Ugly Betty Episode 3.09 Full Recap
November 20, 2008 by Tom
Image: Copyright © 2008 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc./ PATRICK HARBRON
Here is the full recap of Ugly Betty episode 3.09, When Betty Met YETI.
Competition gets fierce when Betty and Marc both apply to YETI, the Young Editors Training Program that could be their ticket out of assistant-land . . . but there’s only room for one of them. Meanwhile Justin makes an unlikely friend, Daniel finds himself attracted to Molly (guest star Sarah Lafleur) and Wilhelmina does her best to get Connor’s (Grant Bowler) attention.
Some quick thoughts:
- This might have been THE best acted episode since the pilot. Urie, Indelicato, Ferrera – they were all wonderful.
- I was nervous about the Justin plot (and yes, I would be nervous if the implied relationship were heterosexual) However, it was written wonderfully. Basically, Justin ended up seeing how the rest of the world sees him. It was a little heartbreaking.
- Vanessa Williams was so gorgeous in this episode, she almost made me forget Sarah Lafluer. And she was charming, too.
- As usual, the Suarez scenes were heartwarming.
- The ending…one of the best ever.
Full recap after the jump.
The episode begins with Betty looking in the mirror. She hears a bell, and opens the curtain room divider to find Amanda taking a bath (the tub is in the MIDDLE of Betty’s apartment, strangely enough). Betty complains that Amanda treats her like her assistant. Amanda says she thinks of Betty as a roommate. And sometimes a maid. She asks Betty to get her a coffee, and Betty says that’s not her job.
We then see Daniel ask Betty for a cup of coffee; she says, “Sure! That’s my job!”
She then runs into Nick Pepper, who is holding forth with Amanda, Marc, and other Modies. He had left Mode when Alexis left, and brags how he is now deputy culture editor of the New York Review. Betty asks Nick how he got the job, and he tells her it was due to YETI: Young Editors’ Training Initiative. It is VERY hard to get in, but almost everyone who went through the program became an editor. He says that to get in the program, you need a sponsor, and to present a whole magazine concept to judges.
Betty then “volunteers” Daniel to be her sponsor for YETI. She needs him to write a recommendation letter.
Wilhelmina gets off the elevator to find Connor Kissing Molly. Molly tells Wilhelmina that Connor is coming to her class that day to speak to her kids for Thanksgiving. Later, Willy complains about Molly vociferously to Marc as he fans her. She is obviously very jealous. Wilhelmina confesses that her crush is more than just sexual. She is quite smitten. She plots to get alone with him.
Betty arrives at the YETI offices, and the nice lady she speaks to tells her the guidelines for the presentation: she has to create a cover, a table of contents, and a letter from the editor for a magazine that “best describes you”. Betty notices the application is for next year, and asks to get into this year’s program. The person agrees to do this, then tells Betty she has 48 hours.
At the Suarez house, Betty works on her presentation, while Ignacio cleans. Betty announces she’s doing a fashion magazine, because that’s what she knows. Justin looks at her in disbelief. She explains that she has to use the resources at Mode because her deadline is so tight.
Justin then announces that he’s going to see Little Shop of Horrors with Randy to prepare for the upcoming school production. Apparently, they’ve been spending a lot of time together.
In the morning, Wilhelmina tells Connor she wants him to go with her to a meeting with Doral Resort wear – in Key Largo. It’s an important meeting, they are trying to steal Doral’s business from Elle. Connor, of course, has to cancel his appearance at Molly’s school.
Betty and Christina work on putting together an outfit for the cover of her magazine. Daniel comes in and asks what’s going on. When Betty tells him, he is amazed she’s doing a fashion mag. Christina and Betty decide on a look, and Betty comments on how long it took, and how it just doesn’t come naturally. Marc then walks in and starts instantaneously assembling an outfit. He tells them he’s doing it for his YETI presentation. Betty tells Marc that she’s applying to YETI, too, and he thinks he’s as good as in, if she’s the competition. Marc explains that YETI never takes two people from the same magazine.
Justin and Randy come into the hallway at school during the intermission of Little Shop of Horrors. As they talk about the show, Randy’s friends arrive, and ask him to go hang out. When Justin tells the boys they are watching the show together, they give him a sarcastic look and tell them to have fun. Randy is obviously self conscious about this.
Hilda surprises Justin with tickets to “In The Heights” on Broadway. Justin is incredibly excited, and can’t wait to invite Randy.
