Ugly Betty Episode 4.07 Quick Thoughts
November 28, 2009 by Tom
Ugly Betty episode 4.07, Level (7) with me aired last night. Here are some quick thoughts about it.
- Overall, this was an entertaining episode. The whole “Daniel in a cult” plot line has been a little cringe-inducing for me, especially since the writers have not been that subtle that the “Community of the Phoenix” was really Scientology. However, this particular episode’s mystery/conflict was one of the most intriguing we’ve seen in a while. Without Marc and Amanda’s quips, much of the episode felt like a wackier CBS procedural. (That’s not necessarily a bad thing, just something different I noticed).
- It was good to see Suzuki St Pierre again, even if only in the very funny opening.
- This was a Suarez family-free episode. I know every character can’t get substantial screen time every week, but the show really misses something when the Suarezes do not have at least a scene. Especially Justin, whose story line has been the most interesting (at least to me) this season.
- On the flip side, isn’t it amazing how good Becki Newton has been these last few episodes? When they give her more screen time, she has a Vanessa Williams – like quality about her. She’s always the most compelling person in the room.
- Marc putting on the clogs and dancing was hilarious. When Wilhelmina noticed he was wearing them was the funniest moment of the episode.
- I guess the plan is that the Nico character is gone for good. I KNEW Wilhelmina was going to test her as soon as she kicked Marc out of her apartment. 36-24-36 as a safe combination – I LOVED that! Let me add that Yaya DaCosta has been a surprise – she was very good in this role. Her ability to switch between conniving and tears on a dime was impressive.
- The scene where Betty noticed that Amanda was with Matt was really good writing / acting. It was short, but it set up next week’s love triangle.
- The Matt-going-to-jail scenes revealed some interesting things. First, Matt made a great sacrifice, which shows he’s grown since he’s been at Mode. Secondly, when Claire, Amanda and Betty were getting a cab to find Daniel, Amanda’s thoughts were on Matt, and Betty seemed more concerned about Daniel. It may mean nothing, but it wasn’t subtle, so it probably does.
- I LOVED seeing Amanda and Claire’s fake grief counseling sessions. They were not only funny, but it was nice to see them put the past behind them.
- The Molly apparition scene was very well written. When Betty and Claire entered and Claire laid into Bennett and all Betty could add was “yeah!” – that was good. Alternating between Betty and Molly’s words was nice.
- I think it’s funny that Daniel had kissed Betty, but only her eyebrow.
- I guess Jamie-Lynn Sigler was right – Natalie wasn’t evil, just desperate.
All in all, it was a pretty good episode. Certainly not the best of the season, but entertaining nonetheless. It wrapped up some story lines, and set up a couple more for next week’s Bahamas episode.
Full recap coming soon!
Image: Bauer Griffin
I found last nights episode amazingly good. It felt “different” but refreshing. I don’t know why, but it just gave a strange feeling. It was great though. Amanda held the spotlight last night. She has changed SO much. I much prefer her and Matt they actually seem to have a chemistry. I was hoping the episode would lead to a little more drama before coming to a conclusion, I heard spoilers there would be a fire and was hoping it would be in this episode. I also figured Nico or Natalie would die last minute, especially Nico when she stated “You get what you want, you always do” after Wilhelmina said “I never want to see you again”. I thought it would be interesting if Nico hopped in her car and ended up colliding into Natalie and Bennet. I know, I know, a little morbid.
The clogs part was H.I.L.A.R.I.O.U.S! =D
It was great!!
Ah, loved Amanda’s interaction with Claire!!!!!!
I’m glad the writers explained that Daniel’s irrational behaviour was drug induced, also against his will and not just because he was grieving. It positioned him as the victim in the situation and not the usual plot device that he reverts to when they need another character (mostly Betty) to shine. His vulnerability would exaggerate the indoctrination if it was facilitated through a drug that made him more compliant, hence his irresponsible behaviour. Even the scene with Natalie near the end showed his recovering awareness by offering to help her. The look he gave Betty and his mother at the end was one of those moments that said more by not saying anything, he’d let go of Molly for Betty’s friendship and his mother’s love.
