Ugly Betty

[Pyro]

I didn't see a thread for this and I was wondering if anyone is watching it.

By absolute chance I happened to see what I think are the first two episodes of the show and I'm really surprised at what I found. I don't watch much TV. Hardly any at all. The last show I watched regularly was Justice League Unlimited. Since that ended I barely even turn the TV on. So I don't know how I happened across this show. I'm assuming it comes on ABC Thursdays at 8?

I'm just taken with it because it seems so unique to me. I can't even tell what kind of show it is. I'm thinking it's like a drama/comedy with a fun premise. I actually think it's a lot like a good cartoon, so highly stylized and full of distinct characters. Betty's such a great protagonist. The sort of evil fashionistas are amusing in that they are similar to old school villiains. It's really refreshing to see something that's not reality tv, a serious crime/medical drama, or even a sitcom. It's just such a cute and sincere show that actually has a message that may seem somewhat cliche but is executed so well it's not annoying. It's not a groundbreaking show; it's not the first show to put an average-looking, opinionated woman into the superficial world of fashion, but it sure does it in a fun way.

The episode that just aired was about "the book" and Betty's quest to recover it after it was stolen from her possession. It was quite entertaining. It was like you could take the basic story and put it in almost any genre, magic/fantasy, crime, action, etc. It was cute to see it here. Last week, I think it was the first episode that aired and I only saw the last half of it. I don't know if I'll actively try to keep watching it, but it really has grabbed my interest. Maybe I'll get into it.

[maczero]

I watched it tonight just to see what it's about. Didn't like it. Filled with too many stereotypes and too many over the top characters. Which is probably what they were going for since I hear it's loosely based or inspired by a latin soap opera.

[West Mantooth]

I think America Ferrera is hot, but I can't watch this. It's certainly plays to a certain female demographic. Plus Smallville, The Office, and My Name are on.

[Dave Bennett]

. . . I'm just taken with it because it seems so unique to me.. . .

Thanks for starting this thread, Pyro -- I agree with you completely!

I wasn't really even going to give this show a look, but my wife was so hyped for it that I tuned in with her . . . and was incredibly surprised that I liked it as much as I did.

I'm impressed with the fact that it foils expectations (things are just slightly off-kilter) and it's got a lot of heart!

It looks great (amazing office sets) the characters are neat and the acting is uniformly great! I particularly get a kick out of Betty's "fashion-conscious" nephew!

You may think you wouldn't like a show about the fashion/publishing industry -- I didn't -- but you ought to give this a try! I bet it won't be what you expected!

•

[vertigo_phreeze]

i have to also agree, Pyro. i have only had a chance to watch the first episode (have the others downloaded) but i have dug what i have seen so far. i have actually been waiting for this a bit, since i got entranced by the "original" on either Univision or Galavision. apparently, the show started in Columbia and was a huge hit, and has been remade across a number of countries...not unlike a lot of popular telenovellas (sp?) and Desperate Housewives. i have already accepted that is likely to get cancelled, but i plan to enjoy it until it does.

[Deathstroke]

I programmed the VCR to tape the show last night but something happened and it didn't tape.

I'm going to have to watch the second ep online tonight. I did like the first episode, even though it had some kind of dumb things in it.

[OverMaster]

I watched it tonight just to see what it's about. Didn't like it. Filled with too many stereotypes and too many over the top characters. Which is probably what they were going for since I hear it's loosely based or inspired by a latin soap opera.

Yeah, I had to watch through the original Colombian soap opera, TWICE (My family used to watch it both in its first run and the recent rerun), and the low budget kid's cartoon based on it. God, the cartoon was awful. I posted a link to it somewhere in the 'Worst Cartoons Ever' thread.

The original soap opera... eh, I don't like it, but I *never* like soap operas.

One thing is for sure, the Mexican remake was even worse. Not even the biggest fans of the original liked it.

I assume you are watching an US remake now, right?

[mattbib]

I really liked the first episode, but last night I wasn't home and could only tape one show, and that was Smallville. If, as Deathstroke says, the second episode is online I'll try to watch it there.