Betty walks in, and is about ready to give up on YETI. Ignacio tells her not to give up, and shows her a “magazine” she had made when her mother was in the hospital for the first time. It was a cute collage of everything that was important to Betty when she was a young teen. This gives Betty an idea.
Betty then goes to Mode, and pulls an all-nighter putting together a presentation. In the morning when Daniel comes in, she’s a mess and hyped up on coffee. She asks Daniel to go over her presentation, and write her recommendation letter (which he had forgotten to do). He promises to do it. Connor interrupts them. He takes Daniel aside and asks him to go to Molly’s school in his stead. Daniel agrees to do this, all the while trying to hide his crush on Molly.
At the class, he plays red rover (and gets trampled). Molly sends everyone with the other teacher on “potty break”. Daniel and Molly use the time to get to know one another. It is obvious they have an attraction. He agrees to stick around and help some more (forgetting Betty). At Mode, Betty realizes this, and leaves for her presentation.
She walks down a big hallway and starts her presentation to the judges. She tells how Mode presents an image of what women want to become. She instead envisions a magazine that celebrates what women already are. She wants to create an inspirational magazine for young women. She then shows the cover of “B” magazine. The cover is filled with portraits of strong, influential women (with a big “B” like Betty’s necklace in the middle). He presentation is very, very nice.
She walks out to her family, and tells them she thinks she nailed it. As they are celebrating, Marc emerges with an entourage. He asks them to set up his Power Point screen in the judging room. Amanda shows Betty Marc’s magazine: A-list. Not really about celebrating celebrity, it is more about examining our fascination with celebrity. Not only that, he’s created an entire magazine. Suddenly, Mark Badgley and James Mishka – his YETI sponsors. They heap praise upon Marc.
One of the judges arrives, and dotes all over James, who says she’s going to love Marc. Betty now knows she’s in over her head.
Then there is a dream sequence, with “old” Betty (she looks around 75), and “old” Daniel. In her dream, she had applied to YETI for 49 years in a row. But Daniel still hadn’t written her letter of recommendation.
Then, in real life, Daniel comes in and says he’s ready to help Betty. Betty, however, isn’t speaking to him. She’ll only text him. Betty then gets a call and unexpectedly finds out she got into YETI. Marc overhears and is upset.
In Key Largo, Wilhelmina congratulates Connor on landing the Doral account for 5 years. They decide to celebrate, and Wilhelmina suggests they get room service and a bottle of wine. Wilhelmina then turns on the charm, and gives Connor lots of wine. She talks down Molly. Later, they lounge on the bed, Connor is tipsy. She makes her move, but Connor tells her that he’s engaged and that she needs to stop what she’s doing. He walks out.
At school, Justin tries to talk to Randy about the Broadway show. Randy looks over and sees his friends, and tells Justin that he can’t go – he’s busy. Justin persists, and Randy says he doesn’t think they should hang out any more. He then joins his friends and walks away.
Betty tries to talk to Marc, who is still quite angry. She says that maybe she wanted it more. He tells what he’s done gone through: attending F.I.T., summer in Milan studying fashion, and working for the best creative director in the industry (who doesn’t know or care that he applied for YETI). He wanted it just as bad as Betty. Marc tells Betty that they picked her because she filled their quota, because she’s Latina. Betty leaves totally in anger at him.
The family then comes to celebrate Betty’s acceptance into YETI (ironically celebrating loudly in Spanish). Betty drags them to Daniel’s office, and explains what Marc told her. She had called YETI, and they didn’t deny that she was an affirmative action pick. Hilda and Ignacio tell her to accept the help, even if it was because she’s of Mexican heritage. Betty doesn’t want to do this – she says she wants to earn it.
Justin comes home extremely angry because Randy doesn’t want to be friends anymore. Hilda tries to talk to him about it, but he won’t. He says he doesn’t want to go to the show anymore. The next day, Justin tells her about how Randy just changed on him. Hilda gives him a pep talk, then Justin invites her to go to the Heights with him.
Daniel opens an envelope filled with thank you notes from Molly’s students. He calls Molly to thank her. They have a nice, friendly conversation.
Betty comes to tell Marc that she’s dropped out of YETI, and that he’s now “in”. Marc at first refuses (he says she should take any advantage she can get), but Betty talks him into it.
Marc asks Wilhelmina how the trip went, she tells him it was a bust. Wilhelmina decides to give up. She also tells him she heard he had gotten into the YETI program and that she hoped it wouldn’t interfere with his job. She also congratulated him.
