Promo and Previews for 4.13

Here are episode previews for 'Chica and the Man' which airs this week Wednesday on ABC at 10pm EST in the U.S.





As ever, many thanks to Luana aka IrenePrybrowsky for posting these clips on You Tube. :)

CNN.Com on 10 Reasons Why Ugly Betty Will Be Missed

By Olivia Allin, The Frisky
January 29, 2010 5:22 p.m. EST
 
(The Frisky) -- Just when I thought the week couldn't get any worse, ABC decided to cancel "Ugly Betty."


I had a bad feeling that might happen when the show was suddenly on at 10 p.m. on Friday nights, when no one cool (besides me) is home to watch it. The show will end in April due to the ailing ratings in the past two seasons. I bet the reason they lost viewers was that "Betty" moved times and days so much; I actually didn't know it was still on during most of season three.

Steve McPherson, the president of ABC, and executive producer Silvio Horta issued this statement: "We are announcing now as we want to allow the show ample time to write a satisfying conclusion."

The only satisfying conclusion for me would be if they said, "Just kidding! We love 'Betty'!" They have moved the show to Wednesdays at 10 p.m. (ET), which is going to confuse even more viewers. But since there's nothing that can be done at this point, let's celebrate what it was with the top ten things we loved about "Ugly Betty."

Looks Like There Is Life After Ugly Betty As Cast Members Are 'In Demand'

Ugly Betty' cast in demand

Nets salivating over actors from canceled, bubble shows

By Nellie Andreeva
Jan 28, 2010, 11:00 PM ET

The news of the cancellation of ABC's "Ugly Betty" had barely hit the Internet on Wednesday when the phones of the reps of co-star Eric Mabius started ringing off the hook.

With broadcast casting executives again in the hunt for good-looking thirtysomething leading men for pilots, Mabius' sudden availability made him instantly a hot commodity.

The early cancellation of "Betty" was done mostly to help the dramedy's producers give it a proper ending, but the timing of the announcement also releases into the pilot talent pool a strong cast just as networks are starting to assemble this year's crop of series hopefuls.

"Betty" co-star Becki Newton, also in a sought-after category of beautiful 30-year-old comedic actresses, has additionally been inundated with calls, and Vanessa Williams, Michael Urie and Ana Ortiz also are in demand. It is not clear whether star America Ferrera would be open to another series as she is considering focusing on features full time.

To accommodate the "Betty" cast, which collectively landed two best ensemble SAG nominations , the producers of the show are trying to wrap production before the previously scheduled March 25 date so the actors can do pilots. Broadcast pilots generally film from the beginning of March through the end of April.

The "Betty" cast is among a couple of dozen actors from recently canceled and on-the-fence series that have development executives salivating.

"The networks and casting directors in Hollywood are looking very closely at the casts that have or will become available on shows like 'Dollhouse,' 'Ugly Betty,' 'Nip/Tuck,' 'Three Rivers' and 'Lost' and bubble shows like 'Scrubs' and 'Better Off Ted' to cherry-pick actors," casting executive Marc Hirschfeld said.

Networks often cast actors from bubble shows on pilots in second position, betting that those series won't return.

Hollywood Reporter

Comment: Ugly Betty.... Where Did It All Go Wrong? Part 2

Here is the second part of the piece:

3) After Season 1, it was no longer 'completely' funny- This show is supposed to be a dramedy, but in most cases, the problem during the latter seasons, was they just had too much drama and not enough humour- there was this terrible balance between the two.  The comedy in Season 1 was epic, but what struck many of us was it was written in such a brilliant manner; it was campy- yet it managed to strike a chord with TV audiences everywhere. It had heart, it was also hilarious but without it becoming contrived and farcical to the point it was almost unwatchable. It had all the key ingredients, which would've prolonged its success- HAD the writers maintained it and not get rid of most of its goodness.

Season 2's humour on the other hand, was more of a case of it being juvenile, silly and so sloppily written, that in most cases it wasn't that funny, to tell you the truth.  

The intelligent, well-written comedy from season 1 was missing throughout the series. Considering as this is a dramedy, this particular aspect is what many fans tune into, and we were left dissapointed that this well written humour, was not being developed throughout the entire show.  No doubt the drama was there 100% of the time, but the same cannot said about the comedy.

Fans Thoughts On Betty's Cancellation #2 Jazmine

In the second of the fan interviews, it's long-time Betty and Vanessa Williams fan, Jazmine:

1) How did you feel when you found out Ugly Betty was cancelled?

Jazmine: I was devastated. I was in the middle of play practice when I checked my Blackberry and typed Ugly Betty in twitter search and checked i saw "UGLY BETTY CANCELLED" from EW. I screamed and everyone asked what was wrong I went to the bathroom and had a huge fit. I was pissed, angry, hurt and sad all at the same time. I still dont know how I feel I knew it was coming but I still wasnt emotionally prepared.

2) In your eyes, who do you blame, or who would you blame for the show being cancelled? ABC, silvio horta-creator of the show and the writers or somebody else?

Jazmine: I blame America and its viewers for not realizing quality shows and caring about sex more than heart. We care about "reality" more than heart. Our priorites have been all wrong and it really sucks because Ugly Betty was one of the few shows that I watched faithfully and actually meant something.

3) What are you going to miss most of all about the show?

Jazmine: I will miss the message of the show since I have been with it since 2006 when I entered high school and I looked at Ugly Betty as a best friend, I truly looked up to that show and it saddens me to let it go. I will miss Wilhelmina because she was my favorite character but I will mostly miss the whole cast. They had wonderful chemistry and were truly like a family.

4) What do you think went wrong, or at what point did ugly betty lose its focus as a show and if you can, suggest how Silvio and co should've approached it.

Jazmine- Nothing- I honestly dont think anything was wrong. yeah, some so so eppies but what show doesn't? UB IMHO was AMAZING!

5) In your honest opinion, yes or no do you think Ugly Betty fulfilled its potential as a show?

Jazmine- Well, I think it did the best it could given the circumstances (moving around a lot). I honestly think UB was a truly ground-breaking show and changed many lives and in the end that was the goal. I'm sure this season will continue to be amazing and will go out with a bang. Surely Ugly Betty will NEVER be forgotten- its too good for that.

*Thanks go out to Jazmine aka Willie Rox on Twitter.

Fans Thoughts On Betty's Cancellation #1 Montana and Joshua

After the news of Ugly Betty's shocking axe last night, I really wanted to find out what other fans had made of this decision by sending a few questions on Twitter. Here is the first in a number interviews, beginning with Betty fans Montana from the U.S and Joshua from the U.K:

1) How did you feel when you found out Ugly Betty was cancelled?

Montana: To be honest, I started crying when i found out. I was shocked! The show was my life, it was how i escaped being teased and made fun of by kids at school. It changed every Thursday, Friday and Wednesday. All of my buds are upset as well. Ha Ha! I actually wore Black for my mourning outfit. I was heartbroken. Its like half of my has been taken and thrown into the dumpster of a world with no Betty.
 
Josh: It was actually a shock when I found out Ugly Betty had been cancelled. I thought ABC had more faith in it to be honest, and I thought they would have left any statement on cancellation until the end of season 4. Not during the middle of it. So, its cancellation was a surprise to me.

2 ) In your eyes, who do you blame, or who would you blame for the show being cancelled? ABC, Silvio Horta-creator of the show and the writers or somebody else? Also say why as well.

Montana: I blame the taste of the overall television watchers. Ugly Betty is a show that only people who have real taste can watch. I also blame ABC. I think the story line was so great even through the third season. Everyone made that big freak out about how the third season was not as good, personally I thought it was one of my faves.

Josh: This is kind of a hard question for me. I ultimately blame ABC, because they moved it to Fridays. I find it hard to believe they really 'loved the show' when they decided to move it to the worst rated slot. They should have just left it at Thursdays 8/7c. However, and this is quite hard for me to admit, but I partly blame the writers. During the end of season 3, the show morphed from a comedy drama to complete drama - Molly's storyling particularly. Don't get me wrong, I still love Ugly Betty and with season 4 we've got back that wonderful comedy drama. But towards the end of season 3, there was a slight difference with the episodes.

