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'Ugly Betty' and the stinky cheese man
Ahh, Gio's back with a vengeance on Ugly Betty as the grumpy, smart-assed and annoying guy that I first grew to know and love. Yup, that means that abrasive chemistry with Betty is back.
Spoilers living at 25 Teddy Bear Lane.
Betty is thrilled to see Gio back behind the sandwich delivery cart, but the feeling isn't mutual. In fact, he tells her he hates her. Ouch, right? Well, our bubbly go-getter won't let a little thing like his anger over being dumped get in the way of their friendship. She schemes to corner Gio by having him deliver dinner to her apartment (the existence of which he's unaware) whereupon she will gift him with a few pounds of rare, Italian cheese from a cow named Luisa. I admit. That would seriously sway me.
He's incredibly stubborn, even in the face of aromatic cheese, but the tried and true adversity brings them together. You see, DJ's grandparents have discovered that Daniel can no longer claim custody since he's not the father (Alexis is, back when she was Alex). Fearful that DJ will be whisked away, without explaining Daniel entrusts DJ to Betty who brings him home to her apartment.
When the Coach's wife buzzes up to Betty, thinking she's the one having an affair with Tony since Hilda had a tryst with him there, Betty thinks it's the grandmere and grandpere bent on taking DJ to France. So she and Gio load the tot into Gio's meat and cheese van (which I'd choose any day over Betty Suarez Land) and go to Coney Island, where Daniel eventually comes to his senses and tells DJ he'll go back to France with the grand'rents and have a cool, loving American uncle back in America (i.e. Daniel).
Meanwhile, Hilda is hopeful that she'll have a happy romantic ending with Coach (what a charming endearment, the same his students use) since he declares he'll tell his wife that the money's on the dresser, he's done with her. Well, the latter anyway. And lo and behold, he does. The only problem is that wifey goes to Hilda at the Suarez home (what a nice little Nancy Drew the wife is proving to be) and pleads with her to tell Betty, whom she mistakes for Coach's lover b/c of the apartment, to back off so she can work on her marriage.
And poor Hilda, who knows all about love without second chances thanks to losing her fiancee, sympathizes. So much so that she lets her beloved Coach go. Strangely enough, Tony doesn't fight for her, just silently leaves so he can bring his manly physique to guest star on USA's The Starter Wife. Thank you, people. Being the other woman is not blameless.
For some reason, Papi is hovering Stage Left and upon Coach's exit, wordlessly hugs Hilda. Writers, thanks for bringing the heart back to the show. The only way it could be more perfect is to have him offer to cook Hilda her favorite meal. Food is love in the Suarez household.
Finally, we see that Alexis won't be molding away in jail after all to explain away Rebecca Romijn-O'Connell's absence while she's having her huge babies. Instead, Alexis goes through a roller coaster of legal tribulations -- including possibly being tried for attempted murder and being denied bail -- until finally Claire makes a deal with Wilhelmina, who is of course behind the harsh sentence, thanks to her dominatrix relationship with the naughty, naugthy DA.
Instead of Alexis giving all her shares of Meade Publications to the Wil-enemy, they'll be split between Daniel and Wil. That means they'll be 50-50 partners and co-editors-in-chief of Mode. It all works out: Wil is that much closer to ruling Meade, and Alexis is free to go to France where she considers reconnecting with DJ.
A few musings and highlights:
- The writers are obviously revitalized because there's just a better sense of purpose and fun this season. Betty is downright cheeky and playful in the way she treats Daniel (asking to take the town car to work, reminding him of when she checked out the mole on his back).
- The writers have also rediscovered the heart of the show, so I demand a Papi- or Justin-centric episode tout de suite!
- Scamorza is actually a cheese the Mario Batali says is grilled in traditional Neapolitan cooking. Now this mythical cow in the show makes me recall a recent conversation of mine about Wagyu cattle producing Kobe beef. The massages and sake diets have not been proven to actually create the particular qualities of Kobe beef (it's owed to genetic disposition), but could it affect milk and thus cheese? Can we get Kobe milk or Kobe cheese?