[Deathstroke]

I really liked the first episode, but last night I wasn't home and could only tape one show, and that was Smallville. If, as Deathstroke says, the second episode is online I'll try to watch it there.

Mattbib, ABC.com posts the week's episode online, usually by Friday morning so it should be online. I'll be checking it out sometime tonight.

By the way, Christopher Gorham (Out of Practice, Jake 2.0) will do a multi episode guest spot as an accountant named Henry who takes a liking to Betty.

[Aggie]

Mattbib, ABC.com posts the week's episode online, usually by Friday morning so it should be online. I'll be checking it out sometime tonight.

By the way, Christopher Gorham (Out of Practice, Jake 2.0) will do a multi episode guest spot as an accountant named Henry who takes a liking to Betty.


he's cute...i could see potential for chemistry there...i saw the first ep. and it was okay...nothing to write home about...but i figure it's one of those shows that needs to get some sea legs before it really reels viewers in...i think america ferre is extrememly likable and that's a hugh plus for the show...the writing on the other hand...that needs a bit of a jolt.

[DWEarhart]

I saw the premiere a week ago, and I just could not buy into it. Good enough of a show, don't get me wrong, but I look at this girl that they tried so hard to create as their "ugly" Betty, and it just didn't click. She's not ugly, and maybe I'm just too picky, or make no sense, but I find her cute, adorable, and that just throws me off from getting into it. She didn't have to win me as a viewer over with her personality, or her charm. She wasn't "ugly" enough.

But, it was a good episode.

[Deathstroke]

I saw the premiere a week ago, and I just could not buy into it. Good enough of a show, don't get me wrong, but I look at this girl that they tried so hard to create as their "ugly" Betty, and it just didn't click. She's not ugly, and maybe I'm just too picky, or make no sense, but I find her cute, adorable, and that just throws me off from getting into it. She didn't have to win me as a viewer over with her personality, or her charm. She wasn't "ugly" enough.

But, it was a good episode.

That's the only real drawback to the show is that anyone who knows what America Ferrarra really looks like has a hard time accepting her as ugly.

You seen her? She's smoking hot!

[CaptainAwesome]

Maybe its just my tiny male intellect, but when I saw this show last week I thought it was almost the exact same plot as the movie The Devil Wears Prada. I found out later from one of my friends that it was based on some tele-novella, but I still cant get over the striking similarities to TDWP. I know it's target audience is those of the female-persuasion, but I just dont find it to be a very good show.

[Nikita]

I've seen both episodes of the show so far. I think it's kind of cute.

[Deathstroke]

Apparently ABC has only posted the premiere episode on their website. So it looks like I'm out of luck to see the second episode.

[mattbib]

Apparently ABC has only posted the premiere episode on their website. So it looks like I'm out of luck to see the second episode.DS, the second episode has since been posted on ABC's site.

[Deathstroke]

DS, the second episode has since been posted on ABC's site.

This is a weird role reversal mattbib, but thanks for the update. I'll probably watch it when I get home today.

[Nate Grey]

I saw both episodes last night on ABC.com. And at first it frustrated me, how everyone was treating Betty, then it dawned on me: its really a sci-fi show. Yeah, it obviously takes place in an alternate reality where somehow Betty is considered ugly by everyone. Only explanation I can come up with. Good gravy she's fine. Those hips...and that sexy nose. Dang. I'd take her as my first wife.

Anyway...yeah, its was pretty good otherwise, I just wish they'd write out her "boyfriend" and write ME in instead. But...I guess that's impossible. And what was up with that female Dr. Claw at the end. "She's gonna cause us trouble. What's her name?" lol Like Betty is really 007 and she's Dr. No or something.

[Deathstroke]

The second episode was a bit repetitive of the pilot, but the story was strong, though not necessarily as laugh out loud funny.

[Lone Ranger]

I've really liked much of it so far BUT (that's a big BUT)...

...the whole 'Cloak & Dagger' business is what will get me to tune out

...Vanessa Williams is beyond terrible as an actress

...the scenes in Queens are a bit of a mess. Are we going to focus on her family? On her love life? On the other people in the 'hood? What?