3) What are you going to miss most of all about the show?

Montana: This was an amazing show. It was like a cartoon it had out there people and out there topics and the people were very stereotyped, but then out of this cartoon you found the other side of everyone which humanized the show, the show basically teaches us that superficiality is only skin deep. With its daring plots, BOLD people, this was the gayest show on television and I LOVE IT. I was able to laugh and cry at the same time on almost every episode or every season. The fact that even is it is not the best episode it always touches you in a huge way is so amazing. BRAVO I WILL MISS U.

Joshua:  I will miss everything about Ugly Betty. Honestly just the whole cast. America Ferrera has been such a great actress and you can still see the passion she has for Betty. I really loved the whole plot and its developed so brilliantly over the 4 seasons. I also love Ana Ortiz this year particularly, she's a good comedy actress but she is also brilliant at the hardcore drama moments; like recently when Hilda lost the baby.

 Also, Becki Newton - a star since the start. I still love the whole scene when Betty first walks into MODE. "Are you the before?", "Are you d-e-l-i-v-e-r-i-n-g something?" LOL it is so funny. She has been a real joy to watch, not just her looks! I hope she has a bright future ahead of her. I would say those are my top characters, but the rest are fab too, I love everyone. But from another angle, as a design student, I will actually miss the sets. I love the MODE offices, and the Suarez house - both sets are really vibrant and contrasting and I actually think the designers of the Ugly Betty sets should get massive praise. I will miss the theme tune, all of Jeff Beal's music actually - those scenes would be nothing without his jingles. Most of all though, I will miss Betty's progression and transformation and her seeing good in everything. I will miss this show so much, truly.

4) What do you think went wrong, or at what point did ugly betty lose its focus as a show and if you can, suggest how silvio and co should've approached it.

Montana: ABC. I think Ugly Betty should have been given a 5th season, This show needs a fifth season, but because they have 8 episodes to finish the story these amazing writers can do anything!

Josh: As I said earlier, the final episodes of season 3, the show morphed from comedy drama to solely drama and I don't think many people liked it. It would have been good to have a very entertaining plot line as well as the hardcore dramatic scenes like Molly's plot. However I don't want to blame Silvio or anyone at the team because ultimately I've still kept with the show, season 3 never made me want to switch off - I just missed the laughs that we had in season 1 or 2.

5.  In your honest opinion, yes or no, do you think Ugly Betty fulfilled its potential as a show?

Josh: Yes. Ugly Betty filled its potential so much. The classic story of not judging someone by its cover - America and most of the world fell in love with the story. It was conveyed in a modern way and with amazingly talented actors.
* Thanks go out to Montana Thomas and Joshua Tindall on Twitter! Cheers guys for your input- it was much appreciated! :)

Comment: Ugly Betty.... Where Did It All Go Wrong? Part 1

By Waiching Liu

The end has arrived for Ugly Betty- yet many questions are left unanswered and of which demand real answers for and by the fans.

Wednesday 27 Jan 2010: the day ABC crushed the dreams of many Betty fans and its cast members, who were anticipating the 100th episode. Well That will never happen now.

ABC 'killed' Ugly Betty and along with it, its hopes and any reputation it had had ; chairman Stephen McPherson announced that Ugly Betty's reign will end in April of this year- and to rub salt into the wounds-added that the originally proposed 22 episodes for season 4 have been reduced down to 20 episodes. That's minus 2. Terrible, just terrible really and says a lot about ABC.

For many fans, the decision became a bitter pill to swallow and as they are left shaking their heads in bewilderment, they are also having to come to terms with the fact that there will be 'no more Ugly Betty', once the final episode finishes airing in the U.S in April.

The show has suffered and survived a barren spell throughout seasons 2-4 during the toughest times when Ugly Betty was being severely panned, criticised, slated AND by ex-fans and critics alike for its storylines and writing. Not to mention the deteriorating viewing figures from season to season.  It was struggling to maintain the success they had in the first season and building on its positives.

After the massive achievement of Season/series 1 back in 2006-07, surely the only way is up for Horta and co, right?

Variety- Ugly Betty's Run To End For Good Beginning In April

Posted: Wed., Jan. 27, 2010, 12:36pm
ABC show set to end run
By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

'Ugly Betty' will end its run on ABC in April after four seasons. ABC execs made the call to allow producers to plan for a finale.

ABC's "Ugly Betty" is strutting off the primetime catwalk.

"Ugly Betty" will close its doors this April with a series finale, the network confirmed on Wednesday. Decision to end the show's run was announced to "Ugly Betty's" cast and crew Wednesday morning.

Show still has four episodes left to produce this season -- and series exec producer Silvio Horta now plans to use that opportunity to tie up loose ends and wrap things up.

"We've mutually come to the difficult decision to make this 'Ugly Betty's' final season and are announcing now as we want to allow the show ample time to write a satisfying conclusion," Horta and ABC Entertainment Group chairman Steve McPherson said in a joint statement. "We are extremely proud of this groundbreaking series and felt it was important to give the fans a proper farewell."

ABC ordered 20 episodes of the show this season. The Alphabet likely plans to keep the show running straight through the beginning of April, when the finale is tentatively scheduled to run.

Decision to end "Ugly Betty's" run doesn't come as a huge surprise; the show narrowly avoided cancellation last year but was moved from its longtime Thursday home to a rough Friday-night berth this fall. More recently, the show has joined ABC's hot Wednesday-night lineup, bowing earlier this month in the 10 p.m. slot.

Season to date, "Betty" has averaged a 1.7 rating/5 share among adults 18-49, as well as 5.3 million viewers. That's down from last year, when the show ended the season with a 2.6/7 in the demo and 8.1 million viewers overall.

Based on Colombian telenovela "Yo soy Betty la fea," the ABC Studios-produced "Ugly Betty" is now in its fourth season. Horta exec produces with Salma Hayek, Jose Tamez, Richard Heus, Victor Nelli Jr., Jon Kinnally, Tracy Poust, Henry Alonso Myers and Sheila Lawrence.

"Ugly Betty" stars America Ferrera as Betty Suarez, a fashion-challenged assistant-turned-associate editor at fashion mag Mode. Show also stars Eric Mabius, Tony Plana, Ana Ortiz, Judith Light, Becki Newton, Michael Urie, Mark Indelicato, Daniel Eric Gold and Vanessa Williams (who plays the scheming Wilhelmina Slater).

"Betty" already made waves this season for unveiling the character's new, much-less-ugly look. By the end of the original Colombian telenovela, Betty shed her ugly duckling persona -- and fell in love with her boss. It's unclear whether Horta has a similar idea in mind for the U.S. show's finale.

Variety.com- Ugly Betty

Happy B' Day Ana! + 8 Facts About Her !

Last Monday 25 Jan, it was Ana Ortiz's birthday- she turned 39. I completely forgot all about it until it was mentioned on Twitter today. But anyway, us fans want to wish our Ana a happy b.day and hoped she had a great time. Here are a few facts about the actress, who plays the fiesty-yet sassy big sis of Betty's:

• She was originally born in Manhattan, New York on January 25, 1971 (which makes her an Aquarian) and is of Puerto Rican and Irish descent.
• Ana graduated from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.
• She is currently married to musician, Noah Lebenzon and has a daughter named Paloma.
• As well as being an actress, she is also a singer. She has a Major in vocals from the Laguadia High School of the Performing Arts in New York- coincidently, it is the same performing arts school where the 80s movie and TV series 'Fame' was based in.   
• Ana is a vegetarian.
• At first, she pursued ballet dancing, but afterwards she turned her attention to singing and acting.
• Her first-ever TV role was in the movie version of Dr Quinn: Medicine Woman, which starred British actress Jane Seymour in the 1990s. She also appeared in guest roles in E.R and the sitcom, Everybody Loves Raymond.
• When she first applied for Ugly Betty, she auditioned for the role of Betty Suarez but then afterwards, Ana decided she was too old for the part and that she didn't want to play that character. The producers asked her back to rehearse for the role of Hilda, which she did-, and she in the end landed the part.

* Facts compiled and collated from these sites (see below) 

IMDB- Biography

TV Guide- Ana Ortiz Biography

America Ferrera: Past Characters Will NOT Come Back, Main Characters Will Develop

America Ferrera did a recent interview with ABC News at the Sundance Film Festival.

