This looks like a date to me, and one that’s going well.  But, this could just be a friendly walk, such as we’ve seen Betty take with Daniel many times.

They seem to be walking around somewhere Betty knows, because she’s pointing out something to Matt.

I LOVE these red coats that Betty has been wearing, it is a very good color on her (and America Ferrera).

And Matt doesn’t resemble in any way the disheveled mess of last season.  He looks downright Daniel-like. 

This scene is interesting to me, because I haven’t seen anything in the upcoming episode synopses (and yes, I WILL be posting about them, and the shelved sweeps episode – which deserves its own post) about Betty and Matt getting back together.  So, for all we can tell, this is a (very) friendly walk.

Also, Betty either starts out, or end up, alone in this scene:

I’m guessing “starts”, because she’s headed down the stairs in this pic.  But, she looks upset, or concerned.

I know some of you (OK, most of you) are very against a Betty/Matt pairing, but, knowing the Ugly Betty writers, whatever they are setting up here is either a tease, or temporary.

Plus, where does Amanda (and her designs on Matt) play into this?  I actually kind of like the idea of Amanda and Matt, at least a little.  They do seem kind of made for each other.

Anyway, we’ll keep an eye on the upcoming episodes to see what this is all about!

Images: SplashNewsOnline.com

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Two things stand out: Betty looks more stylish than ever, and she seems kind of flummoxed.

I like the pink empire-waisted thing (is that considered a coat?  a sweater?  Forgive me, I’m showing my fashion ignorance.  To me, a coat should have buttons.  )  The hat is a nice touch, as well.  The only “Betty-fied” part of her outfit is the purse, which really stands out.

Betty seems upset about something – but I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot of that this season (Being an editor is WAR! – as Wilhelmina told Betty).  Amongst all the scheming by everyone she’s surrounded by, it’s no wonder.

What Betty needs to do is what America is doing here…exhale.

Images: SPlashNewsOnline.com

Post from: Ugly Betty News

But, last nights season 4 premiere, episode 4.01 (and 4.02), “The Butterfly Effect” was wonderful, yet I think saying “it was like season 1” would be an insult.

The show is growing up a little.  “The Butterfly Effect” was enjoyable for reasons all its own.  My favorites?

• Betty’s transformation.  So, they aren’t handling it with a Nanny McFee subtlety, but this is television.  I loved how Betty played with her bangs the entire episode, as if she was subconsciously wanting to change them.  The blog with Betty’s greatest fashion hits was funny.  The new Betty is hot (nice touch, having the crew member double take as she walked by).
• I liked the braces-off teaser dream sequence.  It makes me really excited to see them come off for real.
• This was Justin’s episode.  Ugly Betty tends to give us drama with a heavy hand, but Mark Indelicato used mostly expressions and body language to portray his misery.  I hope they give him a little comedy in the future (and Justin needs an ally at school – pronto!), but his first day at school was portrayed perfectly.
• Marc’s in a weird position this season – hate/sabotage Betty, have empathy for and help Betty’s family.  Not to mention his insecurity with Wilhelmina’s future.  Michael Urie pulls it off, though.
• I LOVE the new Nico storyline, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I love YaYa DaCosta’s portrayal of her.
• 46-year-old Vanessa Williams is still the most beautiful person on the show.  With every scene she’s in, you can’t take your eyes off her.
• Speaking of, the sight gags in this episode were subtle and hilarious.  Those of you who paid attention in history class will know why Wilhelmina’s banging on the podium at the UN with her shoe was funny.  Also, Kristen Johnston’s temp character looking for “Daniel Miagi” – almost made up for the fact that Ralph Macchio was only in one scene.
• I’m really curious where they are going to take Amanda.  Seeing herself 20 years from now was quite a wakeup call, and she’s obviously decided to do something with herself.  (Writers – Please send her to community college.  OMG, what possibilities!)
• Matt and Megan are going to be the perfect foils for Betty this season.  Megan’s resentment seems more “real” – Matt’s just being a jerk.  Did anybody else love it when Daniel punched him?
• Speaking of, the Detty moment after the punch set up the Daniel / Betty story line for this season.  It will be interesting seeing them act as sort-of peers.

