What I’m Watching: Ugly Betty

Ugly Betty: Season 4, Episode 13 “Chica and the Man” (B+)

While Betty has made flubs like this in the past and the situation quickly spiraling out of control was hardly a surprise, this episode actually worked pretty well due to way that its resolution justified its occurrence and the strength of its subplots. All of the jokes about whether the “L” in BLOB stood for Latina or Lesbian were amusing. Ignacio’s transvestite fetish was a bit odd, I’ll admit, but a chance to see more of the stellar supporting characters is always a treat. Amanda had several great lines as usual, including “good things come to those who weigh less” and “Daniel, you sound like such a douche.” Her hilarity is never really dependent on those playing off her, like Kristen Johnson, whose appearance sadly didn’t add too much to this episode. I hope that, if she does stick around, her character will become a bit stronger. The surprise star of this episode was Wilhelmina, whose discovery of a drag show mocking her led to her re-appropriation of the performer in question in order to enhance her public image by having him do nice things while posing as her. It was quite a kooky plotline since no one except Betty and her family had even an inkling that it was an impostor, but on this show, it works. The way Wilhelmina seized the situation and performed magnificently was a pleasant and wonderful delight, and Vanessa Williams really does love the spotlight, and knows how to milk it for all it’s worth.