GMMR Fall TV Pick: “Ugly Betty”

Last week I was lucky enough to catch the pilot for what I expect to be one of my favorite new shows this fall, Ugly Betty. Ugly Betty follows sterotypical ugly duckling, Betty Suarez, as she embarks on her new career as an Assistant to the Editor of the glamourous, high end fashion magazine, Mode.

As you might just be able to guess based on, well, the title of the show, our Betty doesn’t exactly “fit in” with the glamazons that surround her on a daily basis. But Betty doesn’t seem to notice, or rather she doesn’t care as much as some might expect her to. She is focused on making the most of her opportunity and she quickly shows she has what it takes to make it in this ‘image is everything’ world.

Ugly Betty is a dramedy in the truest sense of the word. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the more absurd moments, but also found myself on the verge of tears watching Betty struggle with the some of obstacles she faces at work and in life. I found the whole show quite endearing.

America Ferrera (Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) fits perfectly into the role of the Betty. Ferrara is bold in letting the producers turn her from the beautiful woman that she is, into the awkward and fashion-challenged 20-something professional (I mean, the girl still has braces and dresses like a grandma). As intelligent and sassy as Betty is, you can’t help but wonder why she is so oblivous about her appearance. But then maybe “ambigous” is a better word than “oblivious”.

I had only one slight issue with Ugly Betty. It seemed to me that some of the characters came off a little cartoonish in contrast to America Ferrara’s sincerity. Vanessa Williams, as the Devil who most likely wears Prada, Chanel, and Gucci, teeters on the edge of being foolish, but I think it’s more of the writing than her acting. But William’s botox inducing assistant, and Mode’s receptionist were so bufoonish that they almost took me out of the otherwise sweet show. I am hoping that once a few episodes are under their belts, these characters will stand out in a good way, and not like a sore thumb.

I however really loved the remainder of the supporting cast which includes Eric Mabius (The L Word) as Betty’s cocky yet conflicted boss, Mode Editor Daniel Meade. Alan Hale (The OC) as publishing mogule, Bradford Meade. And Ashley Jensen who is one of the only Mode employees that befriends Betty on her first day. I was so excited when Jensen appeared on screen as I LOVE her in the role of Maggie Jacobs on Extras.

Ugly Betty is based on the most successful telenovela in TV history, and I think the American version will be something you will all be addicted to very soon. Ugly Betty will definitely get one of the coveted “Season Passes” on my Tivo.

ABC.com has a great, albeit VERY spoilerish promo video, so check it out if you want to get a glimpse of Ugly Betty. But make sure you check out the show when it premieres on Thursday, September 28th at 8/7c.