio) this season because 1) I’m a Getty Girl to the end and 2) I frakking loved Gio and how Freddy Rodriguez played him.
But in reality, I’ve been pretty unhappy with all of the things you’ve mentioned. Hilda’s affair has made her fairly unredeemable, at least for a while. Alexis’s departure couldn’t have come any sooner for such an all over the place character, but her excuse for pushing Christina was utterly ridiculous. Getting rid of Wili with barely any explanation after two episodes was equally as uneventful and ridiculous. But what took the cake was Kimmie’s promotion. Really? We’re really supposed to buy that and that Betty would not have immediately quit? Or filed a discrimination lawsuit? I like LiLo enough on the show. I think she works with what she’s got, but the ending of that episode was just bad.
I like the season enough so far. It’s got a good energy. But the storylines are stupid and rushed. I still think Horta was crazy in letting go of an asset like Freddy Rodriguez.
The brightest ray of hope is Daniel and Wili. I really hope they go in the way of Danimeana this year. What a hot mess that would be!
I forgot to add that I’m not a huge fan of what they are doing to Justin’s character and I haven’t been for a while. One would think that a show with an openly gay staff would try to steer away from stereotypes, especially when concerning children. Instead, they give Justin every gay characteristic they can think of without giving him any other kind of depth. He is quite simply “the gay kid.” I find that disappointing and a hurtful representation.
I went to school with several gay teenagers and they had many facets. Not everything that came out of their mouth or out of their movements was typically gay. I find it offensive that they refuse to show other aspects of Justin and infuse him with only stereotypes, especially when they do not do that to Marc or other gay characters on the show.
I really hate it that when every character in UB seems to be progressing (maturing… even Wilhelmina), Betty is the only character that is regressing. I mean, she’s a total doormat this year, especially with Kimmie. Give the woman a backbone, for goodness’ sake. Her third year at Mode and she can’t tell a mean girl from the rest? Come on…
That’s why I liked Gio. He was the only character who had the ballz to tell Betty that she’s sometimes full of caca and that she needs to WAKE UP.
Oh, one more thing. I feel that the Betty’s friendship with Daniel that was so key in the first season is now too disjointed. Daniel is taking care of his own personal problems and Betty is too caught up with being a massive tool that I don’t see a strong bond between them anymore. It’s kinda sad.
I want my Betty and Daniel partnership again fighting against all odds at Mode.
As a big Lindsay Lohan fan, in the poll I of course picked Lindsay Lohan because she’s been a big disappointment.
“Assuming Lohan was going for the Mach 2 Cady in Mean Girls, let’s face it, she succeeded.”
I agree with the first assumption. Kimmie even quoted Mean Girls twice in the last episode. In fact, she actually quoted the Queen Bee character of Regina, with, “I know, right.” But whereas Regina said the line with ‘Plastic’ attitude, Lindsay said it with nothing on it.
“She succeeded?” She got booted off the show because she did not. She did not bring it.
Mach 1 is the speed of sound, mach 2, twice that. So is this a new and improved, leaner and super Mean Girl? Or is this Cady-lite?
I have seen Mean Girls.
You Kimmie, are no Cady.
Sad to say but Lindsay has been the only thing I have not liked about UB this season.
I don’t like the new Betty. She’s way too comfortable
Im not gonna write a letter here, but….
seriously, this season is the BEST! omg
the 2nd one was awful
from what i have seen from the first 4 episodes of ugly betty this season, i am very happy and satisfied. particuarly in regards to the direction they have taken. the only dissapointment for me was betty suarez land but hopefully, we will see this show get back to its best and be very much like season 1.
glad hilda dumped the coach, hopefully betty and gio wil remain friends from now onwards- the whole betty/gio/henry love triangle bored me last season.
as i said before many times, i wasn’t a huge fan of season 2. it was in many respects a huge dissapointment- and if wasn’t for marc and amanda, UB wouldn’t have had achieved as many viewing figures as it did last year. the show became too soap-opera-ish, too serious for its own liking for a dramedy and had less humour. most of it was just depressing and boring to sit through.
this season i want to see more marc and mandy interaction, more marc, mandy and betty scenes and christina, claire, justin. i am looking forward to cliff’s return- that should be interesting.
i will purchase the dvd set of season 2- but i will not watch all the episodes.
Before I voted, I actually thought to myself “why isn’t there an ‘all of the above’” option…and I see I wasn’t alone in that thought!
I’m really disappointed with much of what has happened to the show this season. I must have seriously warped tastes though, because I loved season 2 (which some people seem to think was a completely flop). I ended up voting for the “romances” option simply because I hated how they treated both the Henry/Betty and Gio/Betty storylines.