...the 10 year old nephew is a little too preciously into fashion.


Anyway, Betty rules and there is a ton of promise here. I just wish they'd stick to the fish out of water stuff (including her boss coming to Queens)

[Nate Grey]

I've really liked much of it so far BUT (that's a big BUT)...

...the whole 'Cloak & Dagger' business is what will get me to tune out

...Vanessa Williams is beyond terrible as an actress

...the scenes in Queens are a bit of a mess. Are we going to focus on her family? On her love life? On the other people in the 'hood? What?

...the 10 year old nephew is a little too preciously into fashion.


Anyway, Betty rules and there is a ton of promise here. I just wish they'd stick to the fish out of water stuff (including her boss coming to Queens)

I pretty much agree with you on everything, except I think Vanessa Williams is acting that way on purpose because of that ridiculous character she's playing. Also the whole thing seems like it traveled forward in time from the early 90's somehow. Just feels 90's, I don't know.

That and America Ferrarra is fine. Don't think I mentioned that yet, but, IMO, she is. Just IMO.

[Deathstroke]

ABC has picked up Ugly Betty for the full season!

[Deathstroke]

Salma Hayek will appear in a four episode arc of the show (she's an executive producer for the series) as Sofia Reyes, a newcomer to "Mode" who leaves an impression on both Betty and Daniel. Hayek has appeared uncredited in the show's telenovela shown on Betty's family TV as the maid.

[Deathstroke]

Last night's episode drew 13.07 million viewers down 700,000.

I thought the episode was really good. However, I'm beginning to wonder if this is supposed to be more of a mystery series than a sitcom. Now we've got two mysteries going on with the death of the former editor and who is Betty's dad.

And what the hell is up with that guy who cheated on Betty. Why doesn't someone in her family, assuming Betty herself doesn't do it, throw that loser out on his ass?

[Callie]

I think it's more of a sitcom that is almost a primetime soap. The whole over-the-top mystery plotline just screams soap opera with the shrouded villainess toying with the CEO of a huge publishing company, who tried to off her (her being his ex-mistress/subordinate in his company) and gave the now vacated position to his son.

[Deathstroke]

Last night's episode drew 13.15 million viewers.

[Bouncing Boy]

Both Rally and I love this show. It's so funny and I really like America as Betty. I think the thing about her being "Ugly Betty" is more how the people she works with see her. They're in the fasion industry so they think that thin is the only way to be pretty, also the way she dresses isn't up to their standards.

Anyways, after this last weeks episode (the Halloween episode) I'm starting to think that Mr. Meed wasn't the one who tried to kill whatshername. I think it was his wife, and he found out about it and put her in the sanitarium, and has done all the cover up stuff to protect her rather than cover up his own misdeeds,

[nonhosonno]

You seen her? She's smoking hot!

She sure is. Check out the pic at the top of the page (and the others, too):

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1065229/

Shit, I gotta see this week's ep on abc.com. I missed it. Already heard Salma will be in next week's ep. Boner!!!

Sincerely,

A (male) pig ;)

[MaxofSteel]

I don't know if anyone's pointed this out yet but the premise for Ugly Betty is based on the lesser known Hispanic TV series "Betty la fea". Iremeber seein a few episodes of it a few years back. The new series is really much different now.

[nonhosonno]

And mucho better, IMO. You can see Betty La Fea on Univision. I saw a couple minutes. The chick playing Betty has nothing on America.

[MaxofSteel]

And mucho better, IMO. You can see Betty La Fea on Univision. I saw a couple minutes. The chick playing Betty has nothing on America.

Heheh, agreed nonhosonno.:)

[Deathstroke]

Christopher Gorham's role as the accountant who is a potential love interest for Betty has been bumped up to recurring status. It may lead to a series regular gig next season.

[Deathstroke]

Last night's episode was really good. I loved the battle between Betty's sister and the neighbor slut Gina. One liners galore helped out too.

The episode drew 13.85 million viewers.

