Let’s skip an episode – we have all week to talk about episode 4.07, Level(7) With Me.  Here is a cool video someone assembled from the promo pics for episode 4.08, The Bahamas Triangle (Warning -MUCHO SPOILERS!).

Warning to the hearing-enabled: this has a Shakira soundtrack. 

Everyone looks incredible.  Vanessa Williams is gorgeous as usual.  Is that one-piece Becki Newton wearing at the :40 mark incredible or what?  It looks like they let Pat Field and crew go nuts.

One question I have: is this AFTER Daniel’s cult de-programming, or do you think the trip IS Daniel’s de-programming?  He just looks so lost in many of the photos.

The 1920’s flashback scene looks like it will be awesome.

Bigtime spoilers happening at the 2:12 mark.  Funny, the promo pics I’ve seen of Connor in the Bahamas had him kissing Wilhelmina on the beach – this is quite different.  I can’t WAIT to see how this plays out.

I did not see Matt Newton (Troy) in any of the photos – did I miss him?  (although the pic at 1:06 is probably from a scene between Troy and Marc – he looks quite enamored).

This is going to be the most incredible episode!

Post from: Ugly Betty News

Question: I heard that Ugly Betty is on the verge of being canceled. Can you give me any inside information on that? —Michelle
Ausiello: I really don’t think Betty is in any immediate danger of getting pulled off the schedule. I mean, the ratings are bad but they’re not Dollhouse bad. Do I think ABC will renew it for a fifth season? Conventional wisdom says it’s probably a long-shot. For his part, Silvio Horta is preparing for either scenario. “Obviously, we all want the show to continue, but I don’t want to get caught off guard and have them tell me it’s the last season and have to wrap everything up in one episode,” he says. “So I have two season-ending arcs planned — one where it’s the last season and one where we continue for another one.”

Interesting that he doesn’t get into the question of Betty moving nights or staying on Fridays – which is THE critical question for Betty right now.

But, I’m glad that the show’s producers are working on two season-ending arcs.  First, it shows they aren’t giving up yet. At the same time, it means they are actually putting some thought into how the series will end.  Obviously, many of us disagree with the whole Benry finale idea, but at least it’s a real ending.  (Plus, it gives the other writers time to talk Horta out of it).

Ausiello also gives us some insight into what’s going to happen with Justin:

Question: I loved last week’s episode of Ugly Betty. Justin’s storyline was heartbreaking and triumphant at the same time. When will he finally come out? —HH
Ausiello: I’m guessing by the end of the season, but Betty boss Silvio Horta would only say that Justin will continue “struggling with his identity and his journey is going to be funny, heartbreaking, moving and powerful.”

Horta has always been more sure of where he’s taking Justin as the show progresses (compared to other characters); that’s why Justin, IMHO, is the most compelling character on the show.  

Image: Bauer Griffin

Post from: Ugly Betty News

(and foolishly, IMHO)

According to TV Guide Magazine, Horta wants to reunite Betty and Henry (Christopher Gorham), if indeed season four is the final season.  Guide says Horta believes Henry "is the true love of Betty’s life."

Hey, I’m just the messenger here. 

Let me first say this:  I don’t think a Benry pairing would be the worst ever ending for the show (that would be if they brought back Walter and Betty ran off with him   ). 

Even though Betty/Daniel is the pairing I’d most like to see, and that hookup has happened in every previous version of the show, I just think Horta shouldn’t have said anything about his Benry preference yet.

Why dash the hopes of Daniel, Gio, Matt, and Bobby fans so soon in this (most likely) final season?

The Ugly Betty writers have been wonderful this season with surprises (did anyone see Justin’s "I’m not gay" declaration coming?), so I have no idea why Horta would tip his hand in such an important area.

Now, for what it’s worth, the TV Guide article does not have a direct Horta quote, but this IS TV Guide, so we have no reason not to believe the gist of the story.  They DO, however, quote Chris Gorham:

“I’m certainly attached to the idea of Henry and Betty being together.”

I’m trying to figure out how this news fits in with EOnline’s Kristin’s story about a divided Ugly Betty writers team.

I’ve told you what I think.  So, tell me what you think of this (let’s play nice!).

Popping popcorn…

Image: SplashNewsOnline.com

Post from: Ugly Betty News

"Level (7) with Me" — Daniel lets the leaders from the Community of the Phoenix call the shots at Mode, and Bennett’s promises to reunite Daniel with his dead wife prompt Betty to action. She schemes with Claire on breaking through to him with an ingenious plan and finds unlikely allies in Matt and Amanda. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina has let herself go, wearing sweats and garden clogs in public, prompting a tabloid feeding frenzy and spurring Marc to dig deeper into Nico’s mystery, on "Ugly Betty," FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Note: This program was originally scheduled to air November 20.

"Ugly Betty" stars America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, Eric Mabius as Daniel Meade, Tony Plana as Ignacio, Ana Ortiz as Hilda, Judith Light as Claire Meade, Becki Newton as Amanda, Michael Urie as Marc, Mark Indelicato as Justin, Daniel Eric Gold as Matt Hartley and Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater.

Guest starring in "Level (7) with Me" are Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Natalie, Dylan Baker as Bennett Wallis, Alec Mapa as Suzuki St. Pierre, Sarah LaFleur as Molly, Yaya DaCosta as Nico Slater and Piter Marek as Oskar Castelar.