The show this season, IMO, has been very scattered. They don’t spend adequate time developing storylines (and for a show modeled after a telenovela that is the kiss of death. How do they expect to keep people engrossed week after week?). I feel like if I miss a show it’s not a big deal. I never felt like that before.
During S1 they spent almost the entire season developing storylines such as Fey’s murder, Alexis’ identity, Henry/Betty/Walter and Mr. Suarez’s immigration troubles (some of these storyline even carried over to S2).
Then S2 had Claire’s legal issues, Mandy’s daddy issues, Willi’s job issues, and, of course the baby mama drama (just to name a few).
This season none of the plots make sense week to week. And some storylines are around for only episode. They could have developed more of mystery around who pushed Christina (but I supposed RR’s real life pregnancy had to do with the rush on this). They should have spent more time on Daniel and DJ. Willi’s job consistency is like a roller coaster. One episode she’s a nobody. The next she’s EIC. The next she’s back to being a creative director. The next she’s owning 50% of the Meade empire. My head spins just thinking about it! I would have loved to have seen more of her and Betty trying to work together.
And don’t even get me started on the Kimmie character. This is the most pointless stunt casting I’ve every seen. I agree with Junamrsgrl above..both she and Jesse have appeared quite flat to me. Though, I will also give Jesse a chance in the upcoming episodes.
My disappointment in character development overshadows my disappointment in storylines though. Betty has become annoying and whiney, Hilda lost her heart and soul, Mr. Suarez and Christina are practically invisible and Marc and Mandy are shells of their former hilarious selves. And, Wooster, I agree 100% with your thoughts about Justin. Part of what I used to love about UB was the subtle humor…now they feel the need to hit you over the head with one-liners and stereotyped performances.
So, I guess the real question is why am I even watching this show anymore? I am trying to be hopeful that the show can redeem itself. I still love the characters! I just hate what they’ve become. Let’s hope it’s only temporary and things can get back on track.
Oh, another thing:
I DONT MISS THE ROMANTIC STUFF… I hated the gio/henry thing… Please, dont bring back the romantic stuff
I voted for (without a doubt) the open ended endings to the S2 romances. They kinda sealed Getty’s fate, but what abut Henry?
The execs kinda pushed both of them aside to make room for Jesse, but its not like Betty!
I’m not going to get into it now, but I just don’t know.
Part of the season has been good, like there has been some great comedic moments, but I am still waiting for that heart they were telling us about.
It kinda went out the window when Henry went out the window (<— my opinion)
I went with something else. While a great deal of what was mentioned above i agree with, I think the things that I fell that has been off so far is the rushed storylines and backtracking. While the end of season two is a hot mess becasue of the love triangle, but what makes it’s worse is the writers’ attempt to sweep it aside so casually. Then there is the enter and exit of intriguing storylines such as Daniel/DJ, Coach/Hilda, and Willy as EIC of Mode.
DJ was all about character development. While Hilda’s affair left a bad taste in my mouth, I didn’t like how it was reveal too soon. Could have stretched it out, and Hilda finding out much later. They way they played it, the storyline served no point other than gets some eye-candy with Eddie Cirban. Alexis, who I always like as a character, deserved a better send off than she had. And can I complain how much I hate that they did Willy as EIC in two eps!
Since Willy finally had her heart’s desire, since her quest for hte postion is was moved the show along for the entire series, shouldn’t it have lasted a good long eight eps? There was sooo much potential for drama and comedy from the situatuion, from Willy learning the postion wasn’t what she wanted, Betty either working with Willy gaining some maturing, or Daniel and Betty turning Player to the male Mode.
That’s not to say I’m not enjoying the season so far, I’m just not pumped each week for an eps.
The thing that I really and truely like the least about season 3 is DJ leavng.I miss seeing him so much and if there’s one thing that I want more then anything it’s for him to come back.
I voted for something else. Now, I haven’t read anyone else’s comments so if I repeat some of what everybody else said, my apologies.
For me, the show feels like it’s slowly, and I do mean slowly, getting back to where “they” want to take it. I have nitpicks about Betty’s new life, as well as the subplots.
Henry was one of my favorite characters, and it is/was a bit upsetting to see that for one person to be such a big part of Betty’s life and be there for nearly two seasons and then get the boot so quickly [which I feel was post-strike induced]. So, the romance closure, I would like to see him back for at least one episode. I feel if they can write off Alexis as an evil-backstabbing-tranny with a heart, they could at least let Henry leave with some dignity; not just have Betty break his heart to never hear from him again.
Lilo/Kimmie: Yeah, she’s okay. I’m not thrilled about it, and the rumors aren’t really helping the situation either, but it could totally be a publicity stunt. I dislike Kimmie as you have pointed out Tom, you feel like you should, which I agree.