[Deathstroke]

Rebecca Romijn is joining the show as a series regular.

She'll be playing the mystery woman working with Wilhelmina (Vanessa Williams) to take over Mode magazine.

[Deathstroke]

The December 4th episode of the show drew 11.61 million viewers, down 1.7 million from the last new episode.

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Correct me if I'm wrong but is Salma Hayek a part of the regular cast or what? I think I have seen her on about 3 episodes at least but I often miss the other shows.

[Deathstroke]

Correct me if I'm wrong but is Salma Hayek a part of the regular cast or what? I think I have seen her on about 3 episodes at least but I often miss the other shows.

She was on the show for four episodes as the magazine editor.

She also appeared on a few of the first episodes as the maid on Ignacio's telenovela. No word on if and when she'll be back.

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Thanks for the info.

[Deathstroke]

American Idol's Katharine McPhee will play herself on the February 1st episode.

[Deathstroke]

Last night's episode drew 13.42 million viewers, up 1.8 million.

Who watched it last night?

Man, that was a great reveal about Sofia. They telegraphed it all episode long, but there really didn't seem to be much of a hint in her previous appearances.

Betty and the wardrobe lady in the strip club was a modern day Lucy and Ethel moment.

[Deathstroke]

Project Runway's Tim Gunn will appear on the February 1st and 8th episodes as a Fashion TV reporter.

[Deathstroke]

Last night's episode of the show drew 14.1 million viewers, up 700,000 viewers.

[Sparkle Motion's Rising Force]

The over-60 Faye Sommers emerging from plastic surgery 35 years younger was completely ridiculous. I don't count on this show to be "realistic" but that move was wholly unbelievable. I have a hard time believing the producers made such a stupid decision, but there it is.

[Deathstroke]

The over-60 Faye Sommers emerging from plastic surgery 35 years younger was completely ridiculous. I don't count on this show to be "realistic" but that move was wholly unbelievable. I have a hard time believing the producers made such a stupid decision, but there it is.

Except it's not Fey. It's the presumed dead Alex Meade, they made that very clear in the episode.

[Nikita]

Damn, I've missed a couple of episodes lately. I still enjoy watching the show from time to time.

What happened with Betty's dad? I saw the show were the police were at his front door to arrest him but then I missed the next show were that apparently got resolved because now everything seems ok again as far as his immigrant status.

I enjoy Selma Heyak on the show. Especially every single tight outfit she wears. Hubba, hubba.

[Donald M.]

What happened with Betty's dad? I saw the show were the police were at his front door to arrest him but then I missed the next show were that apparently got resolved because now everything seems ok again as far as his immigrant status.


You didn't really miss anything. One episode he's under arrest, the next he's back at home and his case is apparently under review. So far, that story seems to be going absolutely nowhere, though that could change.

[Nikita]

You didn't really miss anything. One episode he's under arrest, the next he's back at home and his case is apparently under review. So far, that story seems to be going absolutely nowhere, though that could change.

Ah, I see. Thanks for the update.

[Deathstroke]

Lucy Liu will guest star on two episodes of the show as Grace Chin, a former college classmate of Daniel's. Her role starts February 15th.

Also on the 15th, Jerry O'Connell (Crossing Jordan) will appear as a man that Alexis Meade (Rebecca Romijn, his real life fiance) meets in a bar.

[Deathstroke]

Jayma Mays (Charlie the waitress on Heroes) will play Henry the accountant's girlfriend Charlie starting February 15th.

[Deathstroke]

Last night's episode, which was full of great bits and one liners, drew 13.98 million viewers.

"Mantasy Island" cracked me up, as did Vaness Williams saying "I'm a few years away from having a duck quack-off on my face."

[Deathstroke]

Last night's episode was pretty good.

The idea of Wilheimina having a cleaning lady for more than ten years that she'd never even met struck me as quite amusing.

Justin kicks butt in defense of his mom and Betty learns who might be the real killer.

Whooooo just a lot of stuff going on.

The episode drew 14.35 million viewers up 350,000.

