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

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(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

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

Betty is going to try to get a scoop in her new job as features editor at Mode: 

She goes all out in her pursuit of Gucci’s fresh designer, Evan York (Hamish Linklater) but she needs help.  Enter Hilda, and her well-connected customer Sammy (Adam Ferrara).

Marc, of course, is still angry with Betty and tries to sabotage her. He gets the help of Amanda (as usual), AND Matt (this is why we’ve seen the two of them together – I really don’t think Amanda and Matt are really going to become a couple).

Things come to a head in the restaurant where Ignacio works.  Apparently, there’s going to be a showdown between Betty and Matt/Amanda.  I would imagine Betty is going to temporarily lose her mind.    It’s going to get so bad, Ignacio COULD lose his job over the scene that gets made.

Daniel decides to take control of his own life again.  He starts to go to meetings of a bereavement group, where he meets Natalie (Jamie-Lynn Sigler),  described as “sexy and wild”.  She ends up taking him on a wild night on the town, which “Daniel will never forget”.

(This may be one of those scenes where things are spiraling out of Daniel’s control, and he’s embarrassed – Eric Mabius is hilarious in these type scenes, like in his dream about Betty seducing him).

This will also be the episode where Wilhelmina learns that Connor is in Bermuda.  That should make for an interesting eyebrow raise.

I can’t wait to watch this episode tonight!

Image: Bauer Griffin

Post from: Ugly Betty News

Episode 4.04 is entitled "The Wiener, the Bun and the Boob". (Heh).  The synopsis:

Betty is overwhelmed with her editorial work, so Wilhemina assigns Marc to be Betty’s temporary assistant. Betty’s story idea to cover the worst jobs in New York goes south when she has to dress up as a hot dog and do a Bollywood dance number. Meanwhile, Marc frets that he’ll never be taken seriously by his idol at Vogue magazine, Hilda gets Archie’s campaign in trouble, Daniel hires a gorgeous but inept assistant (supermodel Brooklyn Decker), and Natalie introduces Daniel to the Community — a group whose charismatic leader (Dylan Baker) zeroes in on Daniel.

OMG, there is so much awesomeness going on in this episode/  Marc as Betty’s assistant!  Betty as hot dog!  Betty doing a Bollywood number!  (I guess that’s where Tommy Tune comes in.  But then again, he isn’t on the the guest star list).  Hilda gets Archie’s campaign in trouble, and Daniel hires Brooklyn Decker.  And Daniel joins a cult?

Guest stars for this one:  Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Natalie, David Rasche as Cal Hartley, Yaya DaCosta as Nico Slater, Ralph Macchio as Archie Rodriguez, Jr., Brooklyn Decker as Lexie and Dylan Baker as Bennett.

The episode was written by Brian Tanen (yeah!) and directed by Wendey Stanzler.

Episode 4.05 is entitled “Plus None”.  The synopsis:

Matt asks someone else to be his "plus one" at Wilhemina’s fund-raiser for Tibetan orphans, and Daniel hires his new BFF Natalie as his assistant, making Betty feel obsolete. Amanda keeps a secret from Betty, and Daniel discovers that his mother, Claire, has history with Cal Hartley. Meanwhile we learn the truth behind Nico’s dire straits.

It looks like I might have been wrong about Nico – there is a mystery to her story after all.  Perhaps she has not been totally up front with Wilhelmina?  And – Wilhelmina is hosting a Tibetan orphan fundraiser?  That may have been Daniel’s idea.  And Betty will feel left out.  I feel a sad song and montage coming up. 

The guest stars:  Jamie-Lynn Sigler as Natalie, David Rasche as Cal Hartley, Yaya DaCosta as Nico Slater, Piter Marek as Detective Oskar Castelar, Smith Cho as Megan, Andrew Friedman as Andy, Jordan Carlos as speech writer and Joan Poust (any relation to writer/ producer Tracy Poust?) as Mrs. Watkins.

The episode is written by Cara DiPaolo and directed by Paul Holahan.

So, our schedule so far is:

Oct 23 – 4.03, Blue on Blue

0ct 30 – 4.04, The Weiner, the Bun and the Boob

Nov 6 – 4.05, Plus None

Image: Bauer Griffin

Post from: Ugly Betty News

TV Guide

The show cross-promotes the program in a very creative way, with Betty proposing a story about it in mode, complete with a mosquito-net-clothing photo shoot.  I would imagine some kind of (real) appeal is going to be aired during or immediately after the show as well.

The show’s stars recently appeared at the UN promoting the program (and the episode) in person.

"It’s really a perfect marriage," said Judith Light. "Betty Suarez is a person who has a great heart and a great soul. So in this story, it’s not a stretch at all that she comes from a place that wants to help other people. She’s trying to change hearts and minds about the way we all relate to each other."

Executive producer Silvio Horta wanted to feature the UN on the show, which led to a discussion about Nothing But Nets. 

"We took that back to the writers, and they said, ‘Mosquito netting [and] fashion — that’s very logical," producer Richard Heus joked. "But we put that together and it worked. The storyline resonated with pretty much every member of the cast and crew. It was something we all could easily support and feel is very important. We’re very grateful."

Tony Plana thinks Ugly Betty is the perfect show to highlight the program. 

"We represent inclusion," he said. "We’re already connecting with a set of issues because of our cultural identity, and we are passionate about that. … To know that we are able to extend that [passion] beyond culture and social economics to social awareness about issues of this nature just makes you feel so wonderful about the work that we do."

The season premiere of Ugly Betty is (finally) October 16th at 9/8c.

Image: Bauer Griffin

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(Once again, sorry to you folks outside the US for the restrictions)

This one is set at the end of Betty’s awful, horrible first day.  She heads into the steam room in Mode’s gym (in case this is lost on us, the wonderful UB set department puts “STEAM” in huge letters on the doors).

Betty lies down, but her moment of peace and quiet is interrupted by Wilhelmina, who has also come for some steam.  Willi, knowing about Betty’s day, informs her that if Betty is expecting a pep talk from her, she’s going to be disappointed.

Wilhelmina lays it straight: being an assistant is boot camp, being an editor is war.  She also gives Betty a hard time about her malaria story suggestion.

When Betty finally asks for advice, Willi tells her she will need to change or be eaten alive.

I like this scene.  Wilhelmina is being helpful to Betty, on some level so far down we can barely recognize it.  Yet, she is still her usual scheming and grasping self.  This isn’t the first time Betty has seen her possible future self in Wilhelmina (remember America Ferrera’s amazing impersonation?), and Willi sees something of her younger self in Betty. 

It’s almost like some weird, fashion variation of a scene from A Christmas Carol.   But, I still like the Willi/Betty dynamic.

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