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=9666116

Here, she discussed about the development of Season 4 of Ugly Betty, in addition to promoting her new movie, 'The Dry Land' and how the remainder of this series will be played out: [there will be] “New relationships…or…old relationships that become new, and kind of change a little bit”.

America also quotes that some old characters will NOT be returning; with particular reference to Betty's past boyfriends, Henry, Gio, Matt. America replies, “No, I think it’s more that the characters that are there are going to kind of…their relationships with each other are going to…transform, or grow.

After her split with Matt, it looks as if the writers want to persist in Betty's quest in finding love, with the most likely person to be Daniel. I believe that the rest of season 4 and season 5 - which I am hoping we will see afterwards- will see the characters relationships, friendships taken to the next level. Not just romantically with Betty and perhaps Daniel but also Marc and Amanda.

We haven't seen very much of Marc and Amanda as a pairing in season 4 in contrast to the previous seasons - with Horta and co concerntrating on their individual progress both at work, and love-wise, though it would be great to see their friendship blossom even further and consumated this season. We know they are such great friends for each other, but many Marc and Mandy fans really want to see something happen between them, which will strengthen their support and bond for each other. Not romantically per se, but 'platonically'.

Over the past 4 years, we have seen characters fall in and out of love, as well as see friendships grow and develop in the process and if say characters do get together, especially Daniel and Betty, it will always be difficult to know in which direction to take this show afterwards.

Most fans want to see a fifth season, and so any signs of Daniel and Betty actually falling for each other in season 4 will (literatelly) be the 'kiss of death' for Ugly Betty. There are, of course, plenty of anti- Detty shippers and fans, who strongly oppose any type of romantic-based Detty ending and of whom believe that Daniel and Betty's ship is nothing more than brotherly/sisterly love that they just cannot see them as being anything other than friends.

I believe there is so much more left in this show to be explored with upcoming and potential storylines and more quality guest stars applying their talents that seriously this show can't end on a fourth series, right? Even with Betty and Daniel together.

For the sake of the series at least, this cannot happen until the very last few episodes of season 5.

Waiching

Broadway Actor Brian Stokes Mitchell To Play Wilhelmina's Ex

'Ugly Betty' exclusive: Broadway vet Brian Stokes Mitchell cast as Willie's ex

By Michael Ausiello
Categories: News, Ugly Betty

Jan 25, 2010
11:53 AM ET
 
A skeleton is about to tumble out of Wilhelmina’s closet in the form of Tony winner Brian Stokes Mitchell.
Sources confirm to me exclusively that the Broadway vet is joining Ugly Betty in the potentially recurring role of Willie’s former flame, Don.

The twist? The guy is everything Vanessa Williams’ self-absorbed, superficial taskmistress is not: traditional, down-to-earth, and blue collar.

That’s right, Willie used to be in love with an average Joe.

Scandal!

Mitchell, who also spent seven years as Dr. Jackpot Jackson on Trapper John M.D., is slated to make his Ugly debut in late February.

Ausiello Files- EW


Fans of the 90s U.S sitcom 'The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air' will easily recognise Brian- he played a newscaster named Trevor, alongside Hilary, who was working as a TV weather girl during seasons 5 & 6. His character met a terrible fate, when by proclaiming his love for Hilary, he jumped out of a aeroplane and died!

I wonder in what capacity Brian will play on the show, as he is casted as Willie's ex- flame. Will he try to woo her back? Will Willie fall for him and what happens if, say Connor gets out of jail and finds out about her and Don?

This Don character is also more traditional, blue collar-ish compared to Connor, and yet it got me thinking, he could be similar to Ted from season 1. Remember him? He was the suave-yet easy going talkin' Texan, of whom Wilhelmina had a brief relationship with.

But anyhow, welcome to Ugly Betty, Brian!

New Season 4 Cast Promo Pics!

ABC, Spoiler TV and TV.Com have posted these Season 4 promotional photos of the cast members on their websites and they all look fantastic. I actually prefer this set of season 4 photos over the previous S4 ones- maybe it is because of that great butterfly background. Check them out!  :D

Photos by ABC

TV.Com- Ugly Betty

Save Ugly Betty Vid And Link To Petitions

As you are aware, there have been rumours concerning Ugly Betty's future and the possibility that a fifth season won't be made and shown. The show has improved so much and this current season has seen huge improvements with each episode, thus it has got better and better. Unfortunately, the ratings have been dipping a lot in season 4- although the last 2 episodes has seen Ugly Betty's viewership increase- not by a large margin, but they are still respectable enough to warrant a final series.

The show deserves one more season, so please, take the time to watch the video and afterwards, sign the 'Save Ugly Betty Petition' by clicking on the link below:

Petition Online- Save Ugly Betty

Here are a few more similar Ugly Betty petitions going around the ranks:

Petition Spot.Com - Save Ugly Betty

You Choose- Save Ugly Betty!

Thanks
Waiching - Writer of The Michael Urie & Ugly Betty Fan blog

Ugly Betty Vids On You Tube

I thought I would post a few links to Ugly Betty related videos, clips and episodes that I have found on the likes of You Tube.

You Tube- Ugly Betty Online  - Here you can find and watch all the season 4 episodes of the show so far; is updated regularly

You Tube- Mr Tvoreo - This user has all the episodes from seasons 1-3, as well as all the current season 4 ones; is also updated regularly

You Tube- Irene Prysbrowsky  Massive Ugly Betty fan from Italy, Luana Brancato posts previews of forthcoming episodes, as well as the best moments from each episode and all the Mode After Hours webisodes featuring Marc and Amanda

You Tube- UBAmandafan2 - Bia from Portugal is a massive Becki Newton and Amanda Tanen Sommers fan, as well as a Marc and Amanda one. Her fan-made vids are excellent.

Make sure that if you are signed up to You Tube that you subscribe to these users. You don't want to miss out on the vids, clips and episodes.

Wednesday Night Figures For Ep 12: Ugly Betty 'Beats' Leno

A good week for Ugly Betty and its fans after Wednesday evening's airing of the 'Blackout' episode in the U.S :

Ugly Betty (10-11pm): Opposite CBS' veteran CSI: NY in the 10 o'clock hour,  ABC's Ugly Betty defeated NBC's Leno by 33% among Adults 18-49 (1.6/4 vs. 1.2/4).


Betty increased its overall audience week to week (4.6 million vs. 4.4 million)

The Futon Critic- Breaking News

Yes the figure is still below 5 million, and I, like everyone else, truly wished it was much higher than that, but it's still encouraging news. Plus, it beat Jay Leno, which is no mean feat whatsoever. So yes, job well done this week! :)

Season 4 Episodes Ranked By Me *update*

1. The Weiner, The Bun & The Boob- Still my favourite ep. Those outfits still crack me up
2. BLACKOUT*
3. Be Shure
4. Back In Her Place
5. The Passion Of Betty
6. Level (7) With Me
7. Backseat Betty
8. The Bahamas Triangle
9. Plus None
10. Blue On Blue
11. The Butterfly Effect part 2
12. The Butterfly Effect part 1- not only is it my least favourite ep so far, but also my least favourite season opening episode as well, compared to Seasons 1-3. It just didn't do much for me at all.

*This week's episode in block capitals and highlighted in blue

Ausiello Spoiler: Hilda Meeting Up With Bobby's Parents!

Looks like it’s getting serious between Hilda and Bobby.

Ugly Betty has tapped Lainie Kazan (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and Nestor Serrano (24) to play Bobby’s Italian parents, Dina and Anthony, sources confirm to me exclusively.

Hilda meets her potential in-laws in this season’s 15th episode when she hosts a get-to-know-you dinner in their honor. Her mission (aside from, you know, getting to know them)? To find out if there’s any truth to rumors that Bobby’s dad has ties to organized crime. Unfortunately, the dinner does nothing to allay her fears.

As of now, Kazan and Serrano are booked for one episode, although I’m told they could return later in the season.

EW Ausiello Files

*Hat tip: thanks to Nena on Twitter!

Legend Liza Minelli To Appear On Betty?!!!

