Ugly Betty

They talk about the character Marc’s beginnings, how Vanessa Williams made it possible for Urie to shape the character from a temporary throw-away into one of the show’s main characters.  Urie has told this story many times before, and still shows a great deal of humility and gratitude to Vanessa.

There is a great deal of discussion about Justin (and Marc’s mentor relationship with him).  They replay that wonderful scene with Patti LuPone in episode 1.18, Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, in which Marc finally comes out in response to his mother scoffing at Justin. 

Then they talk about tonight’s episode, 4.06, Backseat Betty, where Marc gives Justin advice on how to handle bullies. 

"Marc’s advice is to befriend the cheerleaders, because the cheerleaders are the mean girls, and the mean girls lead to popularity," Urie says. "And if he’s with them, he won’t get messed with. And so that’s what he does."

There is also a fascinating exchange about Justin serving as a role model, and how the show treats gay characters in general. 

“And they’re not just a joke anymore," says Urie. "They deliver the punch lines, but they are not the punch lines."

Marc may oftentimes BE the punch line,  "but not for being gay, for being silly. We don’t make gay jokes on the show. … They’re smarter than that. And we’re not catering to an audience who thinks jokes like that are funny."

There is a video sneak preview on the interview page that I haven’t seen anywhere else (sorry, I can’t embed it) – it involves Marc and Justin in what will probably be the most interesting story line tonight (and strangely, the least hyped).

The page has some on the interview, but you really must listen to the audio – it goes in depth, and has that wonderful All Things Considered tone to it. (Click ‘Listen to the Story’)  Go check it out.

Image: SplashNewsOnline.com

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My apologies if this is restricted internationally.  I hope it isn’t, though.

Some of the feature is a kind of recap of the two characters for people who have not seen much of the show.  There are some neat behind-the-scenes snippets of on set filming (including a quick shot of Amanda and Matt).

Newton mentions that the writers have allowed their characters to evolve, showing their good sides.  They  say their favorite episodes are those in which Amanda, Marc, and Betty have to team up (what Urie calls the “Scooby Doo episodes”).  I have to agree.

They are both thankful that the writers put them together, because they get along so well in real life.  That also gets Amanda out of “the donut hole” and Mark from behind Wilhelmina’s shadow.

Urie walks about the fact that Marc will have more scenes with Justin in season 4.  Those are interesting to me, because Marc is simultaneously sabotaging Betty AND helping her family.

Newton talks about how Amanda is going to be wanting more out of her life, and puts and emphasis on AT MODE, so I guess she’s going to try to work her way into an assistant’s job (maybe Matt’s?  He has one already, but who knows?  She might fall out of a window )

The two also say how much fun it is to shoot in New York City, and make a joke about LA pigeons. 

Remember, TV Guide Network will be airing encore versions of each new episode of Ugly Betty the following Thursday after its original air date.

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Mark Indelicato

As far as Justin entering high school, Indelicato says, “Justin is a freshman in high school this year, and he’s not what the other kids are. The kids are superficial and don’t look at him for who he is. You’re new in a school, you’re around people you don’t know, you’re intimidated by kids who’ve been there longer than you. So that’s kind of the gist of his whole problem.”

[Me] – I’ve always loved how they’ve handled Justin’s “different-ness”.  Anyone who’s ever been to high school knows this was coming, and although the writers work around the edges of what makes Justin different, the effect is still the same.

Indelicato agrees, I think:  He says, “I am a sophomore in high school, so I know what it feels like. It’s a comedic show, but they’re not sugarcoating it at all — it’s real. The way they are portraying Justin is something, I think, that could change someone’s life. I’m trying to portray this as reality because I’ve seen this happen. I’m in it, so I know exactly what’s going on there.”

According to Mark, when the troubles start in high school, he will have an ally.  “Marc helps him out. I think he sees that Marc went through the same type of thing. He went to a public school and dealt with being different. I think he’s kind of a role model. [Justin] just loves fashion and is fascinated by Mode and the people who work there. And I think Marc is there to be a mentor and to say, "Look, it’s OK to be different, it’s OK to not be a jock and not do what everyone else is doing. Do your own thing because you’re going to be great no matter what." And that’s a big thing for Justin.”

[Me] – I’ve always though these scenes between Marc and Justin have worked well.  And, they kind of reflect reality, I think.  At Justin’s age, the last thing you want is your mother stepping in to save you when you get into troubles.  And for a young man, an older male mentor, who has been through what you are going through, carries more influence in your life.

About Hilda: “She wants to protect him [Justin] so much, but she can’t anymore because he’s growing up and she can’t really tell him what to do. It’s hard for her, but I think it’s something every mom goes through. She’s really trying to cope with him taking that step towards being a young adult and making his own decisions and fighting his own battles.”

Tonight is the night!  The Ugly Betty season 4 premiere begins at 8/7c on ABC.  I won’t be doing a live blog this season (those rarely attracted people who actually read here – they were…interesting), but I WILL be Twittering.  If you aren’t following UglyBettyNews on Twitter, now’s your chance!  And, of course, come back later for my quick thoughts and famous novel-sized recaps!