The episode was written by Chris Black and directed by John Fortenberry.

I have seen nothing that says that this episode will not air November 27.  (As an aside, isn’t it weird that they still call Piter Marek’s character Castelar?)

After the jump, I’ve got the press release about episode 4.08 (The Bahamas Triangle), airing December 4, which has some mild spoilers!

“The Bahamas Triangle” — In the steamy Bahamas, the love triangle between Betty, Matt and Amanda explodes, and romantic pairings abound. Things should be dreamy at the Atlantis resort, where even Shakira (portraying herself) is staying, but Betty has a nightmarish photo shoot after Willie learns her nemesis, Penelope Graybridge (Christie Brinkley), snagged a coveted job, and, even more importantly, discovers Connor is very much alive. Marc frets that there is no one on the island for him, but then meets the uber-hot Troy (portrayed by Matt Newton, Becki Newton’s brother), and back home, Hilda draws closer to her old love, Bobby, on “Ugly Betty,” FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

“Ugly Betty” stars America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, Eric Mabius as Daniel Meade, Tony Plana as Ignacio, Ana Ortiz as Hilda, Judith Light as Claire Meade, Becki Newton as Amanda, Michael Urie as Marc, Mark Indelicato as Justin, Daniel Eric Gold as Matt Hartley and Vanessa Williams as Wilhelmina Slater.

Guest starring in “The Bahamas Triangle” are Grant Bowler as Connor Owens, Ralph Macchio as Archie Rodriguez, Christie Brinkley as Penelope Graybridge, with Adam Rodriguez as Bobby Talercio, Matt Newton as Troy and Shakira as herself.

The episode was written by Sheila Lawrence and directed by Victor Nelli, Jr.

I’ll be posting more about this one as it approaches – BettyMattanda, Connor being alive, the introduction of Troy, and a possible Hilda-Bobby pairing are all pretty juicy on their own. 

But I wanted to make sure everyone knew the current schedule as it stands:

11/27 – Level (7) with Me
12/4 – The Bahamas Triangle

Beyond that, I won’t speculate, till ABC decides what it’s going to do with its mid-season lineup (especially Wednesdays).  And, of course, if there is any change, I’ll pass it along as soon as I know it!

Image: SplashNewsOnline.com

Post from: Ugly Betty News

What a great episode!  The show seems to be getting more realistic (more on that in a bit), but isn’t losing any of its appeal – in fact it’s getting better.

Of course it was a dramatic episode, but there were some quick comedic gems –

• Ignacio:  “I think he’s the one who stole our Baby Jesus.”
• Amanda: “At least I’ll always have that cold sore”.
• Claire (after Matt fumbled with calling her a “girl”):  Good.  Now I know I won’t spend my time texting and worrying about boys.
• The eye-narrowing stare-down with Marc when WIlli insists there are plenty of models “in their upper 30’s”.
• Amanda worried about how the beads frame her “Chest-icles”
• Wilhelmina’s quip about Angela Landsbury wanting to rat her out to the co-op board.
• Amanda: Level 5?  Is that where we touch each others’ junk and call it a massage? I want to do it!
• Bennett asking for Amanda’s beads back (Silvio Horta is almost trying to get sued by the Friends of Tom Cruise, I think!)
• Wilhelmina: You [the press] had me sleeping with everyone from Madonna to JFK…only one of which was true.

The drama: Marc’s look when Justin’s embarrassing moment happened was so perfect.  That whole storyline was compelling from end to end.  And Hilda’s storyline with Ignacio and their Homecoming past explained a lot, and was also fun to watch.  I like when Ignacio gets all heated in an argument.  But, of course, this episode was Justin’s

I’ll say this right now:  although many of us are tired of Betty’s romantic angst, and many of us have already chosen our ‘ship’, I really like what Bobby (Adam Rodriguez) brings to the show.  His scene where he he made the jaywalker apologize to Betty reminded me of Santos in his best moments. No, I don’t want him to end up with either Betty or Hilda, but there’s just something about him that brings something the show has needed for a while.  (Part of me wants to say ‘testosterone’  )

That being said, certainly his episode arc will end with him going to jail, right?

Speaking of, although I don’t like how Archie is being blown off, I can tell you, what’s happening with him  and Hilda is realistic.  Having spent my life as an Archie (and some as a Larry), I can tell you, girls, especially the “good ones” are going to go for the dangerous guys every time, and we “safe” guys always lose the comparison.  (The good news is, to any “nice guys” reading this, we end up running the world, so it evens out).  I sincerely hope Hilda stays with Archie.  But, I have to admit, this storyline is quite interesting.

It’s taken them most of 4 seasons, but I think they’ve finally hit the right tone on Betty and Hilda’s sibling rivalry.

Justin’s declaration at the end, when you think about it was realistic, too.  And Marc’s reply was brilliant.  And it leave us wondering where all of this is going to go.

Oh, and if you think you-know-who is really dead, I’ve got a bridge I’d like to sell you.    BUT, I’d love to know what the heck he’s up to, how he’s pulling it off.

Full recap after the jump.

The Suarezes are enjoying breakfast, when Betty walks in.  She had been out the night before (On a weeknight! to Ignacio’s worry), and shows them her new “tattoo”.  It was fake and partially worn off, though.  Betty says she’s trying to get back on the market.