This episode represented a slightly different mood in comparison to rest of the season; there was an emphasis on the drama with a coating of comedy. Also the writers and producers have said they’re divided on the Detty issue but this episode changed the dynamic of Betty and Daniel’s relationship, undeniably so. It’s the first time that an element of real Detty romance was acknowledged by the writers and not resolved through comedy or simply dismissed as mere friendship. I wonder in future episodes will this instance impact on Betty and Matt’s renewed relationship. Like all good writing many storylines were resolved in this episode whilst others are only beginning to spark. If they end this show on current form it would be travesty. Amanda, Matt and Marc all shined in very different ways in this episode, excellent stuff.
yeah, i just realized that none of betty’s family was in the episode. overall, i thought i was a fine one, not the best, but not the worst. it seemed more like a filler episode and building up to next weeks.
as much as i don’t like amanda and matt’s flirting thing going on, i think what i’m annoyed about is that amanda never even asked betty if she could go out with matt nor did she ever tell her about it.
i think the moment that matt called from jail (which is odd that he had his phone…………..), betty was more concered about daniel because his situation was more time constraint than matt’s. daniel was going to be “phased” into level 7; but matt was just sitting in jail. and amanda was probably thinking about matt b/c she had just been with him
I totally agree with you Tadhg I also feel they had started a Detty romance in this episode and they need at least 1 more season to developed well along with the other stories that starting to get more interesting. I feel it would be a premature end to the series.
I completely agree with Tadhg, this episode struck me differently than others in the past. I loved the whole break-in into the Community of the Phoenix headquarters, that was hilarious. And I thought the encounter with Molly threaded with Betty’s words to Daniel was really moving. I’m glad I’m not the only one who noted that in a way when Betty had to choose between helping Daniel and getting Matt out of jail, she chose Daniel. Hmmmm. Their relationship seems to be in a transitioning state right now; they no longer have that chummy boss-assistant dynamic, but now I feel like things are subtly changing between the two of them. What are they now and what will they make of it?
I thought Amanda shined in this episode and the fake-counseling session with her and Mrs. Meade cracked me up. Bring on the Bahamas!
I agree, it was a good episode but it wasnt the best. I’m just glad that the story lines for Daniel and Wilhelmina are done. And I actually disagree about Yaya…I thought she was aweful…it just didnt seem beleivable to me.
I LOVED Amanada in this episode! Especially her and Claire because we never get to see that pairing.
I missed the Suarez family too but I guess sacrifices needed to be made.
But in other news…Ugly Betty did horrible in the ratings. Like the worst. I just hope ABC moves it to Wednesdays but by the looks of it..It probably wont.
Actually to be honest one of the clearest indications of a shift in the Betty/Daniel relationship was not the looks of appreciation because he also acknowledges his mother in that respect as well. Nor was it the pseudo kiss or even that she chose Daniel over Matt, Matt was in no immediate danger so the logical choice was to help Daniel the person in imminent Danger. It was in fact the music in the last scene, which for me was very explanatory indeed. It starts with a light, soft, reflective piece representing Betty and Daniel’s conversation about lost loved ones but then shifts when Daniel raises the kiss, to a playful romantic one. As someone that loves the narrative a great TV or movie score can create this was the most resounding evidence that something was slightly different, only slightly mind you.
In the past they’re encounters were accompanied by the music in the first phase of the scene soft, light, reflective with maybe a hint of comedy but the music in the second phase was undeniably romantic. What you see and hear in a scene can be interpreted very differently from an individual’s perspective but a score is designed to be reflective of the mood of an environment or the situation at hand and it’s as I mentioned playfully romantic.
Okay lets ask this if Matt and Daniel were both in danger and Betty could only save one,who do you think it would be ?I’d say Daniel everytime where Betty is concerned.I love where the writers are taking Detty this season.It finally feels like we could get Detty as a romantic couple.
Also how great is the chemistry between Amanda and Matt.
LOVED THIS EPISODE!
I really enjoyed the scene with Claire and Amanda in the canteen about Claire’s adopted son – I think Amanda will be involved as they have a bit of a bond now. I really enjoyed the scenes in the Phoenix centre, it was interesting felt very different from a typical family centred episode obviously because non of the family was in it – and to be honest, I didn’t miss them! My FAVOURITE scene was Molly ‘coming back’ it was really lovely, good to see Molly’s character back in some form too. It was good the way they mixed her and Betty’s voices and I thought it was SO CLEVER when Daniel kissed Molly when in actual fact he kissed Betty – will that be the stepping stone for the Detty romance? I really hope so!
After this episode I’ve decided I think if Betty ends up with anyone, it should be Daniel – they have a relationship which extends from the workplace, they trust eachother and see beyond the money and physical features. Claire clearly likes Betty aswell.
Great episode
Loved the episode as well! I just happened to find out how “Betty” performed last night and it was beyond UGLY!!! 3.39 million viewers and 0.9/3 in the key demographic!!!! I know it was the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) but it is beyond shocking!!
Yeah this episode was okay not the best but better than that blue on blue one
pons: I agree Tom this was beckis episode , she was great with comedy, the liking matt was believeable and when she was with claire it was really good overall LOVED HER!!!!