Image: SplashNewsOnline.com

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The included Ugly Betty clip is hilarious, not only because Tony Plana does the exasperated father better than anyone, but also because he guessed that Hilda is pregnant, then Hilda quickly corrected him.  I don’t know, I just found it funny because Ana Ortiz really is pregnant.

I’m glad that Archie is going to run for Queens borough president, because that will make for all kinds of interesting story lines; and Ana Ortiz as Hilda is funniest when she’s out of her element, which she’ll be as a political girlfriend.

The interview itself reminds me what seems so odd about the entire cast of Ugly Betty: they just seem so doggonned humble.  Even Vanessa Williams, Bernadette Peters, and Macchio, who were celebrities in their own right before joining the cast, seem in interviews like someone you’d just love to go have a beer with.

I’d really love to see the feature film Macchio is developing.  When I find out more about it, I’ll pass it along to you.

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First thing:  they say that Betty is "unofficially" renewed.  I know sometimes I sound like a sourpuss about ratings here, but deep down, I’ve always believed the show was coming back (although I HAVE to report the good and the bad).  I’m glad the producers say the show is "unofficially" returning.  Also, the show will stay in New York, for now.

As for keeping all the various story lines under control (a problem in season 2), Poust says, "We try to arc out different character arcs but we work really hard to figure out how to possibly put Betty into each story."  I’ve noticed that this year – they’ve done a much better job of keeping Betty at the center.

Now for a pet peeve of some of the readers here:  will Betty remain an assistant forever?  Kinnally says, "…at the end of the season… she’s getting a promotion but it’s going to come with strings attached. We love Betty most when she’s an underdog and when she’s vulnerable. That’s when she’s most relatable. When people hate her, we like her more so we have to keep some people disliking her."  Does Matt, or his parents, attach the strings, maybe?

About Justin, Poust says, "The interesting thing is that we really haven’t come up against anyone putting any boundaries on him yet. Right now, he’s a 13-year-old kid on the show so we’re trying to take it slowly, not make it an ‘issue show’ and try to keep what’s fun about Justin in that he’s completely embraced for who he is."  Kinnally adds, "We do have to be careful because he is only 13 so we don’t want to sexualize him in any way. I hope the series goes long enough where we see Justin with his first boyfriend."

As for those braces that cause so much contention, Poust says, "We don’t know. You know, it’s a hard thing because you don’t want it to be, "Oh, she finally gets to be pretty."  Kinnally adds, "That’s the message you don’t want to put out there. You want the message to be that she’s beautiful with braces so we don’t want to do a ‘Betty makeover’ but, having said that, we’ve talked about the episode where that happens. "

Great stuff.  I’d say the show is in very good hands, and hopefully we’ll have two or three more seasons to see the show blossom.  It’s a great interview – go read the whole thing!

Image: splashnewsonline.com

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I’m glad the two of them will be on together (they really do act like sisters sometimes when they appear together).  It’s kind of a shame that the promotions only feature Ferrera, but tat’s the nature of the business.

As soon as video is available, of course, you know I’ll have it for you here.  I know that some of you are in New York, so any reports from the airing will be featured prominently here.

I’d be dishonest if I said The View was my cup of tea, but if America and Ana are on, I’ll even put up with Whoopi Goldberg. 

Image: Copyright © 2008 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc./ PATRICK HARBRON

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When Regis asks Freddy about Ugly Betty, he quotes Ugly Betty executive producer Silvio Horta, who told him, “You didn’t die!”

What’s really neat is that this question was asked at the behest of one of the Getty Girls (for those of you who don’t know, this group is probably the most, uh, enthusiastic group of fans I’ve ever seen).  Getty Girl “Lady T” was actually there, and asked Regis, before the show started, to ask Rodriguez about Ugly Betty.

Miss T later got to meet Freddy, who was humble and laid back.  She, wearing a Team Getty T-Shirt, asked him if he knew about the Getty Girls , and he chuckled and said yes.

Here is a pic of LadyT and Freddy:

…and all the other Getty Girls died with envy…

One thing about Freddy Rodriguez, he really, genuinely seems like a nice, approachable guy.  Congrats to Lady T, and here’s hoping Nothing Like The Holidays is a big hit!

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But first, a few quick facts about Val Emmich:

• He was born in Manalapan Township, New Jersey.
• Although he played soccer as a boy, he contracted Lime Disease and had to give up all strenuous activities.
• During this time, Val learned to play guitar and write songs.
• Emmich is a graduate of Rutgers University (2001)
• Val was the first unsigned artist to appear on MTV’s Total Request Live
• He has released 6 albums, including his latest, Little Daggers (with the single Get On With It).
• Emmich started acting in 1997 to help pay for college.  He has appeared in commercials for Got Milk?, Burger King, and AT&T.  Along with Betty, Val has appeared on Ed, Third Watch, Hope and Faith, 30 Rock and Cashmere Mafia.

