Oh, yes – aside from the usual “love triangle hate” comments from Season 2, I did read some comments where people missed seeing Wili’s nicer side and that romance she had with Ted. (Look to this season, and now we have ‘mellow’ Wili hooking up with a new guy – Connor.) Also, I read several comments where people trashed Daniel’s man-whore ways and wanted to see him find stability for once (especially in a relationship). Now, we have him with Molly, trying to mature. All in all, I think this pattern does show that the writers are honing in on SOME of what the audience wants, if not all – and rightly so.

As for other storylines, it seems like UB isn’t abandoning everything. Marc will have a new love interest (the ‘gay dad’), who isn’t Cliff sadly enough, but still – it shows that TPTB aren’t ignoring his storyline altogether. As for the whole “Betty romance” idea, the writers are giving her unexpected love in the form of Matt. (And while he may not draw some die-hard Henry and Gio fans, I’m thinking he will win many fans over – just like Jesse did before “Kissed Off”.) Regarding the other side stories (i.e., Amanda’s paternal search, etc.), I don’t think they’re really necessary at this point. In fact, I personally don’t think the writers should have even introduced those kinds of side stories in Season 2. That was just overkill.

Regarding fans’ complaints, I wouldn’t go so far to say that everyone everywhere is complaining and spewing hatred against Season 3. Look at it this way: The comments you see on the Internet only reflect the views of some vocal fans. But not everyone who watches the show every week comes on the ‘net to say what they think. (I have a friend, for instance, who watches the show weekly but doesn’t join the UB forums online.) So, there might actually be more people out there who like Season 3 than we realize. Sure, the ratings show a drop in viewership, but then again – in general, many shows have lost ratings since coming back from the strike last season. UB isn’t the only one.

Of course, I understand some of the complaints that people have about Season 3. I’ve had a few myself, especially with the last four to five episodes being lackluster. But personally, I’ve enjoyed the new direction of the show overall. And the first several episodes of the season were, IMO, very good and quite an improvement over the last few post-strike episodes from Season 2. There’s still a lot of room for improvement, though, but I don’t think hope is lost for UB. They can still get better in time.

In my view, this season is a complete reengineering of the show. Like they are trying to dismiss everything season 2. Everything is reinvented. Not necessarily to please the fans but to make a statement (or whatever strategy they think they are doing). And it’s definitely not really paying off this season.

And WOAH this is really a surprise… it was awarded!! where is the world coming to. I’d rather this show was awarded by acting performance, script writing or art direction… but an award is an award… one should be happy for whatever award the show gets to survive, don’t we? So congrats on ruining my sight but at least you got an award, Field and Castro.
I guess some few outfits are nice or at least VERY EXPENSIVE (weren’t they try to cut costs by moving to NY?). But, for example, just look at what Marc dresses these days. Season 1 and 2 dresses were gorgeous. This seasons’ are just: “what on earth are they having on? is that thing alive?!” But still it’s like outfits are a character of their own. If that’s their goal, they got it right (you can’t focus in what’s happening just by staring at those hideous clothes). But if that wasn’t their intention… they are really losing it.
and gosh! Tom, you just HAD to pick a picture with that freaky doll purse, didn’t you?
My guess you are being sarcastic.

That said, the rest of the cast dress FANTASTICALLY! So maybe the award is dressing the overall cast? Marc, Daniel, Connor always look exceptionally sharp; Mandy always look gorgeous, and same as Willie, her outfits are over-the-top and sexy (although in this department, i think her outfits got tuned done, still gorgeous, but less over-the-top). Hilda’s look is getting boring though, always the deep low-cut V.

OK, if you writers are reading, how about Marc & Mandy puts Betty on a Reality Make-over show like What Not To Wear?? That’d be very interesting. So she gets a real lesson on fashion, made fun of, anything for the publicity of the magazine, right? And to cross-promote 2 shows! We do need some extra zings…

That said, the rest of the cast dress FANTASTICALLY! So maybe the award is dressing the overall cast? Marc, Daniel, Connor always look exceptionally sharp; Mandy always look gorgeous, and same as Willie, her outfits are over-the-top and sexy (although in this department, i think her outfits got tuned done, still gorgeous, but less over-the-top). Hilda’s look is getting boring though, always the deep low-cut V.

OK, if you writers are reading, how about Marc & Mandy puts Betty on a Reality Make-over show?? That’d be very interesting. So she gets a real lesson on fashion, made fun of, anything for the publicity of the magazine, right?

Congrats on the award though!

I think they do pay attention to fans’ opinions, quite honestly. For instance, last season, I remember reading in a few places how some people wanted to see: 1) Nicer Wilhelmina and 2) Daniel in a more steady relationship (and as less of a man-whore). Well, guess what? It’s finally happening this season. Now, while it’s possible that the writers had these ideas planned out on their own beforehand, it’s also quite possible that they took into consideration some viewers’ feedback when deciding to proceed with these storylines. The problem is the storylines aren’t working out the way the viewers had thought they would (i.e., Daniel and Wili’s romances and Wili’s niceness are beginning to grate on some fans’ nerves).

So, in the end, I’ve come to two conclusions here – one for the fans and one for the writers, respectively:

(a) Be careful what you wish for b/c you may end up getting it…but then you won’t want it

and

(b) You really can’t make everyone happy, no matter what you try. (On that point, I actually agree with Silvio.)

I believe this statement exemplifies exactly why UB has gone down in the ratings and on fans’ lists of high priority shows. While I don’t think shows need to cater to the fans’ every whim and desire (it is their show after all), they should consider their fans’ opinions. From costume design to weak plots to a revolving door of characters…the show is losing favor among its fans. Someone needs to take notice before this it goes under completely.