[Nikita]

I've actually missed the past few episodes. I did catch a little of this past weeks episode with Rebecca Romaijn(sp?) holding a press conference. Is she joining the show for good?

[Deathstroke]

I've actually missed the past few episodes. I did catch a little of this past weeks episode with Rebecca Romaijn(sp?) holding a press conference. Is she joining the show for good?

Yes, she's a series regular now.

[Deathstroke]

Thursday's episode drew 13.63 million viewers, down 700,000.

[Deathstroke]

Jesse Tyler Ferguson (The Class) will play Betty's orthodontist on the March 15th episode.

[Deathstroke]

Last night's episode of Ugly Betty was pretty good. They had a great funny running plot of everyone mistaking Betty's date for being Henry.

Charlie seems to be getting the idea that Henry and Betty are into each other.

Ignacio's case worker is a certifiable wackaloon.

And the whole Meade family saga has completely spiraled out of control, yet still remains hilarious thanks to Daniel's drunken mother.

The show drew 10.76 million viewers last night, down 2.4 million (up against the college basketball tournament), the lowest number since November 23rd.

[Aggie]

judith light rocks as mama meade...the scene w/ her and the case worker was hysterical and i loved the scenes between her and america...they were actually pretty sweet...it's nice to see this show hit its stride after a slow start...:)

[Nikita]

Henry is such a cutie pie. I enjoyed last night's episode.

[Aggie]

Henry is such a cutie pie. I enjoyed last night's episode.

all i kept thinking was "oh harrison john, why are you being such an idiot"...and then mary cherry's voice popped in and kept calling him "joe"...i think he's a nice addition to the cast and i hope they keep him for a while, maybe bump him up to regular status...

[Deathstroke]

Last night's episode drew 10.46 million viewers, down 300,000.

It was a great episode. Mark was gut bustingly funny. The one liners from last night's show were so numerous I can't even begin to remember them all.

[Nikita]

all i kept thinking was "oh harrison john, why are you being such an idiot"...and then mary cherry's voice popped in and kept calling him "joe"...i think he's a nice addition to the cast and i hope they keep him for a while, maybe bump him up to regular status...


All I know is the chemistry between Henry and Betty could light up a fireworks display. They are too cute. But what the hell, now he's got a girlfriend? Poor Betty. :(


You know, I'm getting really annoyed with how everyone treats Betty. She is so used and abused by everyone. The office folks are always snarky and rude to her. At home, her sis is kind of self absorbed and is always ragging on Betty. And Betty's boss? He's cute, but man, he's full of himself. It's like Betty is invisible most of the time. Bugs me man. I want her to go "all Uma/Kill Bill" style on them sometimes. :D

But I suppose that's the point of her character. She's always the underdog getting stepped on. But just you watch. One day, one day our Betty will get to "go all Uma" on their asses. Heh. (well, without the sword of course)

[Aggie]

All I know is the chemistry between Henry and Betty could light up a fireworks display. They are too cute. But what the hell, now he's got a girlfriend? Poor Betty. :(


You know, I'm getting really annoyed with how everyone treats Betty. She is so used and abused by everyone. The office folks are always snarky and rude to her. At home, her sis is kind of self absorbed and is always ragging on Betty. And Betty's boss? He's cute, but man, he's full of himself. It's like Betty is invisible most of the time. Bugs me man. I want her to go "all Uma/Kill Bill" style on them sometimes. :D

But I suppose that's the point of her character. She's always the underdog getting stepped on. But just you watch. One day, one day our Betty will get to "go all Uma" on their asses. Heh. (well, without the sword of course)

how cute was henry when he answered all the questions about what betty favorite things are??...but yeah, the appeal of betty is her "lack" of appeal...at least in the conventional sense...and though it would be fun to see, she doesn't need to go all beatrix kiddo on anybody cuz she's better than everyone else, in terms of being a decent human being and for the most part she's comfortable in her own skin and they know that...and envy that about her...that's one of the things i like about sophia's presence...she acknowledged betty and her capability...but it sucked that she used her in the process executing her own agenda...the last ep. was exceptionally good.