Ignacio suggests, Larry, Archie’s nerdy bookkeeper.  Justin asks Betty if Marc has the cheerleader uniforms ready – Marc was having them hemmed as a favor  – Betty says he’ll bring them by before work.  Justin says it was Marc’s idea for him to hang out with the cheerleaders (mean girls!) to stay one step ahead of the bullies.

Justin says they need help decorating the gym for homecoming.  This causes Hilda’s demeanor to change.  It brings up a sore spot from the past – Hilda would have been Homecoming Queen but Ignacio would not let her go (She was 6 months pregnant).  She insists that Papi was ashamed of her; Ignacio says he was protecting her.  They both stop to assure Justin that they would never be ashamed of him, then continue fighting.

Betty and Hilda are walking to the school to help with Homecoming, when they see Bobby Talercio, Hilda’s old crush (and a dangerous guy!).  He recognizes her and walks over to them.  They small talk, and he calls Betty “Little Chipmunk”:  He is there because he is teaching driver’s ed, since his family had a car dealership.

After he leaves, Betty reveals that she had a crush on him in school, which is no surprise to Hilda.  Hilda insists that Bobby was too bad of a boy to go out with good girl Betty.

Marc helps Justin hand out the cheerleader uniforms, and a football player passes by and asks Justin where his skirt is.  Marc then gives Justin advice – go along with and stay ahead of the joke – then bullies will stop messing with him.  He then volunteers Justin to choreograph a new routine for the cheerleaders (to Justin’s chagrin).  Marc says he’ll help, he was head cheerleader in college.

At Mode, Daniel has installed Community of the Phoenix water coolers and is now wearing beads.  He is on a strict diet given to him by Natalie.  He says he feels better and leaves to go pee.  Claire walks by, worried about Daniel.  But, they still aren’t talking.

Matt interrupts them and gives Betty a mundane assignment.  He says that he had given the plum assignment, an article on being “fearless” to Megan.  Betty says she can be fearless, but Matt just scoffs because he thinks she’s cautious.  But, he says she can make a pitch to him and he’ll listen.

Wilhelmina yells on the phone at her blackmailer and tells him he’ll have the money when she gets the money.  She then tells Marc to put out the word that she’s willing to cover model again (for the money).  Marc tries to stop her, but she insists.

Daniel advises Betty to “do the thing you never do” to be seen as fearless.

Later, she approaches Bobby, and seductively asks him out.  This was a fantasy, and in reality, she hems and haws till she finally asks him to teach her to drive.  She then has another fantasy in which she rips off his shirt. 

Justin and Marc show the Suarezes the new moves they gave the cheerleaders.  This got Justin invited to Homecoming.  Hilda and Papi leave the room arguing about that fateful past homecoming, and Marc reassures Justin that he’s a great kid.

Hilda complains about her (boring) duties as companion to a politician.  But first, Bobby pulls up in a Camaro, and Betty comes out for her driving lesson, to the Suarezes chagrin.  Archie also arrives, looking plain (and boring) in comparison.

Wilhelmina gets a cover – but it turns out to be Hot Flash.  Claire teases her, then offers her $500 and a liter of diet ginger ale.  Wilhelmina says he won’t do it, but Claire says “It’s the best you can do, Willi”.

Betty is really bad driving a stick shift.  Bobby says he still thinks of her in footie pajamas.  Betty says she’s traveled, had her own apartment, and boyfriends (making sure to add that she’s available right now).  Bobby places his hand over hers showing her how to shift.  Betty gets so distracted he almost hits a pedestrian, who yells at her.  Bobby gets out, grabs the pedestrian, and makes him apologize.

Amanda asks Daniel if he sees her and Matt as a couple.  He says you can’t force feelings, and brings up their own relationship, adding that he had used her.  Daniel asks Amanda to come to the CoP retreat they are having at Mode – she agrees because she thinks it will make Matt think she’s “super-complicated”.

Betty’s car lesson ends, and Bobby invites her to Mad Dog’s to shoot pool.  She runs in to tell the family, only to find out she’s been set up on a double date with Hilda/Archie and Archie’s nerdy bookkeeper, Larry. (who has this weird breath-snort nervous tic)

At their dinner, Larry turns out to be as weird and boring as they thought he would be.  Betty says she’s tired and sleepy and excuses herself to go to bed .  BUT, as she leaves, she sneaks out of the house.

At the CoP retreat, Amanda tells Natalie that Daniel has invited her for the weekend.  Natalie and Bennett seem put off by this; Natalie later tells Bennett that she’s “got to get Daniel to Level 5”.

Nico pressures Wilhelmina to get the money – WIlli then tells her about  Connor and the money he stole and his offer.  Wilhelmina says if she decides to go that route, Connor will find her.  Nico says that because Willi still loves Connor, she HAS to do it.

Betty sneaks into the house and Hilda is waiting for her.  Bobby sticks his head in to check on Betty and says Hi to Hilda.  After he leaves, Hilda yells at Betty for bailing.  She says Larry heard her leave.  Betty feels badly about this, and agrees to come to Homecoming with Larry.

Wilhelmina brings Claire to Mode on Sunday to announce she’s resigning.

