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It is almost incredible that a show like this managed to make it through the pilot process. It is everything most standard TV fare is not--witty, original, interesting, and above all else, human. The show strips off the veneer of outward appearances from its characters to reveal what lies beneath, and whether it is beauty as in the case of the lead character Betty Suarez and her family (in particular her charming and funny nephew Justin) or ugliness (reflected by most of the Mode Magazine employees), it is always human. The first season is at its best when it is unexpected, and while there are some inevitable hiccups along the way (Selma Hayek's character smacked of producer/star vanity), the show does a great job of integrating stand-alone stories and season-long plot lines. There are many great performances this season; Tony Plana (Igancio), Ana Ortiz (Hilda), and Mark Indelicato (Justin) do an exceptional job of crafting the atypical TV family. The real revelations from the ensemble cast come in the form of Becki Newton, who plays catty receptionist Amanda with the perfect mixture of bitchiness and style tinged with a shadow of sadness, and Michael Urie, who portrays Wilhemina Slater's assistant Marc perfectly. At its core, however, this show rises and falls with the wonderful America Ferrera, whose Betty Suarez breaks so many stereotypes that it will be lauded for many decades as one of the truly seminal roles in modern network TV history. She has the twin-network TV curse of having atypical looks and an ethnic background. One can imagine the boardroom discussions when this show was going to pilot where some TV executive is trying to convince another to cast the lead as a stereotypical white beauty who, in classic TV style, gets a job at a fashion magazine and is transformed into a stunning beauty in classic Cinderella style. Betty does not become "beautiful" overnight and she does not get the prince, like the rest of us. What makes Betty Suarez so interesting, and Ferrera's charming and heartbreaking portrayal resonate with so many, is her ability to understand and accept that life is not fair. In the show, as in life, people of lesser intelligence (let alone moral value) consistently get ahead by lying and cheating, while Betty and her family struggle but try at all times to do the right thing. That they don't always succeed is what makes the story resonate with so many viewers. Yes, this is a TV show, filmed in Hollywood and peopled with stars who are privileged beyond the ability of any of you who read this review (including me) to understand. As such, we should not look to it as a guide for our own lives, but as entertainment to lighten up our day. But who said a TV show couldn't have a heart? That it had to pander to its audience? Ugly Betty is the anti-network TV show. Better catch it while you still can, before some studio head wakes up and realizes one of their shows is (gasp) telling teenage girls that it is OK not to look like a Barbie Doll. Or in the case of ABC, a Disney Princess.Read full review
Ugly Betty is one of the funniest, wittiest, most well-written TV series in ages. The characters are soap operatic stereotypes yet with soulful, insightful moments. America Fererra is an endearing, unexpected comedic gem, and the supporting cast is among the most memorable ever. Eric Mabius is endearing as her amiable boss, Vanessa Williams stunning as the over the top fashionista diva (in superb comic form), the outragious Michael Urie and Becki Newton hilarious as shallow, backstabbing wannabes, and the divine Judith Light sublime in the first role deserving of her presence since her 80's daytime Emmy's all make for one of the greatest comedies in decades. Even former supermodel Rebbecca Romijn turns in a surprisingly deft and captivating performance as a woman with a past. Ugly Betty also deserves credit for its socially and ethnically diverse cast which both skewers yet sensitively portays the types. And if the accolades weren't enough, season one has one of the best finale episodes of all time, with theatrical fireworks and a cliff hanger that effects every character in a major story arc without digging anyone into a hole that takes the standard 3-4 episodes to write them out of the following season. The series is addictive--the rare show that makes you really want to plow through the whole series in one setting if that were possible. This one is a keeper even at full price.Read full review
Ugly Betty is a show set around an 'unattractive' secretary at a fashion magazine. Based on the Colombian telenovela "Betty La Fea." It's excellent and I watch or tape it each week. Betty works for Mode magazine (hired by the publisher of the magazine, to be his son's secretary because he knew she'd never someone his son (Daniel) would sleep with) - an upscale fashion magazine where being thin is the rule and dressing the part as important. It's obvious from the beginning that Betty doesn't fit the mold but she ploughs through anyway - sometimes wanting to pack it all in but she does hang in there. It is definately the best new show of the season and won several Golden Globes and rightly so. America Ferrara (who I loved in Real Women Have Curves) does a fantastic job and while she may seem ugly (to some) in her physical appearance, she is the nicest staff member at Mode. Her hard work and determination earns her boss's respect. She is a caring, friendly girl who is dedicated to her job and her family and I love to watch her trials and tribulations each week. It's such a fun show that ultimately has a message that it isn't what's on the outside that counts (or shouldn't count). I think this is something that most people would really enjoy and get a laugh from and hopefully learn not to judge people harshly because of the way they look.Read full review
ok, i am a guy, my wife started watching this online, then on tv. she missed part of the 1st season, so I bought the 1st season DVD's. It has so many good characters, that right off, are tailor made for their parts. Betty is every girl ( and guy ) out there who isnt an "A-lister" model, perfect 10, rich n slim n famous. She is the "Mrs Smith" of people, Hard working, smart, vulnerable, thoughtful, witty, loyal, slips up now n then, but recovers her self worth ever so nicely. Daniel is great, so close to being what he thinks his dad wants him to be, and then slipping up just enough so that Betty has to pull his arse out of the fire over n over. He is the original pin-up boy for spoiled lil' rich brat playboy, and gets his comeuppance more than once. Wilhelmina is divine evil incarnate, and as close to the REAL world as you will ever see. Nothing about her is genuine, she could fake being dead she is so full of evil skulduggery. Not once is she honest or genuine with anything but contempt and manipulation. Her side kick is died in the wool butt licker from Queer Eye for the strait guy, and perfectly conniving and deceitful at every turn Mode fashion magazine... who could of thought something about THAT would be so completely compelling and captivating. Oh, and i didnt mention the routine interjections by producer Selma Hayek of her starring on a fiction Latino show on the tv that always seems to be on in Suarez household, ridiculously over the top show that is pure genius. You get so wrapped up in the plot twists, the backstabbing, the last chances to save their own skins, the "Mystery woman" who keeps calling Daniel, trying to drive the wedge between him and his father who runs the companies. I am mostly a Sci Fi action fan, but, the acting is so good, the producing, directing, writing are all A-list quality, you find yourself immersed in every nuance of the show, and you cant wait to see the next one. You will rip through the first season in a weekend, you just cant stop watching them.Read full review
I always wanted to own the Complete Seseaon of Ugly Betty and I have started with the First Season. So entertaining! I get comfy on the couch with my favorite blanket and watch each episode with a smile on my face.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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