But, of course, we’re more interested in Ugly Betty, so we asked Val about it:

UBN: As Ugly Betty fans, we have to know: what has it been like, working with America Ferrera?

VE: America is truly amazing. First off, she’s a really, really good actress. She’s always considering the big picture whenever we are setting up a scene. It’s never about that particular scene but the overall story and life of the character. She has the ability to just click it on immediately. We’ll be in between takes and we’ll be chatting about our lives and then they’ll call action and she’s right into that zany character. Besides acting though, America is also a wonderfully down-to-earth person and really kind. She’s made me feel real welcome and real safe and that’s what an actor wants when they are on a set.

More after the jump!

UBN: Songwriting is such a personal thing. Some have to write the lyrics first, some, the music.  Others start with a hook or riff and build around it.  And others set out to tell a story before they write a word or note.  How does the songwriting process usually go with you?

VE: It’s almost always music first. Then melody. Then lyrics. I will often start by letting whatever emotion I’m feeling at the moment channel itself through the instruments in my hands whether it be a guitar or piano. For example, if I’m anxious, I might strum the guitar really aggressively. It’s as basic as that.

And then I let it happen really naturally. I’ll see where the chords are taking me. I’ll often mumble a melody into my laptop and then try to listen back and make out the words. Those words that I was subconsciously saying are my map and I let them guide me to what the ultimate story of the song is going to be. It’s an unorthodox approach but it works for me.

Songwriting starts as a release for me. After that initial expunging, then it becomes cerebral and I actually craft the song.

UBN: Is there more acting for you in the near future (especially Ugly Betty!), or will you be concentrating on music and touring?

VE: There will be more acting. I just finished a film called Fighting Fish and I play the lead in that. And I’m continuing to go on more auditions. I will continue to try and focus on both so long as they continue to teach me about myself. Not only are both acting and music amazing creative outlets but they allow me to test your limits as a human and that’s really the point of being alive.

Indeed.  I can’t wait to see Emmich as his star continues to rise.

Image: Newscom

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TV Guide snagged an exclusive interview with Ugly Betty’s Eric Mabius. He talks about Daniel being a father, his evolving relationship with Betty and filming in New York. It’s a great interview! Check it out below and tell me what you think about the things he said.

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Variety’s

Q. What did Daniel give Betty for her birthday in “24 Candles?” Kind of random, but we didn’t get to see her open it and I’m curious. — Cali
A. I was disappointed we didn’t get to show this scene because it turned out to be such a great moment. We had to cut it due to time — the show was too long.  After an excruciating day at work, which happened to be her birthday, Betty unwinds with Ignacio, who remembers to give Betty a gift from Daniel—he dropped it off a couple of weeks ago because, “He just wanted to make sure he didn’t forget.” Betty opens the gift to find a Shakespeare anthology. Inside there’s an inscription: “Looks like you share a birthday with another great writer…  Happy Birthday, Betty. Love, Daniel.” The gift worked on many levels because Betty was writing an article for Mode at the time and it showed how much Daniel really cares about her. But we simply didn’t have the time in the episode to keep the scene.

Excellent.  This should have been included in the episode; it would have been a great moment.  This is why it was a good idea for the show to pare things down.  Great moments were missed because the show was going in too many directions.

A little telling question and answer for Getty fans, after the jump:

Q. Did you expect Freddy Rodriguez to have such chemistry with America Ferrera, and did the relationship grow as a result? Or was their relationship always the plan? — Kay
A. I’ve always known Freddy Rodriguez to be an outstanding actor, but even so, I never expected the chemistry that he brought — it was simply incredible. Obviously, we saw this chemistry immediately and that did affect certain details of Betty and Gio’s relationship. In other words, we utilized the chemistry America and Freddy brought to the show by writing scenes with that same chemistry in mind.

OK, this was kind of a politician’s answer, but it seems to me, from reading this, that Freddy’s character wasn’t really meant to be a love interest for Betty in the beginning, but the chemistry between the two was so obvious, they had to run with it.  I guess that’s a writer’s version of “The moon was bright, the music sweet, it just kind of happened”.

One more excerpt:

Q. It’s been said that Betty’s wardrobe in Season 3 would be adapting to show that she’s starting to pick up fashion ideas from having worked at Mode. Why go that way since she’s always so worried about becoming a “Mode girl”? Or do you see her developing a fashion sense separate from her becoming a Mode girl? — Sarah
A. Betty’s new wardrobe illustrates the changes Betty is making in her life — not the changes Mode is making in Betty’s life. That is to say, Betty is evolving — she’s growing up according to her own ideals, but she’s changing nevertheless. Betty has strong morals and a strong character, thus her evolution is not a compromise. It represents her own personal growth as a person.

I mention this because it’s a very good question.  Many have been upset with what they see as the idea of Betty throwing away her principles and becoming a “Mode Girl”.  I like Silvio’s answer, though.  She’s not selling out, she’s changing on her own terms.  Obviously, she’s not letting Justin help her with her wardrobe, so I’d say that’s true.

It really is a great Q&A.  Check out the whole thing!

Image: Newscom

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