Betty pulls up from her driving lesson and sees Hilda, Archie and Larry waiting there.  Bobby suggests Betty blow them off and go with him to get a Freeze-ata.  Surprisingly, she does, emphatically spinning her wheels.  She tells Larry she’s sorry as she drives away.

During a break at the retreat, Amanda complains about it.  Natalie tries to get her to go home.  She says she and Daniel have to get to level 5.  She argues with Amanda and storms away.  Daniel tells her they take it seriously, and Amanda says it scares her.  She says the program is giving him bad judgment.  He tells her to go home.

Betty and Bobby have their Freeze-atas while Betty complains about everyone putting her in a “good girl box”.  Bobby tells Betty she can date anyone she wants.  The school head cheerleader sees them and makes a face at Betty to say, “Wow, nice catch!” 

Betty has another fantasy in which she seductively tells Bobby that they “get” each other and should make it work.  In real life, she’s given herself a brain freeze, though.  Bobby then reveals that he’s still interested in Hilda.

Bennett tells Daniel it’s time to go to Level 5, where he will physically be reunited with Molly.

At the Homecoming ceremonies in the gym, the cheerleaders do Justin’s routine.  Betty arrives, and Papi says that Larry left (Archie drove him home).  Papi has been arguing with Hilda again about “her” homecoming. 

At a press conference, Wilhelmina announces that the shoot in the Bahamas will be her last.  She tells the press to quote her exactly: she’s leaving to pursue other options.  While she does this, Nico texts Jonathan telling him “we’re gonna be rich”.

Bobby stops Betty in the school hallway and tells her that the cheerleaders had told him he was dating Betty.    He jokes about this.  Betty says that they shouldn’t have lessons anymore, and reveals her feelings to him, which he says he knew about.  She says she always dreamed of kissing him in the school halls.  Bobby says “We’re in the hallway”. 

Betty starts to go to Homecoming, but turns around, stops Bobby and kisses him.  He tells her it was sweet, and not to let anyone put her in a box.  He walks away, and Betty turns around to see an upset Hilda.

Bennett gives Daniel and Natalie a special tea that will allow them to get to Level 5.

Hilda and Betty argue about Bobby.  Betty lets Hilda know that Bobby is more interested in Hilda.  Marc arrives, and they are interrupted by the head cheerleader Ava.  She tells them she “feels bad about Justin” and “it wasn’t my idea”.

Betty and Marc go in and grab Justin, Hilda and Papi and tell them they have to leave NOW.  But they are too late.  From the stage they announce the homecoming king and queen, which Justin has been named the latter.

Hilda wants them to leave, but Justin instead walks to the podium and “accepts’” the honor.  He gives a speech, using humor to diffuse the situation.  He then says someone else deserves the honor more than him: his mom.  He says she should have gotten the crown 15 years ago, but “that was kind of my fault”.  He thanks Hilda and places the crown on her head.

When they get home (Marc tags along), Hilda reminds Justin that she loves him no matter who he is.  Justin tells her that it was a joke that he was going along with…and that he’s not gay.  He walks away; Hilda looks at Marc who says, “Then, he’s not.”

Later, Betty is lying in bed, and Hilda comes in, saying she can’t sleep.  They lay and talk, mostly about Bobby.  Betty says, though, that she’s going to pitch Hilda’s story for the Fearless issue.  Hilda frets that she’s become boring, and is obviously conflicted about Archie.

At Mode, Claire is talking to an investigator, who says that it will now be hard to track the stolen money.  Claire then informs Wilhelmina that Connor is dead: they found his body washed up on a beach in Panama.

Wilhelmina goes to her office and weeps.

Image:SplashNewsOnline.com

Post from: Ugly Betty News

It  looks like, based on what’s being said by Ausiello and at AfterElton, this is going to be an excellent episode, keeping par with what has already an excellent season.  Low ratings or not, I’m starting to see buzz about Ugly Betty that I haven’t seen in a couple of seasons. 

Anyway, according to Ausiello, it looks like tonight:

• “CSI: Miami’s Adam Rodriguez kicks off his multi-episode arc as Hilda’s bad-boy ex and promptly finds himself embroiled in a love triangle with the sisters Suarez. One minute into his debut, and I couldn’t believe Miami let this guy go.”  Even though a (hopefully short-lived) love triangle is not what many of us want to see, I like the sibling rivalry aspect of it, and Adam Rodriguez is very good, so he will add some spice to the show.
• “An embarrassing-turned-empowering incident at school leads to a major turning point in the ongoing saga of Justin’s sexuality that is alternately shocking and heartbreaking.”   Hmmmm.  All indications to me are that Justin will all but come out this episode.  “Embarrassing-turned-empowering” almost sounds like some of the things Betty went through early in season 1.  I expect the writers to handle this brilliantly.  Brent Hartinger of AfterElton puts it this way:  “Finally, Justin does answer the question, "Are you gay?" and it is — and isn’t — the answer you think.”