[Deathstroke]

Ivana Milicevic (Love Monkey) will guest star on the show's April 19th episode.

[Deathstroke]

Rita Moreno will appear on a May episode of Ugly Betty as the family's long lost relative, Aunt Mirta.

Rebecca Gayheart will also appear on a May episode. She'll play a woman that was dating Alex Meade before he faked his death to become Alexis.

[Deathstroke]

Kristen Chenoweth (Wicked, The West Wing) will guest star on the May 17th episode of the show as a dental technician who gets TOO involved in the lives of her patients, including Betty's.

[Deathstroke]

Gina Gershon will return as Fabia on the May 17th season finale of Ugly Betty.

[Deathstroke]

Last night's episode was a riot.

Between all the twists and turns in the plot and the fact that there seemed to be one amazingly funny and outrageous one liner every time you turned around, I thought it was one of the best episodes of the season.

The show drew 9.56 million viewers, up 1,000 viewers from last week's series low.

[Deathstroke]

Another damn freaking hilarious episode! The show drew 10.71 million viewers up 1.15 million.

[Deathstroke]

Thursday's episode drew 9.38 million viewers, down 1.3 million to a new series low.

I don't know why the show is losing viewers because it is getting better and better each week, and the one liners are almost non stop and endlessly funny.

Michael Urie (Mark) and Becki Newton (Amanda) are a great comedic pairing.

[Aggie]

Thursday's episode drew 9.38 million viewers, down 1.3 million to a new series low.

I don't know why the show is losing viewers because it is getting better and better each week, and the one liners are almost non stop and endlessly funny.

Michael Urie (Mark) and Becki Newton (Amanda) are a great comedic pairing.


mark and amanda are the kids jack and karen would have had if jack didn't spurn female genitalia...what a way to finish the season...i'm glad i stuck w/ the show after the slow start...it turned out to be the best show of the new season and i can't wait to see how the cliffhangers will be resolved...there were so many "holy crap" moments and and gut wrenching to boot.

[Dave Bennett]

. . . mark and amanda are the kids jack and karen would have had if jack didn't spurn female genitalia...

Cleverest line I've read this week!! Nice comparison!!

And I agree with Deathstroke --- I'm dumbfounded by the drop-off in viewers as each episode recently seems to get better and wilder and still retain its heart!

[Anna]

So, what did everyone think of the finale?

[Faded]

Heartbreaking finale!

Poor Hilda! Give that girl an Emmy/or whatever award, my mouth dropped and my heart was with the girl like she was right there in front of me. I think the ending was very well paced and really makes me want to see the next season. I dread to see how the adorable Justin will react to all of this.

Devious Charlie! Who would've known my favorite waitress with the ability to learn things--quickly!!! would be such a tramp!

The Meade Brothers! That really made me heart pumping and set me up for the Hilda/Baby Daddy (I don't remember his name!) tragedy. I love it when Alexis is showing some sort of compassion for her brother, but that twisted dynamic they have going on really works. I truly hope they are both okay.

[Anna]

Heartbreaking finale!

Poor Hilda! Give that girl an Emmy/or whatever award, my mouth dropped and my heart was with the girl like she was right there in front of me. I think the ending was very well paced and really makes me want to see the next season. I dread to see how the adorable Justin will react to all of this.

Devious Charlie! Who would've known my favorite waitress with the ability to learn things--quickly!!! would be such a tramp!

The Meade Brothers! That really made me heart pumping and set me up for the Hilda/Baby Daddy (I don't remember his name!) tragedy. I love it when Alexis is showing some sort of compassion for her brother, but that twisted dynamic they have going on really works. I truly hope they are both okay.



Justin's father's name was Santos.


I wonder if Claire and Yoga are the ones to find Alexia and Daniel in the car?

[Aggie]

Justin's father's name was Santos.


I wonder if Claire and Yoga are the ones to find Alexia and Daniel in the car?


that was kinda what i was wondering myself...the finale had everything a good finale should have and i think UB has the best ensemble cast on network tv right now...well for an hour long show that is.