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

On the Ugly Betty set . . . visiting. Just visiting. : )

Then today:

Notes from Ugly Betty set – Everyone is well. Ana Ortiz’s daughter is beautiful. Giant hanging props (you’ll see) are hilarious.

Needless to say, Chris Gorham on the Ugly Betty set raised a lot of eyebrows, since many assume that if Ugly Betty gets cancelled and has its season finale THIS season,  characters from seasons past would show up – something that often happens in series finales.

Chris posted a clarification:

And, again, NO, I’m not back on Ugly Betty. Just dropped by to visit my friends. 

Alas, Ugly Betty fans are a little on edge right now, with the horrible season 4 ratings and all, and we worry that Gorham’s appearance might mean a little more than just a friendly visit.

EOnline’s Kristin picked this up and ran with it.  She says, “Inside sources tell me that ABC has been working on ways to try to save Ugly Betty (including the possibility of moving it to Wednesdays, as previously reported); however, if ratings don’t improve by mid spring, it’s possible that Betty will be canceled in May.”

(I think it’s safe to say that if the ratings don’t improve, Betty WILL be canceled).

A Betty insider says to Kristin:  "The writers have accepted that this season may be the last and are brainstorming endings now, just in case. The big question is: Who will Betty end up with? The writers room is deeply divided."

Hoo boy.  If this does come about, and I pray it doesn’t, we get to go through the ship wars again.  Those season 2 days were crazy, but in a way they were fun, too. 

And to you Gio fans, he is in the writers’ discussion, according to Kristin.

I hope we don’t have to worry about these things till next season, but Betty cannot survive on Fridays, critical buzz or not.  It’s all going to come down to whether or not Ugly Betty gets moved to another day/time. 

I haven’t given up hope yet, but at the same time, I’m preparing for the possibility that this season is the last.

Image: SpalshNewsOnline.com

Post from: Ugly Betty News

• Alyson Hannigan
• America Ferrera
• Amy Poehler
• Eva Longoria Parker
• Tina Fey

If this were not the People’s Choice Awards, we could go ahead and crown Tina Fey, but when you get outside of NY/LA entertainment circles, things aren’t quite so one-sided.  Tina Fey is seen as smart, but not necessarily the genius who should automatically get every comedy award.  She’s funny, but she’s not any funnier than any of the other nominees.

(And yes, I think 30 Rock is a great show)

I think Amy Poehler is funny, but she’s stuck on a not so good, not particularly funny show.

I think Ferrera is due, especially if you count her work on Ugly Betty season four. 

So, Ugly Betty Fans, I urge you to go to The People’s Choice Awards site and vote for America!

Image: INF

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

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

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