Some interesting spoilers after the jump…

• A significant character dies. I think.” – HUH???  This is the first I’ve heard of this.  “Significant” probably means recurring or guest star.  I know it’s not Archie because he is going to be in the Bahamas episode.  And they wouldn’t dare kill of Nico.  Or would they?  Is it Natalie?  I know there’s at least one more Community of the Phoenix episode, but I don’t know if Natalie is a part of it.  Regardless, they’re killing someone off this early in the season????  Wow!
• Mode is rocked by news of an OMG departure. – My first guess (and hope) is that it would be Marc.  Another possibility? Wilhelmina (again).  Long shot: Amanda.  I don’t think it’s Matt, or Cal, or Claire, or Daniel.  Of course, just by saying that, I’ve guaranteed that it’s going to be one of them. 

Regardless, after all I’ve read about this episode, I’m pretty excited to see it!

Image: SplashNewsOnline.com

Post from: Ugly Betty News

Question: What’s the latest word on Ugly Betty moving to Wednesdays? —Alec
Ausiello: All signs point to… it not happening. ABC insiders tell me Betty is staying put on Fridays for now. The most likely candidate to inherit Eastwick’s Wednesdays at 10 p.m. timeslot early next year is Lost. Speaking of Betty, is it just me or is the show kind of on fire right now? Every episode this season has been a winner. I’m even staying awake during the Daniel scenes!

So, I don’t know what to believe anymore.  EOnline’s Kristin and AfterElton painted a completely different picture, all from "inside sources". 

Until ABC makes an announcement about the midseason schedule, we just won’t know what’s going to happen.  Don’t forget, with Hank cancelled, there’s going to be more shuffling around (will The Middle stay at 8:30 ?).  Wednesday at 8 is another possibility for Betty, although the ratings would still suffer against behemoth American Idol.

As for part 2 of Ausiello’s answer, it seems to be universally accepted by most critics and fans that Ugly Betty is MUCH better this season than it has been in a long time.  It would be a shame for Betty to go all Pushing Daisies on us, and get considered for Emmys while getting cancelled at the same time .

More, including spoilers, after the jump.

Ausiello also added this in this week’s post:

Question: Ugly Betty seems to be fighting hard to win back viewers and fans this season. These episodes are way stronger than anything in season three. Got scoop? —J
Ausiello: Is there an echo in here? I better check the acoustics. In the meantime, look for Matt Newton (Becki Newton’s real-life bro) to debut in the upcoming Bahamas episode as Mark’s new boyfriend. But that’s old news. Here’s some new news: His stint has been expanded. He’ll now appear in roughly four episodes. Additionally, Nadia Dajani (Emily’s Reasons Why Not) has been cast as Mode’s new creative director for a couple episodes. Cal Hartley imports her from the movie business to try to makeover the magazine.

Hurray, Matt Newton!  And, Marc getting a new boyfriend (we miss you, David Blue!) has been a long time coming.  It would be cool if this might be the catalyst for Marc making peace with his mother.

And, I’m assuming the Nadia Dajani character will be brought in while Wilhelmina loses her mind, wearing sweats and garden clogs in public (4.07, Level(7) With Me).

I HOPE Ausiello is wrong about the Wednesday move, but I can’t wait for some of these upcoming episodes!

Image: Bauer Griffin

Post from: Ugly Betty News

Now, EOnline’s Kristin is reporting that ABC execs are seriously thinking about it. 

She says, “According to sources, ABC higher-ups are considering moving Ugly Betty to Wednesdays at 10 in January as part of a flashy relaunch of the show in an effort to save it. The thinking is that Betty would complement new hits Modern Family and Cougar Town nicely, and make ABC a solid destination for comedy on Wednesday night.”

Also:  “According to insiders, Betty also has a creative resurgence in the works, including an episode in the spirit of Run Lola Run in which Betty must race across town to deliver a diamond-encrusted bra, which sounds pretty exciting. ABC execs asked producers to move the episode up to an earlier date because they liked it so much, according to my mole.”

Hmmmmm.

First off, this move would be a godsend for the show.  It isn’t going to last much longer pulling a 1.2 or 1.3 in the demos on Fridays.  And, ironically, the show creatively has been better than we’ve seen in years.  Apparently, we haven’t even seen the best yet – ABC execs actually asked producers to move up an episode because they liked it so much?

Woot.

None of this is certain, of course.  If this were to happen, we don’t know where ABC is going to put Lost, which would normally air in that spot.  10p is pretty late for Betty’s usual demographic, but I can’t see how moving it there could possibly hurt.  I’m positive it could beat Jay Leno.

Methinks we Ugly Betty fans should let ABC execs know that we support the idea. 

UPDATE!!!!!  AfterElton confirms the move to Wednesdays!!!!!!!

Image: Newscom

Post from: Ugly Betty News

• This episode belonged to Amanda (and Becki Newton).  Becki was spectacular – she was hilarious and poignant at the same time.  I’m so glad they finally were able to give her something of a story line.
• Michael Urie was great again.  When Marc finally stood up  to Wilhelmina, it was SO disappointing that it was so short-lived.  That was a great scene.
• The thing with Nico had me TOTALLY fooled.  Kudos to the writers.  Having seen every episode multiple times, I can usually see the “surprises” coming, but not this one.  Great job, writers!
• Jamie Lynn Sigler says that Natalie isn’t going to be a villain, but she sure is acting like one right now.
• I love when the writers give us a little inside joke.  Justin’s quip about Hilda “putting on a little weight last spring” (Ana Ortiz was pregnant) was hilarious.
• The story line with Claire’s son who was placed for adoption will be a very interesting one, as long as they don’t get too silly with it (like making him a character we already know)
• The ending was great, as usual.  Betty’s dance was a combination of the dance from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and an 80’s new wave pogo.  If Betty had placed an hand on the other arm and waved her fist (ala Idol) it would have been perfect (although probably too over the top). 