Before the show aired, I was worried about the writing in this one – but they struck a perfect balance.  No, it wasn’t madcap (except for the “Lion King” dream sequence), and the drama didn’t hit you over the head – instead, it felt like a nice visit from an old friend, who has changed but is deep down still the friend you remember.

Welcome back, Ugly Betty.  Stick around a while, OK?

Image: SplashNewsOnline.com

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America looks GREAT, and she’s really got this red carpet thing down (thanks to time and Vanessa Williams).  America is wearing a black Moshino safety pin-embellished crepe dress paired with gold peep-toes.

Speaking of Vanessa:

The lady can still bring it in this LBD.  Check out the two-toned shoes!

Becki Newton was there.  She wears this ruffled Prabal Gurung Fall 2009 sleeveless top and striped tulip skirt well, although with my agricultural ancestry,I have an overwhelming urge to get clippers and shear her.

Congratulations to America Ferrera and the Ugly Betty cast for supporting such a wonderful cause.

There are many more photos after the jump, including a very layered Tony Plana, Michael Urie looking a little tired after a whirlwind few days (sun and sand notwithstanding), and an old friend Ugly Betty fans will recognize right away.

Also, Ted Allen (my favorite foodie nerd) was there, so I had to throw in a pic of him!  Check them out…

Images: Fame Pictures

Post from: Ugly Betty News

America and Becki raced down the challenger slides at at the humongous water resort.  This looks like so much fun.  This was from an actual scene, and not just the two playing around, I believe, because Ferrera is “wearing” her braces, and you almost never see her with braces on unless she’s in character.

As you can see, Betty isn’t exactly wearing a string bikini (neither is Amanda for that matter).  They are both wearing proper waterslide attire, if the stories I’ve heard from my friends, who worked at water parks, about bikinis and water slides are true.    But both of them, though, are just as cute as can be.

You can tell, the two had a blast filming this scene.  And their characters were obviously getting along (at this moment).  The last pic I’ll show you is one of sheer joy, and I can’t wait to see it in the final production.

There are more – look for them soon.  There are a few of Mark Indelicato (Justin) and Ana Ortiz (Hilda), and a dolphin that I can’t wait to show you!

Images: SplashNewsOnline.com

Post from: Ugly Betty News

Anyway, Ugly Betty made the list.  Not surprisingly, the suggested hook up is a Detty hook up.  As their caption (submitted by a fan) to a photo of Daniel and Betty says, “I know [creator Silvio Horta] is saying no, but the fans say yes. I kind of thought it was the point of the show. She was hired by his father to be a competent assistant he was in no danger of sleeping with. In the end, they should absolutely get together and bring it full circle.”

Since every (or almost every) incarnation of this show has ended with the “Daniel” character getting together with the “Betty” character (SirLizard can verify), this discussion will always be there under the surface.

I also think that Silvio Horta, no matter what he says publicly, might be steering us in that direction.  EveryGirl Molly was a surrogate Betty, and sex addict Matt is a surrogate Daniel (especially with his new, slick look).

My thinking on this has evolved a little over the years.  When the show is winding down (and let’s face it, they’ll know this winter if season four will be the last for Ugly Betty), I’d like to see the two get together.  They could have several episodes exploring the excitement and confusion of this. Then in the series finale, I’d like to see Daniel propose.

Betty could accept, and that would surely be a fitting ending for the show.  Even better, Betty could turn him down.

The couple could then declare their eternal friendship, and Betty will have truly grown up before our eyes.

(There is the added benefit that such an ending would leave the Henry, Gio and Daniel love stories still possible in the dreams of the fans of each character).

But, I could also live with Betty and Daniel hooking up, too. 

Image: Zuma Press

Post from: Ugly Betty News

This is video from early in season four of Ugly Betty, maybe the 2-hour premiere.  If this is any indication of what the season is going to be like, Ugly Betty is going to be BACK in a big way!