January 21, 2010

1:57 PM ET


Fox411 Exclusive: Liza Minnelli joining cast of 'Ugly Betty,' sources say

Fox411.com has learned exclusively that Liza Minnelli is joining the cast of "Ugly Betty" this season.

The Broadway and Hollywood icon begins work next week and will be appearing in multiple episodes later this season, say sources.

Our set insiders tell us Liza will be playing Lena Korvinka, a high school drama teacher at Justin's (played by Mark Indelicato) school.

Liza has an intense filming schedule that begins in Brooklyn on January 28th and runs until February 12th, the sources say.

"There were massive rumors last year, then again in early January that Liza was being courted for the show, but Liza originally hadn't planned to do the show. 'Ugly Betty' producers presented her with a great offer and a hilarious story and they kept coming back to her," said our source. "She's going to be playing an outrageous drama teacher and it is going to be fun! Liza is excited to be playing another off-the-wall character like Lucille 2 on 'Arrested Development'."

Liza was going to have knee replacement surgery at the end of January, but due to the 'Ugly Betty' schedule, it looks like she's put that on hold. "She's a professional and everyone is excited for her first day!" our insider said.

A spokesman for Liza Minnelli told Fox411.com that he had no knowledge of Minnelli's involvement with the hit show and said she was not currently on board.

"Liza is a fan of 'Ugly Betty' but I am not aware of any current plans for her to join the cast," said the rep.

Emails to ABC were not returned.

"Ugly Betty" went from a weak Friday time slot to a stronger place on ABC's Wednesday night comedy schedule at 10PM this fall. So producers, including show star America Ferrera and Executive Producer Salma Hayek, are doing their best to bring in big names.

"Salma has her eye on the what's happening at all times, and she's an involved woman in the production process. I wouldn't rule out a chance that she will be back on the show as well," said our insider. "The cast, crew and writers of the show are working hard to regain their following after the Friday night graveyard time slot."

- Kelly Will

I had no idea America Ferrera is now one of the producers of Ugly Betty. wow. Anyway, it seems more than likely that Broadway legend and musical star, Liza Minelli will make a guest cameo appearance on the show.

There had been speculation in the past with regards to the show's producers trying to land the star of 'Cabaret' on several attempts and whilst it has been denied by her representative, there's no doubt that Liza will surely lend her acting chops to Ugly Betty.

I think this is great- she is undoubtedly one of the most famous names from stage and screen and plus, she'll be playing a drama teacher so it is going to be fascinating to see how well she excels in this particular role. I truly believe Liza is going to do great things on Ugly Betty. I'm guessing we'll be seeing her in a few episodes and so, it's not the case of her appearing in a few scenes in one ep, and then that's it; Liza won't appear in the following ep.

The show has been struggling in the ratings still recently in the U.S, and according to Buddy TV.com writer Maria Gonzalez believes Liza's role could be the 'springboard' to getting this show back on track:

It would certainly be a welcome surprise for the Ugly Betty cast and crew, as well as the fans. Despite their move to Wednesdays, the show's ratings have been pretty weak this season. Perhaps a visit from Minnelli will make it all better.

Buddy TV.com- Ugly Betty

I agree that the producers need to go full steam ahead and try and do everything as possible to keep Ugly Betty afloat. But it's good to see that Horta and co are not prepared to go down so easily. Even though  the rest of the audience have lost complete faith in the show, die-hard Betty fanatics, such as ourselves have not. As a show, Ugly Betty is NOT by any means dead and buried. And having Liza is one way to maintain this show and keep it going for as long as it can.

Speaking of 'visits', producers, could you perhaps turn your attentions to Debbie Allen....

Promo For 4.13 'Chica And The Man'

Here is the promo for episode 'Chica And The Man' which airs on February 3rd- which in addition, is coincidently enough, my 29th birthday as well!



*Courtesy of ABC and Primetime Promos on You Tube

Thoughts on 4.12 'Blackout'

*This may contain spoilers

• Marc and Amanda together yay!
• The Daniel and Wilhelmina scenes were great- at first at each other's throats, the next they are seen making out in the elevator. couples counciling scene was humourous too. 
• Poor little 'gay-bie' -haha, great line from Amanda
• 'Betty's voice brought darkness to the land'- yet another great Amanda quote!
• Daniel: (on Marc) 'he runs so funny'  hahaha!
• Amanda setting Daniel and Willie up together was priceless
• Marc and Betty scenes were good too- from arguing to agreeing with each other. the scene where they were joyous when they were clapping their hands the lights at the meade building lit up. and then Marc removing them again afterwards! haha!
• Betty's bad kareoke attempt was funny and embarassing yet hilariously bad all at the same time
• ignascio attacking Bobby in pitch black- it was kind of funny I must admit
• Daniel snogging (kissing) Willie and getting his lights punched out afterwards. Whoah there! likewise, with the punch, I didn't that coming at all!
• Marc got promoted as a junior fashion editor- yay!! About time too I'd say as well.
• Hilda losing the baby- wow that was heavy. Wonder what is going to happen to her and Bobby's relationship now
• The ending with Betty and Marc watching TV in her apartment was great.

*Final Thoughts

This was such a feel- good episode. it was more upbeat and light-weight compared to last week's, which whilst it was pretty good, it was just too heavy- laden with the drama. And it had a sad ending to go with it too. The Marc and Amanda and Betty moments were great; I liked everything and every storyline in this one. There was nothing I truly disliked about it whatsoever. We haven't had many Marc and Betty moments in season 4, but thankfully we got them here.

All in all, it was a great one to watch. I loved it! : D

Link to Watch Episode 12

Here is a link where you can watch episode 12, 'Blackout' in full:

Z-Share.Net- Ugly Betty

Thoughts and Comments are on the next post.

Promo Photos For 4.13- 'Chica & The Man'

"Chica and the Man" – Wilhelmina is furious when she discovers she has a drag queen impersonator – Wilhediva Hater (portrayed by Vanessa Williams' brother, Chris Williams). The fur flies with unexpected results amid guest stars who include RuPaul Charles as Rudolph, the emcee of the cabaret. Meanwhile Betty receives an award for her blog, which causes tension between her and Daniel. When she vents online, her fans in blogosphere escalate the feud, and the press hounds Daniel. Amanda rehires Helen (Kristen Johnston), but Willie orders Amanda to fire her — which Amanda just can't bring herself to do. And Marc runs his own photo shoot with a famous director (played by Carlos Leon) and actress, on "Ugly Betty," WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Posted by Clarrisa, photos by ABC

TV Overmind- Ugly Betty

EW Ausiello- New Love Interest For Betty & My Comment

'Ugly Betty' exclusive: 'Mad' man Rich Sommer woos Betty

by Michael Ausiello
Categories: Mad Men, News, Ugly Betty

Photo from Contact Music

Betty Suarez is officially on the rebound.
Mad Men’s Rich Sommer (see above) has landed a potentially recurring role on Ugly Betty as a love interest for the show’s suddenly-single heroine, sources confirm to me exclusively.

Sommer, who is in between Mad Men seasons, will play Jimmy, a Seth Rogen-esque fireman who goes on what an Ugly insider calls “the date from hell” with Betty.
Sommer’s first episode is slated to air in March.
In related news, let’s observe a moment of silence in memory of Matt and Betty.

EW Ausiello Files- Ugly Betty

Comment:

Wow, another love interest for Betty? What is this, 'Betty gets laid'? She has had more boyfriends/love interests in every season of the show compared to the other characters, which is just extraordinary. 5 for that matter. Cannot the writers give the girl a break for once?

As unfortunate as the parting of Matt and Betty was, it was yet again another example of Horta and co. creating and building up a character in one season- only to dismantle it the season after. They did it with Henry, then Gio and Jesse and now Matt.

But what really bothered and may I say angered fans the most, especially those of Daniel Eric Gold's character, Matt Hartley, was how the writers brought and got Betty and Matt together in episode 8... only to split them up, 3 episodes later. It was just, IDK, a case of the writers not knowing what to do with that relationship and where to take that relationship further on. Horta and co may claim they were running out of ideas to take Betty and Matt's relationship and so they had to end it... but they did exactly the same thing with Henry and Gio as well. They too got tossed in the bin and as a result, it angered the shippers of those two characters.