Betty’s new wardrobe/attitude: The wardrobe has grown on me. I think it’s a little over the top still sometimes. And I really want Betty’s life to expand beyond the office (and romance). I know that the show is about Betty making it on her own terms but can’t she have some fun too? To be honest, I haven’t really been a fan of Betty this season. I was more interested in the dynamic between Daniel/Wilhelmina last week; which ended quite nicely by the way.
Maybe it’s just me, and my scrutinizing the show down to every little detail, but I have felt like something has been missing, and no I don’t mean romance or the men who have caught her eye.
I want more Suarez family and their interaction with other characters. I want Marc/Mandy’s storylines to expand (which I think they are soon). I don’t know if anything I just said makes sense, but in essence, I’m just looking for more. Nothing has really got me hyped about looking forward to episodes so far.
“thewaymouth” I really admire that you criticise LiLo when you’re a fan of hers. I think that’s the way all fans should be. I went with the LiLo option as well. Not because I’ve got anything against her. I haven’t even seen Mean Girls. It’s just that I hate the way they have used the “LiLo vs. Ugly” thing in the promos and the publicty stunt (if that’s what it is). I find it hard to percept her as Kimmie the charcter not Lindsay. And honestly, it makes me feel like I’m watching Gossip Girl. Can’t they bring someone who can compete with Betty without being a mean witch? Not every competent is in real life.
This made me decide to take a break from the show and maybe start wtaching again when they stop stunt casting.
Gio’s storyline in BSL was great and I liked the open ending. Although, after a whole summer with Henry vs. Gio cliffhanger, it’s pathetic they didn’t give Henry more than a couple of seconds.
The writting isn’t bad, but storylines need much longer time to develope and get people attached to them and this season every storyline feels rushed (except from Jesse’s).
And for God’s sake, they need more SUAREZ screen time. I’ve been rewatching S1 lately, and it struck me that the reason why UB feels so different now is the huge cut on her family storylines. I mean, in S1 they used to have almost half of each episode, now they barely get a couple of scenes.
And Wilhelmina’s outfits the last couple of days are so out of charcater. I used to love her style and her choice of colours. Now, you can barely tell the difference between her and Betty. PF should know better than to mess with Willie.
Really, the show isn’t bad, but it certainly isn’t the Ugly Betty I fell in love with once anymore.
i love season 3. i think that they need more wilhelmina and her personal life which they started to bring in on her date with daniel. i think the writers are doing a great job of having all the characters interact wtih eacohter. i like lindsay lohan but only for these 4 episodes, anymore would really just be too much. i loved the way they left alexis, better than her sitting in jail. and i loved the hilda / tony storyline cuz she was sad and now happy which she plays both greatly! betty needs to get a new wig already! its always messy and too big and she needs to be uglier. i dont think shes changed but they need more about advertisers like fabia! i miss her!, anyone else miss her?
I WANT GIO BACK!!
I was thinking yesterday that I think Gio should get a girlfriend, and Betty will get jealous and go with that Jesse fellow, and they sort-of try to make each other jealous and stuff, but eventually they realise how much they love each other, and they get back together.
But hopefully, Ugly Betty have got a much better idea for them.
Getty forever!
I’ve thought about that a lot, too, Amber. I think the show would have benefitted keeping Gio as Betty’s more distant friend and conscious while seeing him interact with new woman and Betty’s family and friends.
I thought the best storyline for Ignacio would have been to have Gio hire him. It seemed obvious to me that they would go there and then it fell apart. There could have been several storylines there! Also, EM and FR have amazing buddy chemistry together. It would be also have been nice to see Daniel have a shared friend with Betty–open up their friendship a little bit and explore what these people all platonically like about each other.
I choose all of the above. (Well, except I don’t mind RR leaving).
The S3 eps so far have such a frenetic pace that it makes me wonder if the show is in some kind of death spiral. I hope I’m wrong.
I hate the costumes (um, why is Betty so weirdly over dressed and over accessorized – I was under the impression she was above that superficial stuff? What are her priorities – shopping and dressing up for work or writing?), I hate LiLo (not her specifically but her role and story line), I am disappointed with most of the story lines, I desperately miss Gio with his funny banter and positive influence on Betty, and I wish Betty would act more grown up instead of behaving like an idiot. Wasn’t Betty a bright happy competent and (fairly) confident person? Gio thought so and his story line brought that out. I’m not seeing that these days.
It seems like a different show this season than the one I fell in love with.
I hope they can correct the story lines and I wish they would bring back the awesome Freddy Rodriguez.
Oh, forgot about another thing I hated to see.
The blatant product placement. Healthy Choice. What’s up with that? Is it a joke? I thought it was oh, so tacky. Anyone else disturbed by it?