Daniel calls Betty into his office. He tells her he made a few calls to the YETI people, and explained to them that Betty had worked at Player, therefore she could get back into the program, because she and Marc were from different magazines. He also had written a six page recommendation.
There is then a wonderful scene with Betty and Marc speaking to each other on the phone (while looking at each other across the room). They congratulate each other and look forward to their careers taking off. At this moment, Daniel yells for Betty, and Wilhelmina for Marc, reminding us that they still have a long way to go.
Just thought I’d mention this, but did you catch a glance at Amanda during the scene where Marc finds out Betty is also applying for Y.E.T.I.?
She looked guilty, and…it just shows how since becoming Betty’s roomie, she’s gotten fond of her. It’s rather cute. XD
And funny, because it was my brother who pointed it out. XD I’m usually the one catching these things.
Definitely. Amanda looked torn almost between Marc and Betty. Briefly yes, but that’s a big thing! I’m really glad they’re all kinda a “group” now. It’s cute. And yes, it was great how it all worked out. Real nice last scene!
Also, poor Justin. I’m happy him and Hilda will be going together. So sweet, their pep talk.
Me again, but that last scene. It’s adorable! I love it.
That last scene between Marc/Betty was truly classic UB. This is probably one of the best episodes of the series – although slightly bittersweet at times.
I liked this episode. This is the Betty I like, honestly. It had funny moments but it was also dramatic at times and all characters were balanced (look how one can finally understand Daniel falling for the cute Connor’s fiancee… it is more believable. Finally!). Marc/Amanda/Betty assistant group is always nice to watch. It reminded me of the third (or second?) episode of the first season. I always like when they seem like a quarreling team. They hate/respect each other. The dialogues were entertaining and all … I can’t believe i said it… all the stories were appealing.
I wished for more Nick Pepper time but I see what was his role in this episode: just a trigger (but honestly they are giving so little screen time to guest stars this season…).
This episode made my top 3 best episode this season.
Great episode! I loved it. And, I can’t tell you how happy I am to say that after what I consider to be a disastrous season to date. The Suarez family scenes were so well done, everyone seems to back to what their original characters were meant to be. I am a big Ana Ortiz fan. She plays Hilda with so much comedy and drama all rolled into one. And it is believable. I like the Molly character…someone normal for a change (you can see why both Connor and Daniel would fall for her and why she will be such a source of frustration for Willi).
I am finally able to feel something positive for Betty again. She was in S1 form. When Marc told her why she was accepted into YETI…I actually felt bad for her. I loved the ending! I hope we will see more of Betty and Marc at YETI! Overall, kudos to the writers…hopefully this is a sign of better things to come. Now if we could just get Gio back (I’m sorry, I had to say it!).
I LOOOOOOOOVEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDD this episod. OMG, it was so great!!!!
Everyone got wounded in this episode : Betty in her Pride, Willy in her feelings just like Marc and Justin, who was, like his aunt hurt because of what he is.
The show seems to be undergoing such dramatic changes thanks to the new failures of the characters
I loved the usual suarez Familiy moments, and the mother-son moment between Hilda and Justin ( you ARE perfect ),was so moving.
And the end! OMG, Marc openly smiling at Betty, Willy being finally nice to her assistant.
And the balance here, between fun ( Marc entering the hall on a lady gaga music, hilarious) and drama ( serious issues were in this episode, like affirmative action or homophobia) was perfect.
Final word : writters, just give us more of that!
overall i loved this ep! the marc & betty scenes are just so perfect! and I did catch amanda’s reaction that’s priceless. seems a bit clueless about the next ep though. hope it will be more along the same lines of the last 2 GREAT episodes!
totally loved this episode. the scene in the end with marc and betty was just so cute. i’m so glad they got into YETI- yay! they are going to be great editors in the future.
the justin and hilda scene was sad though; i do think that justin is now coming to terms with his sexuality and realising that he is at a stage where he knows and accepts that he is probably gay.
but still, i am just loving this season so far. and thus, things can only get better for this show indeed.
This is one of my all-time favorite episodes so far. The evolution of Betty’s relationship with Marc, as well as with Amanda, is being handled very well. If they all get too chummy, though, the writers will have to introduce a new meanie. It was also fun to see Nick Pepper back again. I’ve been wondering if they would ever bother to tell us about his departure from MODE or not.
this was one of my favorite Ugly Betty episodes to date
@frenchlio Marc entering to the start of “Poker Face” truly did make that scene.