Non-Metty and Matt fans will probably rejoice at his departure from Ugly Betty and of his split with Betty... but when one looks at it, does the split itself  neccessarily warrant yet another 'new' boyfriend in Jimmy for Betty to set her sights on? In truth, the answer is no.

The relationships aspect is not what I watch this show for mostly; however, I do look forward to the characters finding love with other people and sustaining that relationship throughout. Yet the impression we are literatelly getting from Silvio Horta etc is that 'when you're in love, it never lasts long'. Well, that is rubbish.

As much as Ugly Betty is a wonderful show in many respects, continuity is something that is completely and utterly devoid in terms of progressive romantic storylines.

Enough is enough with these new love interests for Betty, which keep popping up more and more as the show progresses: after her split with Matt, the idea of her getting into another relationship with yet another guy a MONTH LATER, is just crazy. She needs to remain single throughout and for the writers to concerntrate on her status and worklife as an editor during the remainder of season 4 and season 5, up until say the last 3 episodes of that season.

Why won't the writers take note and listen for once, because the way they are handling Betty's relationship, is really getting tired and out of hand, as well as annoying many fans. Seriously, this HAS to stop.
 
Waiching

Episode Details for 4.14 'Smokin' Hot'

Posted by b3rt4 at Saturday, January 16, 2010

FASHION WEEK GETS HOTTER THAN EVER FOR BETTY WHEN THE SUAREZ FAMILY HOME CATCHES FIRE, ON ABC'S "UGLY BETTY"

*Guest Stars Include Kristen Johnston, Neal Bledsoe, Designer Brian Reyes, John Tartaglia and Adam Rodriguez

"Smokin' Hot"

Wilhemina marginalizes Betty during Fashion Week but Daniel intercedes, and she's assigned to cover a low-priority show. There, she discovers a new designer, Marisa, whom she promotes as one of the 10 Designers to Watch, but Marc steals all her thunder. Meanwhile, Amanda is impressed by Helen's (Kristen Johnston's) sewing skills and teams up with her to start a new line, but cannot convince Marc or Betty to lobby Wilhemina on her behalf. Claire's son Tyler (Neal Bledsoe) comes to New York to find her, and Daniel gets seduced into modeling. The fashion and the feelings are smoking hot, but the real flames are at the Suarez home, which mysteriously catches fire, on "Ugly Betty," WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Spoiler TV- Ugly Betty

*Hat tip- thanks to donna dobreva on Twitter

After reading the details for this ep, I'm absolutely sure this will be the 'fashion week' episode of season 4. We've had a 'Fashion week' episode in each season of the show, 'I'm Coming Out' (season 1), 'Zero Worship' (season 2) and 'There's No Place Like Mode' (season 3) so far and I'm thrilled that we are going to see another one yet again. I loved each and every one of those fashion week episodes and so, I'm hoping that 'Smokin' Hot' will be just as fantastic as the others.

Betty discovers a new designer named Marisa and promotes her as one of the 10 designers to watch- yet Marc is there to sabotage proceedings. Okay, maybe sabotage is not the right word for it, but one thing is for sure- Betty has competition in the shape of Marc, who I'm sure is going to approach it in a competitive way.

Marisa is a designer and so if she is as good and interesting a character as she is on screen, then I don't see why she cannot get a job at Mode afterwards and become a new seamstress. But of course, she will never replace Christina, but after reading that line in the synopsis about Marisa, it sounds good. Plus, ever since Christina left to go back to Scotland towards the end of season 3, there hasn't been anyone filling her shoes at Mode. Yet could Marisa turn out to be that person?

In addition, I think this is the episode where we will see Amanda utilise her creative skills and imagination for style and fashion. We all know that she wants to get a promotion at Mode and so, what better way for her to demonstrate her worth as a upcoming designer by teaming up with Kristen Johnston's, Helen. A stroke of genius., right?!

As for Daniel, modelling- well what do you know?  Do you think we might be seeing him strutting down the catwalk aisle? My instincts tell me yes- but my head tells me no.

It should be a fantastic episode though- if it is as good as the other fashion week episodes from the past seasons, then us fans will be looking forward to something spectacular and outrageous as ever.

Season 4 Episodes Ranked By Me- *update*

1. The Weiner, The Bun & The Boob- Still my favourite ep. Those outfits still crack me up  
2. Be Shure
3. BACK IN HER PLACE*
4. The Passion Of Betty
5. Level (7) With Me
6. Backseat Betty
7. The Bahamas Triangle
8. Plus None
9. Blue On Blue
10. The Butterfly Effect part 2
11. The Butterfly Effect part 1- not only is it my least favourite ep so far, but also my least favourite season opening episode as well, compared to Seasons 1-3. It just didn't do much for me at all.

*This week's episode in block capitals and highlighted in blue

Promo and Previews for 4.12

Here are the promos and preview clips for next Wednesday night's ep, 'Blackout', which commences at 10pm Eastern time in the U.S. Watch out for the Daniel and Wilhelmina kiss in the elevator- ooh err! just wow! :O

Hat tip *Thanks to Primetime TV Promos and Irene Prysbrowksy aka Luana/Nanyscia on You Tube

Thoughts on 4.11- Back In Her Place

Here are my thoughts on episode 11, 'Back In Her Place' ( a day later than expected)

*Note; this may contain spoilers

• I thought Fisher Stevens did a really good job as Betty's landlord, Mr Z- he played a menacing guy, as well as a somewhat fair one too with a lot of conviction. Fisher and Kristen Johnston are my favourite Season 4 guest stars so far. 
• Willie and Connor snogging- or be it kissing each other in jail, that was something
• Have to admit Bobby and Hilda both look good together I have to say
• Connor pulling the wool over Willie's and our eyes- I thought he would die or get killed and so I was bit surprised when I saw him alive and well. Willie wanted to commit to Connor, but for some reason he didn't feel the same way on this as she did.  Looks like Wilhelmina is going to move on from him and perhaps onto Daniel. Judging by next week's preview that is.
• Betty starting a blog - 'b. Inspired' sounds like a great title too.
• Okay so Marc and Amanda moved into a new apartment as it was bigger than the other one they were living in before. I understand why they had moved out now. Thanks go to the writers for mentioning that via Amanda.
• Marc and Daniel - wow Marc is proving to be a reilable assistant. 4 years ago, he was scheming against him with the help of Willie but he has grown so much and has shown to Daniel how hardworking and capable he is.  
• In a way, it felt like a 'filler' episode in places.
• Hilda and Bobby outside a club/gig  named Ace of Base?- as in Swedish pop band? as in 'I saw The Sign' Ace of Base?, Writers explain please. I'm baffled. Or are they just some fictitious rock band.
• Gum on Daniel's beard- WTH?! Well, hopefully it'll be gone during the next episode. Seriously, it has to go now.
• Wow, Betty really meant business when she confronted Amanda about the 2 months back rent that was unpaid to the Mr Z, didn't she?
• We all expected Matt to depart from the show but most of us never expected it would happen in this episode.
• Willie got jilted by Connor- she got played by him. I think that if he does get out, I wonder whether Willie would be looking for revenge. Hmm... 
• Betty has been great in season 4- the writers have handled America's character really well; I liked the fact that she realised that it was time to 'let go'- even though it was something that she didn't want to do herself. But she has grown up a lot and that she knew Matt has dreams to go to Africa, and whilst she was shocked at first, Betty realised that it was about time that she became happy for someone else's happiness, as opposed to her own. Even if it means not being there with him in Africa to share his happiness. Phew, that was a long explanation! :)
• Betty and Matt saying goodbye to each other- Metty and Matt fans, you need tissues at the ready for this last scene.  

*Final comments- On second viewing, I thought it was an interesting- if not mesmorising episode;  it felt more like a filler as I mentioned but it did manage to wrap up the Connor and Matt storylines well. I don't think we have seen the last of them and for as long as we get a 5th season, they could still feature yet on Ugly Betty .

The ending with Matt and Betty parting was good-but kind of sad at the same time.

However, I was expecting a lot more from this one- it felt short off the mark to become a great episode. It needed more humour and more spark to liven things up.

