What I’m Watching: Ugly Betty

Ugly Betty: Season 4, Episode 3 “Blue on Blue” (B)

This installment is a step in the direction of recovery from a shaky start last week, and a sign that this show can move on from its current plotlines and get off the ground for its fourth year in a positive way. The guest appearance of Adam Ferrera (“Rescue Me”) is welcome, especially for the way his interactions with Hilda and Betty fit in perfectly with the tone of the show. Having Hamish Linklater (“The New Adventures of Old Christine”) as the major fashion designer Betty wants to woo for a cover story was a smart choice, and positioning Hilda as a waitress at the restaurant on that night was fun. Marc’s latest evil plan to sabotage Betty seemed at first like the same kind of thing he’s done over and over, but fortunately this time it felt fresh. Matt’s better as a character when he’s not just being mean and actually expressing his conflicted feelings, and giving Amanda a few good scenes is always welcome. Wilhelmina’s meeting with Connor seems almost inconsequential, especially if it’s not referenced again after this, but it’s not too distracting. Daniel’s run in with a wild chick is probably a good thing for his self-esteem and productivity, but it was pretty jarring to see Jamie-Lynn Sigler in that role. Maybe seeing her play herself for a while on “Entourage” made me forget that she was actually an actress who doesn’t just play herself all the time. Her hairstyle may be preposterous, but at least she’s getting the rather unmotivated Daniel off the ground and back in the game.