The  ratings for this one remained the same (up just a tiny bit in the demo), which is only good news in that the news didn’t get worse.  Hopefully the word can continue spreading about how good Betty is this season.  Ratings-wise, things are not looking too good right now.

Anyway, next week looks to be a crazy one.  I can’t wait.

Full recap after the jump.

Betty is working late and missing dinner.  Betty looks at her reflection, and is startled by Matt’s appearance beside her.  They are quite nice to each other, and it looks like Matt will kiss her, but he just rearranges her hair. 

Marc wants to do something with Amanda after work, but she’s too tired.  however, when Matt asks her to stay late, she gets a burst of energy and pushes Marc out of the way.

On the way to the elevator, Betty runs into Daniel.  He asks about Matt, and Betty says there is nothing going on between them, but she might have news tomorrow when she meets Daniel for lunch (as friends).  Daniel also says that The Group is helping him cope with the loss of Molly.

Wilhelmina comes off the elevator, and Daniel thanks her for working with Tibetan orphans.  He hugs Wilhelmina, who is surprised.  Later Marc informs Willi that he “volunteered” her to host the annual Style Cares charity event.  Willi is angry, but decides to go along to help her image.

Betty is excited – she got an invitation to the event. She muses inviting Matt, which makes Hilda angry.

Daniel and Natalie leave a meeting of The Group, and Daniel is excited.  He worries about the stress he’ll face back at work.  Natalie volunteers to be his new assistant.

Betty goes to Matt’s office and puts “Will you be my plus one” on the charity invitation.  Matt comes in and sets some papers on top of it without looking.  He asks her if it’s OK if he brought a date.  Betty pretends that it’s OK, while sneaking the invite off his desk.

Betty walks up to Daniel, only to find that he has hired Natalie as his new assistant.  Daniel asks Betty to help Natalie “learn the ropes”. 

Matt invites Amanda to the charity party.  She is beside herself with happiness.  He says he’ll be late, but she can come anytime she wants.  Later, she tells Marc that she feels guilty about taking “Betty’s Matt”.  Marc talks her into finding some way to cushion the blow.

Marc helps the speechwriter write Wilhelmina’s speech for the party (filled with falsehoods).  Nico calls and interrupts, causing Willi to abruptly leave.

As Betty shows Natalie how to do things, Natalie wipes out any trace (voice mail, email, name plate) that Betty was ever there.

The private investigator shows Wilhelmina a photograph of the bloody fingerprint from the boat.  He then tries to blackmail her and Nico.  Willi kicks him out.  Nico is upset about this.

Amanda finds out that Betty is going to the party, and that she didn’t have a date yet.  She says she knows some guys she can set him up with.

Hartley wants to cut the Wit and Whimsy column from the magazine for ad space, but Daniel argues against it.  Claire seems to be taking Ca’l’s side, but she suggests everyone think it over for a bit.

Daniel arrives for the lunch with Betty, but he brought Natalie along.  During the meal, Betty feels left out because Daniel and Natalie keep talking about The Group.  Betty then asks Daniel to be her plus one for the party, but he has already asked Natalie.

Wilhelmina tells Marc to dig up dirt on the private investigator (Oscar Castelar).  He finally stands up to her and says he won’t do that sort of thing anymore.  She then comes clean with him about Nico, and he changes his mind.

Betty tells Amanda she’s taking her up on her offer to set Betty up with one of her friends.  Amanda is worried about this.

Megan shows Daniel “The Book” for February’s issue, and he notices the Wit and Whimsy column isn’t there.  She says Claire decided to cut it.  Daniel storms into Hartley’s office, only to find Claire in there kissing Cal.  Claire wants to talk about it, even mentions their long-ago affair, but Daniel storms away.  Cal tells her that maybe it was better that things didn’t work out with their baby.  This upsets Claire.

Betty arrives at Amanda’s – there are about 12 or 13 guys there, none of whom Betty is interested in.  It turns out that Amanda had placed an ad in Craigslist, advertising a “plus size chica”.  Of course, this makes Betty furious when she finds out.

Natalie tells Daniel he ahs to start ignoring people who cause unnecessary drama in his life, including Betty.

Claire calls Betty asking a favor.  Betty later approaches Daniel asking him to talk to his mother, but he rebukes her, with Natalie’s encouragement.

Marc leads Willi to a bordello where apparently Castelar is supposedly meeting with a dominatrix.  They find him tied up face down, and Marc sneaks a picture of him, but it turns out to be someone else.  Wilhelmina figured that the investigator stole this real person’s identity to prevent her from digging up dirt on him.

We then see Castelar approaching Nico on the street, and her demeanor changes,  She kisses him and calls him Jonathan.  Apparently, the two have been executing an elaborate scheme to get money out of Wilhelmina.

Betty tells Amanda on the phone that she’s decided not to go.  Hilda overhears this and talks her out of it.  Betty decides to go alone, and Justin will make her dress out of one that Hilda wore “when she gained weight last spring” (heh).

Betty arrives at the party, looking fabulous in an animal print dress.