So in all, it was good, but I expected more from it.

Working Link to Watch Episode 11

Here is a link where you can watch episode 11 'Back In Her Place' online:

Z SHARE.net- 4.11 Back In Her Place

Comments and thoughts coming up.

Horta: On Betty Spin-Off, A Musical And Season 5

Silvio Horta Ponders 'Ugly Betty' Spin-offs, Musicals and Hope for Season 5
Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Maria Gonzalez

Staff Writer, BuddyTV

With all that's been going on in Betty's life, who would've thought there'd be more coming in? Of course, all is in the realm of possibility, as Ugly Betty creator Silvio Horta admits. That just means we'll do our best to plead them into making it work.

The first step would be hoping the ratings would improve. We've all noticed how weakly Ugly Betty's been doing with the numbers, so it would really help if the show's viewership increases.

"It is disheartening and we wish more people were watching as we've felt that everything has been gelling this season and we've been really doing great work," Horta told DVR Playground in an interview.

There's definitely been a creative resurgence on this season of Ugly Betty, but just how far will the creative juices go? There's been talk of a musical episode for the series and Horta says he's going to need more time for that to occur.

"I would love for it to happen, but there are two problems: Time and money," the creator explained. "Essentially working on a musical episode involves all of my time and energy and most of the time and energy of the production team. And at this point, I'd rather keep going in the direction we're heading rather than focus on one episode and let all the other good stuff we're doing fall by the wayside."

Translation: the guy gets more time if the series extends to season 5, and to do so would require higher ratings. But if Ugly Betty doesn't work out, there could be Marc and Amanda to fall back on.

On the idea of a spin-off for these two quirky characters, Horta explained: "Obviously I think Michael [Urie] and Becki [Newton] are amazing but my focus right now is keeping this show going and getting it to a fifth season."

"[O]f course, out of all the characters on the show that have spin-off potential, Marc and Amanda are the most natural choices. They're terrific and the amazing chemistry they've got is so rare."

Still, if a fifth season can't really push through, Horta's put aside some options. "I definitely don't want to just end, so we're planning two different versions. One, if this is the last season and another if we get to continue for a fifth year, which of course is the one we're hoping to use."

He also said, "But we're proud of what we get to do and happy with the work and at the end of the day that's ultimately what you've got to be happy with because everything else is out of your control."

Buddy TV.com- Ugly Betty

Michael Urie Interview With The Advocate & Comment

Found this amazing article with Michael Urie whilst visiting the Ugly Betty Daylife website:

above: Michael with Becki Newton at 'So Help Me God!' party
Broadway World.com
December 8, 2009
Photo by Adam Nemser/PHOTOlink

The Advocate February 2010
The Not So Ugly Truth

As he takes on his second role as a gay man in fashion, Ugly Betty’s Michael Urie sets the record straight about his own life.

By Jason Lamphier

Few actors get the chance to play two memorable gay fashionistas in the same lifetime. Even fewer get to play them in the same day. But that’s exactly what Michael Urie did last spring and summer, when he found himself dashing from the set of Ugly Betty, where he plays bootlicking fashion magazine assistant Marc St. James, to the stage of The Temperamentals, where he portrayed Rudi Gernreich, the iconoclastic designer who before folding himself firmly into the closet helped establish one of the first gay rights groups in U.S. history.

“I’m not fashionable,” Urie admits, hunched over a cup of coffee at a table in one of his favorite Manhattan brunch spots, just blocks away from his Hell’s Kitchen apartment. The 29-year-old Juilliard grad, who once had dreams of staying in his suburban hometown outside Dallas to teach high school drama, has basically become synonymous with his foppish Ugly Betty character. But on this rainy, chilly Sunday afternoon in December, Urie’s outfit—frumpy dark gray sweater, frayed cap, simple logo tee—is far from exceptional. There’s not even so much as a pattern in sight. Wilhelmina Slater would be mortified. “And here I am,” he continues, “playing two people in the fashion world, one of which has to hide the fact that he’s gay in order to succeed, the other of which is successful because he’s gay.”

It may at first seem too coincidental that Urie spent several months flip-flopping between such similar roles. But while some would say the situation smacks of typecasting, it was actually a matter of happenstance. Urie had been doing readings of The Temperamentals with its gay writer, Pulitzer finalist Jon Marans (Old Wicked Songs), well before he landed the prime-time role that put him on the map. When Marans resurfaced to recruit Urie for the showcase of the play in New York City’s Studio Theatre last April, Urie says he was hardly reluctant. “When I was deciding whether to do it, the biggest negative was that it was another gay character who works in fashion,” he remembers, “but I knew I would be doing something very different than what I do on Ugly Betty.”

Through its sold-out performances, critical buzz, and word of mouth, The Temperamentals extended its limited 2009 engagement for several weeks, finally closing at the end of August. In late February, however, Urie will return for the show’s third off-Broadway incarnation at New York’s New World Stages, the production again coinciding with shooting for Ugly Betty. Audiences who see this latest version will notice that while Urie’s depiction of Gernreich is at times caustic and comical, it’s a considerable cry from his reliably campy turn as Marc.

Set in 1950s Los Angeles, The Temperamentals is the true story of gay Communist activist Harry Hay (played by Thomas Jay Ryan) and his Jewish, Viennese lover, Gernreich, the costume designer who would later become famous for his topless swimsuit and would grace the cover of Time in 1967. Embittered by the antigay discrimination they witness, the closeted pair team with three friends to create the Mattachine Society, the widely overlooked and pioneering American gay rights organization. “It was just too soon,” says Urie, explaining why the group failed to leave a deeper footprint on gay history. “Almost 20 years later was Stonewall, and that was very dramatic. The Mattachine Society was a quiet rupture, while Stonewall was a violent eruption. Mattachine was a secret organization. The more they wanted to branch out, the more they got scared. But in many ways it’s a fascinating story that paved the way. It’s Mad Men meets Milk.”
Taking its name from an early euphemism for gay men, the play not only delivers an enlightening, poignant lesson on gay proto-activism, it also reveals another side of Urie, who nimbly renders Gernreich as the conflicted, driven professional he was.

While Hay went on to openly embrace his sexual orientation and form the Radical Faeries in the late 1970s, Gernreich left his fight for gay rights behind to focus on his career. “He’s an artist who survived the Holocaust and now he’s faced with a world where ironically as a fashion designer he can’t be himself,” Urie says. “To me, he’s a hero, a pioneer, and he’s troubled—he’s got a major problem. He has to hide part of his life to make it in the fashion business. It wasn’t like he pretended, but he never came out.”

Ugly Betty Now 'Officially' Part of ABC's Wednesday Night Comedy Block

[01.07.10 - 08:59 AM]

ABC COMEDY BLOCK IS #1 FROM 8-10PM
Released by ABC

[NOTE: The following article is a press release issued by the aforementioned network and/or company. Any errors, typos, etc. are attributed to the original author. The release is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information.]

ABC Comedy Block is #1 from 8-10pm - Modern Family is Wednesday's #1 TV Show

....10-11pm: On its premiere in the time period, ABC's Ugly Betty hit a season-highs in Total Viewers (5.1 million) and Adults 18-49 (1.6/5). Betty also marked ABC's strongest performance in the hour with regular programming in 10 weeks (10/28/09).

Quick Take for Wednesday, January 6, 2010 (Fast Affiliate Live + Same Day Ratings)


In its 10pm Premiere, "Ugly Betty" Marks Season Highs and Produces ABC's Best Numbers with Regular Programming in the Hour in 10 Weeks


Wednesday Night (8:00-11:00 p.m.)

"Ugly Betty" (10:00-11:00 p.m.)
On its premiere in the time period, ABC's "Ugly Betty" hit season-highs in Total Viewers (5.1 million) and Adults 18-49 (1.6/5). "Betty" also marked ABC's strongest performance in the hour with regular programming in 10 weeks since 10/28/09.

The Futon-Critic News

In addition, whilst I was on Twitter, @KateOH reports that McPherson says 'ABC still loves 'Ugly Betty'; is trying to find a good spot for it. Maybe send it into Wednesday comedy lineup'.