@ Bryce
Yep. Love this song and Marc was very classy .
And, as I am here, let me say too, how great I think Ana Ortiz is in her character : i just love her.
And Marc acting was impressive too during his fight with Hilda.
Loved the episode! The Marc and Betty scenes were sooooo precious!! Ialso loved how Aamanda was torn between Marc and betty when she found out that Betty wants to get into YETI too. But I also missed Cliff sooooooooo much!!
ABC bring CLIFF back, por favor!!!!!
Lo queremos muchisimo!!
This episode was absolutely brilliant, and so was this recap! I did notice Amanda’s reaction, but I wasn’t sure if I was being insightful or just overthinking it. I do think this show deserves a lot more credit than it is given and a lot deeper discussions though!
to sahar- i just went on your website and on there you provide not only a detailed summary of this episode but a fantastic analysis of the storylines and the characters.
for those of you wanting to read this anaysis, here it is:
http://saharsblog.wordpress.com/2008/11/20/review-ugly-betty-season-3-episode-9/
I love the evolution of relationship between Marc, Betty and Amanda. They are every episodes less enemies and more friends. IMHO, it isn’t just respect as was in last seasons but definitely something more. In this episodes Betty renounces to a possibility to make real her dreams for him; he feel guilty for having offended her with the Latino thing, and in the end they shared genuinelly their happiness. Last episodes he managed to confess what he had done only with Betty. And Amanda and Betty, their roomies now. How you have said, in this episode Amanda seems to be bad in staying at Marc’s side against Betty, but also have felt so when hurted her kissing Jesse. Plus, in her blog on the Mode sites, she talks about Betty in a very sweet way (in last week post she calls her “my friend Betty”, this week calls Betty her “Latino mum”). And the three together, they’re so great. Against Kimmie, or in last episode when Amanda and Betty are thrilled for talking of Marc’s wedding.. they definitely seem to me a long time group of friend.
This was one of the best episodes in a long time. I loved it for so many reasons.
First of all, Justin Justin Justin. I sincerely hope that ABC does give him a boyfriend and I was hoping for the Randy storyline since the first episode he appeared. I really want him to come back and resolve his issues with Justin (and maybe the issues within himself). Hilda was also brilliant. Ana Ortiz is seriously underrated.
Secondly, the whole YETI thing was smartly done. As a Hispanic female, I know “filling quotas” happens and it was nice to see Betty struggle with her decision.
Thirdly, lots of Mark/Amanda/Betty love in this. Their relationship always goes back and forth but I think by now it’s obvious they are friends on some level.
Woohoo! What a great episode… Justin , poor justin. I am so glad that’s the way they took that story though. It’s more realistic. Now I want it to end well, and Justin at least helping randy out. (If , Randy is gay of course) If not, I just want Randy to stick up for Justin then kiss the girl cheerleader. (Jock type friends gay type) Does that make sense.
MARC GOT DUMPED! I hated that line. Is that UB way of telling us Marc is done with Cliff? Or better yet, Cliff is done with Marc. No no no no! Me no gusta!
This was a wonderful episode. I love the human side of all of the charecters. No one is truely bitchy all the time. I love soft Willy, I really REALLY hope she stays soft.
I think it be REALLY funny if Willy and Daniel scheme to break the fiancees. That would be priceless UB. And give a role reversal in the mean characters.
Woohoo!
Craig
Last thing, Hillary Clinton was obviosly on her magazine. HOW COOL would it be if one of the episodes had betty have to “flush” out her magazine and make a real one. And we had a guest appearence by HC herself?
WOOHOO!
‘MARC GOT DUMPED! I hated that line. Is that UB way of telling us Marc is done with Cliff? Or better yet, Cliff is done with Marc. No no no no! Me no gusta!’
i guess you were referring to the last episode, tornado girl, well we still don’t know for sure what is going to happen with regards to marc and cliff, since marc’s admission to him. but still, like many i hated that storyline. i just wonder what will be the follow-up to that episode. we’ll have to wait and see.
miss waiching liu: I’m really happy you like my review! I’m one of those people who loves to think and write things down, so I guess it works out well since I have a blog!
Thank you for reading!
Craig, you ‘re so right!! The “Marc got dumped” line really hurt!!! I want Cliff to come back!!
Por favor, ABC , BRING CLIFF BACK!!!
WE WANT MARC AND CLIFF TOGETHER!!!!
So does anyone know what the song was that was playing when Marc and all the interns walk into YETI right before his interview?? I love it and I really want to know what it is!