Wilhelmina paces in her bedroom, and Marc comes in wondering why she’s not outside hosting.  Willi tells him she can’t handle the stress of everything going on.  Nico barges in and tells her she’s going to turn herself in.  They are all arguing about this when a lady comes in and tells Wilhelmina it’s time to give her speech.

Amanda runs into Betty and is upset about it.  She starts to tell Betty about her and Matt, but then Matt walks in with another woman on his arm.  Both women seem devastated. 

Cal and Claire have a conversation that reminds us that he doesn’t know that Claire had their baby and placed him for adoption.

Wilhelmina gives her speech, making it clear that she’s going to do whatever it takes to makes sure all children, especially her child, are going to be OK.

Betty is “big” and makes up with Natalie and Daniel.  Natalie gets a call, and tells whoever it is that she’ll do what she can to get Daniel back to The Group.

Matt runs into Amanda and says he glad she made it.  He had six plus ones, mostly support staff to reward them for all they do.

Claire leaves and calls the adoption agency, asking them how she can find her and Cal’s son.

Betty and Matt talk for a minute.   She tells Matt she came alone, but that she’s fine.  She says she glad they’re still friends.  Billy Idol’s “Dancing With Myself” comes on, and Betty goes on the floor and dances.  Matt watches her and smiles.

Image: Zuma Press

Post from: Ugly Betty News

Even though I initially thought too much was going on, it looks like that’s when the show works well – and now that I think of it, what happens on a quick-paced episode is that there isn’t time for the story to get bogged down.  The show has gotten in trouble in the past when the situation was set up, then we had 20 minutes of navel-gazing. 4.04 was better because it kept moving.  As usual, you guys were right.

It’s funny how Daniel made things better by telling the truth, and Betty made things better by lying.

The Amanda kissing scene was even funnier the second time.

Oh, and “the boob” may have referred to Lexie’s, but it could have also referred to Hilda’s impression of Meghan McCain.

This was a great episode!

That being said, the ratings did not improve.  Sigh.

Full recap after the jump.

We see a hapless bunch of people lined up.  Betty and Daniel talk about this, and it turns out that they are the candidates HR sent for Daniel’s new assistant.  Betty reminisces and talks it over with Daniel, and prefers Gavin (a REALLY dorky guy).  Daniel is totally uninterested.  Betty hides his chocolate covered pretzels he’s nervously eating, making Daniel realize why he misses Betty.

Betty then gets slowly swallowed under with editorial tasks for work.  She walks by Marc and Amanda, who insult her, but she throws an insult right back at Marc.  Betty runs into Matt, dropping her work.  As Matt helps her pick it up, Amanda eyes Matt slyly. 

Matt asks Betty for a feature idea for the New York issue.  Betty tells him about an idea she had about New York’s toughest jobs,  He likes it.  Matt then tries to get his messages from Amanda, but she is too busy flirting with him (even pulling his hair!)  Marc notices this and mentions it to Amanda after Matt leaves; she denies and says that Matt is tainted – kissing him would be like kissing Betty.

Claire tells Betty that Daniel has picked a new assistant – Betty goes to meet her, and it turns out to be super-beautiful Lexie (Brooklyn Decker).  Betty offers to help, but Lexie rudely rudely rebuffs her.  Betty next tells Daniel that she doesn’t approve.  Daniel says Lexie won him over when she got down his chocolate pretzels from Betty’s hiding place. 

Nico comes back from an errand.  This freaks Wilhelmina out, so she decides to keep Nico in her site at all times.

At the Suarez house, Justin teaches Ignacio how to check his email.  Hilda is cranky because Archie is so busy campaigning, they never see each other anymore. Betty is burning the midnight oil with all the work she has.  Justin suggest she ask for an assistant.

Marc tells Wilhelmina that Hartley and Claire were having dinner with Isabelle Bissette (her possible replacement) the night before.  Wilhelmina surprises Marc by saying that she’ll just have to become a “team player” as “kiss Claire’s bony ass”.  Marc then goes to talk to Nico, which scares WIlli (afraid Nico might blab about the murder).  Betty then approaches and asks for an assistant.  Wilhelmina, seeing an opening on two fronts, appoints Marc as Betty’s temporary assistant.

Neither Marc nor Betty wants this, but Wilhelmina insists.  Marc then lays down the law: he will not get her coffee.  He reminds her that Dante Nelli, Jr himself offered him the job.  Betty asks him to trim a hundred words from the Tends column, which he says he could do in his sleep.

Daniel tries to talk to Lexie while on his way to have lunch with Natalie, but Lexie rudely ignores him, then tells him to go away. 

Nico has actually gotten Wilhelmina to eat in the cafeteria.  Claire and Hartley walk up and Cal tells WIlli about his idea to put a vampire on the cover of the New York issue (ala Twilight).  Claire actually goes along with it, though she thinks the idea is horrible.

Natalie tells Daniel about this inspirational speaker she’s been going to see, who helps people get over all kinds of traumas.  She invites him to come to a “Community of the Phoenix” meeting that afternoon to check the guy out.

Hilda calls Betty and tells her about her idea to spice up her relationship with Archie by sending him a sexy Halloween text.  (Ana Ortiz really shows her her “new mom” boobs in this scene)..