....wants Ugly Betty to grow on Wednesdays and pick up some of the audience from the half-hour comedies.

I think the news regarding Ugly Betty's slot in the Wednesday Night Comedy Block was expected; however, I just kind of wished that ABC came out in full force to declare the show's immediate future by making some kind of official statement to underline their support for Ugly Betty. One good thing ABC have done was taking the show off Friday nights and putting it onto Wednesday nights.

Another thing which struck me was when Stephen McPherson, ABC president, mentioned that they are still in love with the show, and that the network is remaining faithful with Horta and co. Therefore, they have no plans as of yet in cancelling it. For the first time, I am happy that ABC are finally showing their support for Ugly Betty. It shows they have no given up on it- it's now a matter of millions of people watching the show. The more viewers it gets, the better the survival rate.

The fact that it is lumped with Modern Family, ABC's highest rated hit show, as well as debut of last year, gives Ugly Betty a fighting chance of surviving for at least one more season.

I guess from here on it makes sense: should Ugly Betty's viewing figures improve throughout the remainder of season 4, then a fifth season of the show looks certain to happen. Simple as pie. I know America's love affair with Ugly Betty sadly seems to be all but over. But that doesn't mean the hardcore fans should follow suit as well. So fans, please make sure you tune into the show on Wednesday nights.

The Futon Critic- ABC Comedy Block

Current Standings For Season 4 episodes Ranked By Me So Far

Here is my run down of all the Season 4 episodes shown so far and ranked in order of preference by myself- beginning with my favourite at number 1, down to my least favourite.

1. The Weiner, The Bun & The Boob- still love this episode to bits. Can't get enough of those silly suits! Oh and Betty and Marc's dancing too!
2. Be Shure
3. The Passion Of Betty
4. Level (7) With Me
5. Backseat Betty
6. The Bahamas Triangle
7. Plus None
8. Blue On Blue
9. The Butterfly Effect part 2
10. The Butterfly Effect part 1- not only is it my least favourite ep so far, but also my least favourite season opening episode as well, compared to Seasons 1-3. It just didn't do much for me at all.

As the season progresses, more episodes will be added to the list and the ordering will change slightly each week as well. Depending on how much I enjoy each episode and how each one fares with the others.

Episode Details for 4.13 'Chica And The Man'

Press Release by ABC:

WILHELMINA IS ENRAGED BY HER DRAG QUEEN IMPERSONATOR, AND BETTY GETS AN AWARD FOR HER BLOG, ON ABC'S "UGLY BETTY"

*Vanessa Williams' Real-Life Brother, Chris Williams, Portrays Wilhediva Hater
*Additional Guest Stars Include Kristen Johnston, RuPaul Charles and Carlos Leon

"Chica and the Man"

Wilhemina is furious when she discovers she has a drag queen impersonator - Wilhediva Hater (portrayed by Vanessa Williams' brother, Chris Williams). The fur flies with unexpected results amid guest stars who include RuPaul Charles as Rudolph, the emcee of the cabaret.

Meanwhile Betty receives an award for her blog, which causes tension between her and Daniel. When she vents online, her fans in blogosphere escalate the feud, and the press hounds Daniel.

Amanda rehires Helen (Kristen Johnston), but Willie orders Amanda to fire her -- which Amanda just can't bring herself to do. And Marc runs his own photo shoot with a famous director (played by Carlos Leon) and actress, on "Ugly Betty," WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

"Chica and the Man" was written by Gail Lerner and directed by Victor Nelli, Jr.

Spoiler TV  - Posted by b3rt4

Comment: Re. To Ugly Betty News's Tom's Take on Season 4 Amanda (& Marc)

Tom from Ugly Betty News posted this really interesting account on Amanda's role in Season 4 and it seems that I and few other fans aren't the only ones bemused by what is happening with her this series, after her star turn last season.

(on the preview clip of episode 11) Amanda comes around the corner, and an angry Betty corners her (literally). Apparently, Amanda has been moved out of Betty’s apartment for two months, but hasn’t paid any rent in all that time. Of course, Betty is not amused.


Amanda tries to run away, but Betty stops her with one of her crutches (from the fall when she wore the ridiculous heels). She stops her from going the other way with her other crutch.

Betty then finds an aggressiveness we’ve never really seen on the show before,and tells Amanda that she’s going to have to fix the problem, whatever it takes.

         

Betty is downright scary in this scene. I don’t know if they’ve ever let America Ferrera play Betty with such raw anger before (in Bad Amanda, she got angry, but in her usual passive-aggressive “Betty” way).

I see from this scene that Ferrera does anger really, really well. I’d like to see this side of Betty every now and then (but certainly not all the time). 

Now, I have two questions (actually 3) – why and where did Amanda move? And, how does the fact that Betty is moving “Back In her Place” fix the back-rent problem? The bonus question, of course, is – where is Marc in this whole situation?''

Ugly Betty News- Ep 11 Sneak Peak

For all the positives that are being talked about in Season 4, up to this point, it has been a 'miss' so far with regards to Marc and Amanda. I truly feel that writers have stagnated with their progression as a duo this season, not just in terms of the lack of laughs and humourous moments but in developing as human beings.

I understand that those two are growing apart from each other individually, but it shouldn't mean having to sacrifice their screentime together.

Promo Photos For 4.12- 'Blackout'

These are promo photos for episode 12 'Blackout'- I had no such luck accessing them through TV.com but thanks to Wilhelmina Slater followers, Willie Rox aka Jazmine, Vanesssa Williams Fan and Dardeile on Twitter, they provided me a link to the photos posted on The Oysters and Pyromania Live Journal Community.

Many thanks and credit to those guys for the link- I appreciate it.

Photos by ABC

Live Journal- Oysters & Pyromania Daniel and Willie Community

Ugly Betty's Figures Improving Over Friday Nights's But Still Way Below

Ratings: CBS wins the night, ABC comedies return with a bang

by Mandi Bierly
Categories: News, TV Biz, TV Ratings, Television

CBS may have won the evening with the celeb prank show I Get That a Lot and the 36th Annual People’s Choice Awards, but third-place ABC also has reason to celebrate. Modern Family scored its highest ratings in both total viewers and adults 18-49 since its premiere. It was the night’s top show among the latter, coveted demo. Cougar Town posted its highest numbers since mid-October, while the 8:30 p.m. episode of The Middle managed a series high in 18-49. Even though Ugly Betty, debuting in its new non-Friday time slot, couldn’t quite defeat Jay Leno, it did hit season highs in both 18-49 and total viewers.

Time Show Viewers (in millions)
8 p.m. I Get That a Lot (CBS)

The Middle (ABC)

Mercy (NBC)

Glee (Fox)

One Tree Hill (The CW) 8.5

7.5

7.3

3.4 (repeat)

.9 (repeat)

8:30 p.m. The Middle (ABC) 8.2

9 p.m. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC)

The 36th Annual People’s Choice Awards (CBS)

Modern Family (ABC)

Glee (Fox)

Gossip Girl (The CW) 10.8

10.7

10.2

3.4 (repeat)

.5 (repeat)

9:30 p.m. Cougar Town (ABC) 7.9

10 p.m. The Jay Leno Show (NBC) 5.2

Ugly Betty (ABC) 5.1

EW Hollywood Insider- CBS Wins Wednesday Night's Ratings Battle

In other words, it performed better than it did when it was on Friday nights-yet 5.1 million is still a bit far off. But of course, it was up against CBS's People's Choice Awards Ceremony, which garnered more viewers than Ugly Betty.

Hopefully though, things will look up next week and figures should improve this time round. Yes it didn't get off to a great start, but at least it was an improvement over Friday nights figures of last year.

Plus. it was also the season's highest viewed episode in the 18-49 demo so far- which has to be a positive thing all-round.

My prediction: I think Ugly Betty will do much better next Wednesday night.

7 Sneak Peaks For Episode 11 'Back In Her Place'

Here are 7 preview clips from 'Back In Her Place', which airs next Wednesday night on ABC in America at 10pm.

Many thanks to Luana aka Irene Prysbrowsky for posting these on You Tube.