And … the show is shot in New York. Is this change really working? The show is all in the writing since it is about the relationships of the characters, not the sets. What do people think? So far I don’t care that much for it (although I admit I enjoy the increase in spoiler pix of ugly Betty’s ugly outfits).
I hope they bring back some smiles to Betty’s face and some humorous story lines, stat.
I think one of the best things about this show are the way the writers keep us guessing! We all have opinions of where WE want Betty to go and what WE want the show to do and the writers of this show consistently always deliver, week after week, the unexpected! The unexpected is what made me fall in love with this show in the first place!! I will continue to watch, laugh, and cry with Betty every week!!
there’s a difference bettwen unexpected than jumping around plotlines and uneven character chracterization. So far uneven is a term I can use the characterize the season thus far, though I hope it’ll be getting better soon
and about the sets. I do like more outdoor scenes, and use of a vareity of locations. But I’m not sure if it was fully worth the move to NYC.
I do agree the characterization is a bit uneven. The characters don’t seem to act as they should at certain points. Not glaringly so, just slightly off. They should also SLOW DOWN, have one thing over before they do another, and add more humor. Give everybody a chance to shine, but don’t forget ANYBODY on any episode.
And the sets! I really love the change, don’t know about you. I was shocked when I saw the extra in season 1 DVD where they say Daniel and Betty’s platonic date by the bridge was all CGI. I was HEARTBROKEN. It was one of my fave scenes. Kudos on the actors for giving me no suspicions whatsoever, but it does lend a falseness. Rewatching the show carefully, I can pick out an artificiality with the backgrounds, often because the brightness of colors don’t match. So LOVE LOVE the move.
am i the only one who loves every episode of ugly betty? i LOVED season 2. more now than before seeing as how it was the same. it looked the same, season 3 is all different. dont get me wrong i love it but i love anything ugly betty does. except i agree wtih wilhelminas outfit. i loved the blue tongiht in “ugly berry” but that was a solid and that was enough. i miss her overly classy, tough shell to break through attitude. now shes just crazy and calm. bring the old wilhelmina back, shes my favorite character and i think everyone wants her back!
greg-
I agree with you! dont worry!! I L O V E everything Ugly Betty does. You are not the only one. Once again I do understand what people are saying about “uneven” characters…however, that is life!! We dont always make the best decisions ALL the time. A well written character will have flaws as well as strengths. That is what makes a character human and relatable.
I think Ugly Betty has the best writers on TV and a phenomenal ensemble cast!! In addition, the fast past nature has ALWAYS been a part of the show since the beginning!! How could you want them to slow down? I for one am consistently amazed week after week when the first 10-12 min of the show has gone by and the changing faces logo/opening pops up. I always feel like I have already seen a FULL episode of Betty and then I get SOOOO excited because I realize there are still another 45 min to go!!
GO BETTY!!
I’m thinking they probably won’t be going “there” with Justin and I’m not surprised we haven’t seen Cliff and that Alexis is gone given the Anti- gay feeling ABC has been giving off lately over at Grey’s anatomy
I hatttttttttttteeeeeeeeeeeee the clothes Betty wears. I mean as individual pieces it is probably obvious to most people who have been to nice mall in North America that she is wearing designer duds. but gawd they’re so outrageous that their funny charm is now a barf mosaic every episode. it really bugs me, because no human who worked at mode would dress like that and despite a comment/joke in every single friggin episode pokin fun at betty IN FRONT of her – note yeti episode especially- she did not friggin change. for god’s sake give the girl a dvd set of WHAT NOT TO WEAR! also who the f*** get’s into their dream internship program (like yeti) and gives it up to the guy who has tried his best to humiliate you. its like betty loves being humiliated. i mean she still took up the position because she was from the other magazine, so i did not understand the point. she has no backbone and what distinguished her and the show’s concept was a realistic presentation of diversity in ethnicity, weight and sexual orientation in Season 1 has regressed to a 23/24 yr old who would not last a day with her nice attitude in most workplaces.
gawd!! Good to let it out, now back to exams lol
tell me if I am wrong, but I thought the whole idea of betty is that the more attractive and beutifull she got the uglier she became inside, this seson betty is well still playing the sad victim she just aint growing, as for wasting a good cast or not using them at all all treading water wasted and waiting for a decent story arc and the only story of any interest this season was treated like fluff the justins first love and rejection a killer story just swept under the carpet or back to the closet. betty is only interested in is an apartment and boys…grow up betty , and yet she is still being made out to be sweet betty, it aint working.
I am disappointed because of the personality changes in Ugly betty. Daniel’s not a playboy anymore (much), Amanda and Marc are losing their bitchiness, and Wilhemina has a good story line but she’s forgotten completely about her takeover plans. It’s just not the same Ugly betty anymore. I’m also ticked off that Alexis left the show.