Marc finishes the Trends column, then reminds Betty that he thinks she got the job because she and Daniel were lovers.  Betty, indignant, suggests they both go ask Daniel which they do.  Daniel hems and haws, then Wilhelmina comes in and tells them the truth: they had flipped a coin, and Betty won because she was “tails”.

Later, Daniel tells Betty that she WAS the most qualified in his opinion, but the coin toss was the only way to break the impasse.  Marc teases her by calling her “tails”.  Matt asks about Betty’s “toughest jobs” article – Marc suggests Betty also get into the uniforms and they take pictures (to humiliate Betty).  Matt likes the idea.

Hilda calls Archie – he is beside himself.  Hilda had sent her picture by doing a “reply all” on one of Archie’s campaign emails.  Now the whole district had Hilda’s sexy pic.  After hanging up, Hilda notices that Ignacio is checking his email (which would include the infamous text).  Hilda rushes (in slo-mo) to stop him.

Daniel tells Betty that  things aren’t working out so well with Lexie.  Betty reminds Daniel that his father had picked Betty, to stop Daniel from hiring an assistant he wanted to sleep with.  Lexie overhears this and is angry.  Daniel goes to apologize to her, attempt to put his hand on her shoulder, but his hand slips and he accidentally brushes her one of her boobs.  She yells at him and calls him a dirty old man.  (heh)

Betty and Marc go to work on her “worst jobs” feature.  She pedals a rickshaw, separates garbage, and waxes a man’s back (with Marc taking pictures.  They then approach The Taj Ma-hotdog (a meat substitute hot dog stand), because Betty will be the hot dog hostess there.  It turns out, Betty will be in a hot dog outfit, and they also need a bun, which Betty volunteers Marc for.

The owner then teaches the two (dressed outrageously as a hot dog and bun), the Bollywood-style song and dance that go with the suits.  Betty falls down into some garbage, and Marc doesn’t catch her.  They then argue about the job they both felt they deserve.  Marc tells Betty she’s the luckiest person he knows.  He says that he can’t catch a break.

He mentions that he had turned down a job from Dante Nelli, Jr (who happens to be right there). 

Wilhelmina watches the “vampire” photo shoot, hating it.  She tells Nico, and Claire overhears her.  Wilhelmina tells her the truth.  She also tells her she knows about Isabelle Bissette.  Claire says when they asked her about it, they expected her honest opinion – but agreed to ask Cal to cancel the vampire shoot.  She also tells WIlli to cut 10 pages of content, and to just do her job, while she still has it.

Claire tells Daniel that he can’t fire Lexie because he had “grabbed her boob”. 

Archie and Hilda argue over Hilda’s sexy pic spam.

Nelli, Jr says he remembers Marc.  Betty tells Nelli that Marc is an editor and she is her assistant.  Nelli is impressed and asks Marc to have lunch sometime.  They then get a text about an emergency editors meeting in 7 minutes.  Betty, mad at Marc because he had thrown away her real clothes, struggles to get in a cab.

Daniel and Natalie go to see the speaker.  Daniel scoffs at his “be honest and reject ‘acceptance’” spiel.  The speaker challenges Daniel to try being totally honest in a situation he doesn’t want to be, and see if it doesn’t change his life.

Matt approaches Amanda, and says he has to tell her something.  He draws her in close to her, then kisses her.  Suddenly, the kisser turns to Betty, and Amanda screams.  Then we see that Betty is actually (in real life) standing before her in the the hot dog suit, and Amanda screams again.  Matt pokes his head from behind Betty, and Amanda screams again.  Matt tells Betty that Wilhelmina is cutting ten pages from the issue, and everyone is having to fight to keep their work in.  They have to go immediately to the meeting.

Daniel asks Lexie to get The Book from the art dept, and Lexie tells him to get it himself.  Daniel calls her back in, and tells her that he only hired her because she was beautiful.  He tells her to “sue him”, causing Claire to panic.  He tells her she should be a model, not an assistant.  She likes the idea.

Wilhelmina starts to cut Betty’s article, but Marc asks her to reconsider.  They then perform the hot dog song from the stand.  (Hilarious!)  They then make a great pitch to use the uniform/fashion angle , and to reshoot the pics with supermodels instead of Betty.  Wilhelmina decides to keep the article.

Later, Daniel and Betty look over the new pictures for the article, featuring Lexie and some buff male models. (HA!  They didn’t put HER in the hot dog suit!).  Daniel reminds her that she, like him, may have gotten a break in getting her job, but she had to earn it, and she had.

Archie interrupts Hilda in her beauty salon, and asks her to watch his news conference on TV.  In it, Archie says he won’t apologize to anyone, because his girlfriend is beautiful.  He apologizes instead to Hilda.  AND, his polls are going up – he’s in the lead.

Wilhelmina tells Nico that she has found out that Isabelle Bissette turned down the Mode job.  Nico reveals that SHE called Bissette pretending to be an editor at French Mode, telling her how awful it was to work for Cal and Claire.  Wilhelmina tells Nico she thinks everything is going to be all right, but we then see someone discovering the drop of blood left behind on the boat.

Marc gets Betty coffee, and Betty shows him the final edit of the worst jobs article:  she has shared her byline with Marc.  They “side hug”.

Image: Bauer Griffin

Post from: Ugly Betty News