(The video doesn’t start for a few few seconds, but stick with it)

This is the partially made-over Betty, looking pretty darned good, IMHO.  But, we don’t get too much of a chance to look at her, because this is one crazy dream sequence.  The entire Mode staff (sans Daniel – who makes a brief appearance at the beginning) is out to get Betty.  Literally.

This being a dream / exaggerated memory sequence, they chase her with crossbows and poison darts.  There’s even a slow-mo Matrix sequence.  And acrobatics.  OMG.

Daniel Eric Gold as Matt is quite cleaned up, even having spiky hair.  He still isn’t over Betty, at least in this sequence.  Also, Amanda makes a very funny cankles reference.

We even get a question answered:  yes, Betty’s glasses do get broken.

I don’t know about you, but this has me absolutely psyched for the new season!  I’m telling you, watch it now!

Post from: Ugly Betty News

<p

Amber’s book is a collection of poetry and prose about about her observations on life in Hollywood. This book exposes a lot of Amber’s personal feelings and experiences.

Amber pulls no punches in her characterization of young life in Hollywood:

We’d all love to stop eating
the poisonous parts of our wildness.

I cannot imagine America Ferrera not liking this book, whether it was written by her friend or not.  In fact, having read Ferrera’s speeches, both political and otherwise, I think America would make a great author herself.  She could offer an interesting perspective on a young Latina’s life behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.

You can purchase the book here.

Hat tip: GilmoreGirlsNews.com

Post from: Ugly Betty News

But there’s more – apparently America Ferrera’s Betty was made to do all sorts of, shall we say, interesting things that day.

Pulling a rickshaw with Marc and some couple of substantial girth?  Is this some sort of initiation?  Possibly.  At first I thought it was the case that Marc had some power over Betty – he had something she wanted or had info she didn’t want revealed.  But, Marc himself dresses up as a hot dog bun (something Marc would NEVER do willingly):

But, it wasn’t just Betty – check out Brooklyn Decker pedaling the rickshaw, giving a ride to two shirtless men:

OK. maybe she just posed with the rickshaw and the shirtless men, but wow.

Wow.

And, who is this guy?

(Image: SplashNewsOnline.com)

Looks like a relaxed Sam Waterston. 

More info and pics after the jump.

Now, I have more questions than answers.  But,as one of you said, it looks like this season of Ugly Betty is going to be no-holds-barred; I don’t think there’s going to be much subtlety early in season four.  If the show gets cancelled, it won’t be because they held anything back, comedy-wise.

It may save the show, or they may crash and burn.  Regardless, it’ll be fun to watch.

Images (unless otherwise noted: Bauer Griffin)

Post from: Ugly Betty News

Guess who else is nominated in this category?  Ugly Betty stars America Ferrera and Ana Ortiz. 

Will Ferrera lose once again to someone on 30 Rock?    Just kidding.  Hayek was VERY funny on 30 Rock and would deserve the award if she wins.

There’s no TV Movie Drama category, or certainly Ortiz would have been nominated for her work in Little Girl Lost: The Delimar Vera Story, as was the case with the Imogen Awards.

The ALMA Awards, in their 15th year, celebrate Latino achievements in film, TV and music.  This year they will be hosted by Eva Longoria Parker.

Salma is also receiving a special achievement award, the Anthony Quinn Award for Industry Excellence. 

For the testosterone set, Ugly Betty’s Tony Plana and Mark Indelicato (yeah!) received nominations as Best Actor in a TV Comedy. 

Also of Ugly Betty note: alum Freddy Rodriguez was nominated for his work in Nothing Like the Holidays, along with co-star Elisabeth Peña.

Ugly Betty honorees in the behind-the-scenes category include Salma Hayek and Silvio Horta as executive producers, and hairstylist Mary Ann Valdes.

The ALMA awards will be held/filmed September 17 at the Royce Hall Auditorium at UCLA and will air Friday, September 18 (8:00 to 10:00 p.m., ET/PT), on ABC.

See the whole list of nominees at the official website.

Congratulations to all the nominees!

Image: SplashNewsOnline.com

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