The two storylines i didnt care for were wrapped up i love how Daniel and Wilhelminas storylines always start the same eppy and end the same, anywho the Pheonix story was good Natalie wasnt that evil, just stupid and Nico story only thing i would have changed willie should have seriously kicked he ass or at least hit her when she stepped in her face talking about “Im my mothers daughter, right?” I just about jumped up in the screen
Marc dancing and then falling was GREAT!!! and tom i agree when willie saw her shoes on his feet was my LOL moment
Cons:
there were NO SUAREZES!!!!
as much as i love the other characters there wasnt alot of Marc/Willie in this episode well mainly Marc so yeahh
it sucks that the rating were REALLY BAD for this eppy 3.39 mil this is the worse but it was a holiday so next weeks bahamas eppy should bring it up cuz i no its gonna be GREAT!!!!!!!!! even tho the promo sucked ass too much shakira i mean i no she is guest starring but even tho the end of it was funny l LOL at that one and i saw SEXY MAN BOWLER without a shirt yippie!!!!!! him and willie better get it on lol
I thought the episode was good..I liked that scene where Amanda & Claire were in the “meeting” and Amanda talked about her mother. At first Claire’s reaction looked like she wanted her to shut up, but as Amanda kept talking about her mom & herself Claire felt for her & mended fences of sorts. I guess Amanda will be of some help when Claire goes to find her son. I still don’t like the fact that Amanda didn’t say anything to Betty about going after Matt or asked her if it was okay to go out with Matt. Even Marc questioned Amanda’s decision to go after Matt. It’s kinda ironic that Matt had a history with Bennett (seeing that people refer to him as a Daniel 2.0), but if Amanda didn’t about the weirdness of the meeting and the mention of Bennett, then Claire & Betty wouldn’t anything to go on. Matt actually had a bigger part in helping Claire & Betty more than you’d might think. The part Matt getting arrested was pretty funny…he really put himself on the line to help. When they were in the limo before they went in & Amanda was going on about helping & when Betty asked why she was yhere, Matt looked kinda uncomfortable.
I believe this was the first time that either Tony Plana or Ana Ortiz has ever been absent from an episode. Mark Indelicato has been missing from at least two episodes in the past, but I don’t remember an episode in which Plana or Ortiz has ever been M.I.A.
As for my choice for funniest moment in the episode, it was when Amanda and Claire were in the grief counseling session and Amanda told the group about how her mother was dead, and that Claire murdered her. As serious as some of the subject matter was, I think that I laughed out loud more in this episode than any other.
hey
i just found out that ugly betty only got 3.4 million in the ratings making it the lowest of the series!!!! AHHHHH!! this is bad but it may be becouse of it being a thanksgiving hoiday! lets hope next weeks bahamas episode goes up in the ratings im crossing my fingers
One more thing i found this website its signing a petittion to save ugly betty check it out and sign to save ugly betty so far they have 100 signatures lets make it heaps more!
http://www.petitiononline.com/764398/petition.html
lets hope it works!
@ Daniel
SERIOUSLY?!?!?! I thought most ppl would be home after a day of shopping……………..o man, i really think this betty’s last season =(
@ kelly:
OMG I TOTALLY AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!! I know ALOT of ppl like Amanda and I DO think she’s funny. But I’m mad at her for not even telling Betty about her intentions with Matt. I know they are not the best of friends, but she should at least have to courage to tell Betty, especially since they still have feeling for each other. As a friend, Amanda sucks at it.
Come on people!! POSITIVE THINKING
If ABC move it to Wednesday’s it could be the saviour the show needs, if ABC don’t move the show to Wednesday’s I will just hate them FOREVER!! lol
@ Andrea
Well, while people may have been home im pretty sure store stayed open later than usual.
and people – i REALLY dont think it’s anything too crazy to worry about because shows NEVER do well during thanksgiving.
Next weeks episode looks amazing and so funny!! “Hips dont lie!!…Dont do that”
Okay this epi may not have been the best but it was quite entertaining..as it is it was already really overshadowed by the Bahamas epi (gotta add i just cant seem to wait..)i thot i would find it really boring since the whole phoenix storyline didn excite me much but i was wrong!
I gotta add that the Amanda feeding Matt scene made me go Awwwww..it was so adorable..i really love how Amandas character is growing..n i agree with you tom she is absolutely compelling!!
The Mark-Willie scene was hilarious and gets a 100/10:):):)
Its just so sad when a show so excellent gets bad ratings…especially when its at its peak. I think the show overall is at its creative best. All i wanna say is i want the show to go on. Lets hope it gets better with the hype surrounding the next epi.
Oh ya and someone plz post links to the sneak peeks or epi clips if theyre available online. I SO wanna watch them
the show was off in a lot of markets
I want Betty feed Matt!!!
Guys, the show had one bad rating on Thanksgiving. I know it’s not the best news Ugly Betty could have gotten right now, but it’s by no means bad news. All shows do poorly on Thanksgiving and in any case; one bad rating isn’t going to send Betty straight to the chopping block.
Lets not forget it took them THIS long to cancel Eastwick.
Fingers crossed for Detty!