EW's Michael Slezak Guest Star Choice For 'Betty': Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert + 'Ugly Betty': Let's make this happen, God!

by Michael Slezak
 
Jan 8, 2010
06:21 PM ET

The 11 of you who don’t follow Adam Lambert on Twitter may not be aware of his no-longer-secret desire to snag guest-starring roles on True Blood, Weeds, and/or Gossip Girl. To recap, the American Idol season 8 runner-up responded to rumors about a possible role on Glee by announcing: “Glee guest star rumor: it’s a rumor. Sorry guys.”
 
Then, in three subsequent status updates, Adam went on to daydream a little about his small-screen acting aspirations: “If I had to pick a show to guest star on I’d loooooooove to be on True Blood. Or Weeds. Those shows are amazing. Prob need some major acting classes though first. The casts of both those shows are first rate. Oh yeah. I’d love to be on Gossip Girl too! Leighton is amazing. I should be Blair’s shopping buddy. Hahah.”
 
Now, because Adam managed to blend together my two favorite subjects in the world — horse racing and what’s for lunch American Idol and scripted television — I couldn’t help but do a little daydreaming of my own, and I thought it might be fun for all you Idoloonies, too. So here’s the challenge: Put on your Hollywood executive hat, then name the ideal show — and be sure to suggest a specific role! — for Idol’s glittery powerhouse. I’ll start:
I’d cast Adam as a Trevor de l’Abdul, contestant on a Project Runway-esque show for aspiring fashion designers — where Vanessa L. Williams’ formidable editrix Wilhelmina Slater just so happens to be a judge/mentor.

Things get complicated when Trevor hooks up with Willie’s gay-in-waiting Marc (Michael Urie) during a Mode-sponsored cocktail party for the contestants. The morning after, Marc can’t figure out if Trevor is just using him to court favor with Willie, while Willie herself gets fearful that if the Marc-Trevor dalliance goes public (thanks to that relentless dish-hound Suzuki St. Pierre!), she could get painted as a less-than-impartial judge.

And it’s up to Betty to investigate whether the dashing young designer truly has the hots for her frenemy, or if he’s simply using every angle possible to take home first prize.

That’s my dream role for Adam, folks!

Now it’s time to head down to the comments and suggest one of your own. (But before you do, my mom would like to humbly request that you follow me on Twitter @EWMichaelSlezak!)

PopWatch -EW Ugly Betty
 
Hat tip* Thanks to Ugly Betty TV on Twitter

Waiching's 10 Ways To Help Improve/Save Ugly Betty

With the show in danger of getting cancelled after the latest Nielson viewing figures in the States revealed this week, I hereby propose 10 steps in improving and saving the show's ass from the dreaded axe:

1) Bring back the Mexican telenovelas

Yes one can argue they were satrical, camp, cheesy and often silly- yet the telenovelas that Betty's family would sit and watch on TV was not just one of the most original concepts, but rather they explored hispanic Latino culture to the wider mainstream audience. it gave us a gilmpse into the warm, home life of the Suarez's and this often down-to-earth world was and is a million miles away and different from the crazy goings on at Mode.

After Season 1, they were nowhere to be seen again- which I'm sure must have bemused many of us fans.

The producers really need to bring the telenovelas back.

2) Get quality guest stars such as Debbie Allen and stop with the one-scene celeb cameos

Ok, enough with the Shakiras, Lindsay Lohans and Victoria Beckhams- how's about getting some actual quality talented celebrities, or be it superstar performers on Ugly Betty for a change. Not all of Ugly Betty's guest stars were that terrible- likewise Patti Lapone, Bernadette Peters all excelled in their respective roles.

I think this show needs another big-name star, who can perform but also to help propel but not carry the show's reputation- even if it is only for a cameo/ recurring/supporting role.

And Debbie Allen is one of those names I am thinking  of- well for me, she is my number one choice and one star I'd dearly love to see on Ugly Betty. I'd love for her to play either an arch nemisis of Wilhelmina's or as Willie's relative in a recurring arc that would last for a couple of episodes; thus, following in the footsteps of Yaya Costa's, Nico and Gabrielle Union's, Renee. 

Debbie would most definitely fit the bill for a show such as this one.

3) Bring back Gio Rossi, Christina  

Ok, I was never ever a fan of that love triangle from Season 2, which I have stated numerous times on my blog, but Giovanni Rossi played by Freddy Rodrriguez was an interesting character.  I think the show needs a Gio- based character just to balance out the different personalities, which vary on Ugly Betty.

I would bring Gio back, but not as a love interest for Betty. A friend perhaps yes; someone who she can confide in, but also to knock some sense into her, and to make her follow her dreams.

And Christina was always a favourite for many fans- her departure from the show upset many of them and since then, Betty has become 'friend less' almost. Ashley Jensen as Christina was great but also she had a down-to-earth nature that the other Modies such as Marc, Amanda, Daniel, Willie seemed to lack themselves, most of the time.

And ever since Christina departed, the show was left with this massive void, which needs filling.

She was and will always be Betty's sole BFF for life.

4) More Marc and Amanda (and Betty) episodes/scenes

For all the bitchin', criticism and hatred levelled towards season 3, one of the positive things to come out of it was this 'frenemy ship' developing between Marc, Amanda and Betty.

Many fans didn't like this turn in fortune, but for those of us who did, it really warmed our hearts to see Marc, Amanda and Betty get along so well and that for Marc and Amanda that they saw beyond her bushy eyebrows and weird bangs and through Betty's heart. Partly because of Betty, we saw positive sides of their characters and Marc & Mandy were far from the almost evil, bitchy, heartless Modies of early season 1.

Unfortunately, we have seen very, very little of Marc, Mandy and Betty's friendship and bonding in season 4, as the show concerntrates more on the individual storylines of the characters.

It's high time that all that had changed- of course, this isn't Friends, but surely it doesn't hurt to see the positive development of Michael Urie, Becki Newton and America Ferrera's characters throughout the series.

5) If not Christina, get a new BFF for Betty

Regardless of whether or not Christina returns on Ugly Betty, the truth is right now Betty doesn't have a best female friend- aka BFF at Mode anymore.  Marc and Amanda have more than less drifted apart from Betty, whilst Daniel has his own life to live and problems to contend with..

Betty needs a new BFF on the show- someone she could confide in and share her secrets with, but also someone who will listen to her and offer a shoulder to cry on, when the chips are down. Perhaps this might be in the shape of a new seamstress, who is similar to her in many respects.

It would certainly help Betty, and also it would make the show even more interesting too.

6) Keep Betty the way she is, but that the changes are gradual and slow
Once the show gets to a stage where Betty looks completely like America Ferrera, it's game over for good.

7) Develop Justin's storyline and sexuality, let him become the person he is

Could this season be the season where Justin, who in spite of his denials, comes out of the closet and fully admits to his mum, Hilda and the rest of his family that he is indeed gay? As Horta points out, the one thing this show doesn't want to do is 'sexualise' Justin in any way. Particuarly as in spite of the adult-themes in the show, Ugly Betty is technically a 'family show' and seeing as its fan-base entails many youngsters and teenagers, as well as adults.

But if there ever was a time for the show to have Justin with say a boyfriend, then it could happen towards the end of season 4, or the likelihood of a fifth season, during season 5.

8) Give Becki Newton's Amanda a new storyline to work with

After 'the Gene simmons is not my real father' and 'Fey Sommers is my real mom' storylines, it is about time Amanda was involved in something major. We want to see her move away from being a receptionist and for her to get a well deserved promotion, as well as to see her in a loving relationship, which lasts longer than the Tavares one in Season 1.

Amanda is one of the show's best and most popular characters- for many fans, she would rank second on their lists and once one watches Becki's performances, it's hard to argue against that.

She deserves yet another good quality storyline once again.

9) Insert some of the Season 1 heart and magic, which made us fall in love with it in the first place

Season 1 was for many of us our favourite season of the show- to recreate or be it recapture its magic would be one mean feat, yet alas it is not impossible to do. But of course, the show has changed so much since season 1, but somehow in each season there was something lacking that the first season had, which made it so special and memorable.

If the show reverts back to its series 1 roots slightly but also retain and develop on the positives of each season, particuarly in season 4, then I'm positive Ugly Betty will regain even more lost followers and earn new ones in the process as well.