- I want to find a life-changing cheese, please. "Heaven from a cow" indeed.
- Although not terribly surprising, how great was it to see Willie in her robed dominatrix gear? Love the ponytail.
- Betty: "What's wrong with the ballet? Kids love the ballet. Justin loves the ballet."
- Gio seems to be at peace with Betty's friendship, but I want to see more of him.
What did you think of the episode and how it wrapped things up with DJ, Alexis and Gio? Excited about LiLo next week? I am!
Oh man, it was so good to see Gio back again! Honestly, if a guy like that came into my life and encouraged me to take risks and was just so uber-smooth I would not let him go! I understand the being determined to find yourself thing, but take it slow at least! There's a rumour he may be back for another 6 episodes but I doubt it. I'm gonna miss that character. He's the most least-exaggerated personality on the show.
Oh, and I couldn't help but sympathize with the "Because you broke my heart!". If only he loved me that way...I wouldn't break his heart. I'd be eating his sandwiches every morning for breakfast!
mrsgio | Oct 16, 2008 8:04:25 PM | #Gio IS THE GUY! He has to be! It was great seeing him again. The writers gotta bring this guy back more often! He brings so much electricity to the show. I love him. Betty, wake up and realize that Gio is the guy for you!
TeamGetty | Oct 16, 2008 8:27:27 PM | #This was my favorite episode so far--by far the best of the first three. Freddy Rodriguez and Vanessa Williams shined once again.
Horta is absolutely crazy if he lets Gio slip through his fingers. He's such a great character and brings a great vibe to the show.
wooster182 | Oct 16, 2008 8:32:28 PM | #Yes. This was an amazing episode. All stories were interesting. Especially Daniel and DJ and and Gio and Betty. Oh how I adore to see Freddy Rodriguez back on screem. Freddy and America's chemistry was at its best. It is like reviving episode 2.03 of last season. Their witty fights, the way they want to impose their opinion and how Gio left his feelings in the open... exposed... oh my God! "Because you broke my heart!" They ended up in good terms. I am really looking forward to more Gio later this season or the next. He brings something in the show that was missing... love love love it!
Beatrice B | Oct 16, 2008 10:26:51 PM | #and hey, Team Getty. Hells yeah! GIO IS THE GUY!!!
Beatrice B | Oct 16, 2008 10:31:23 PM | #Yes, GIO IS THE GUY
Honestly, if Horta doesn't bring his character back later this season or at least next season he is one cra-hazy idiot.
But I still got hope. If Horta isn't already planning to bring Gio back, the ratings will make him come around.
"There's a rumour he may be back for another 6 episodes but I doubt it."
I din't hear about that, but I really hope it's true.
On the non-Getty part, Eric Mabius doen't get near as much credit as he deserves
Tomatish | Oct 17, 2008 3:17:07 AM | #My feelings mirror the above posts pretty much. More Gio, please! I'm grateful that the writers gave us snarky, angry Gio...Betty deserved a wake up call and he gave her one. This was by far the best episode of the season and Freddy Rodriguez had a lot to do with that. He is a great talent and ABC/UB is foolish if they think "wrapping up" his character is the right thing to do for their show. Gio acts as Betty's conscience and her 'inner-risk taker' at the same time. No other character brings her these moments of clarity. Plus, man, the guy is sizzling HOT!!
Fen | Oct 17, 2008 4:34:09 AM | #GIO IS THE GUY!!!
How Betty can insist on only a friendship with him is beyond me. His line "You broke my heart!" had me falling for him all over again.
I don't care what it takes, but the producers need to do whatever it takes to get Freddy Rodriguez back on this show. Beg on hands and knees if necessary. He is just too good to let go.
Ashley | Oct 17, 2008 7:04:53 AM | #Agreed on Gio / Freddy Rodriguez. It is unfortunate that the show shifted production to NY and he opted out. Freddy is a fantastic actor, very easy on the eyes and a great foil for Betty / America.
I am so pleased that the show is back on track and it that it only took a few episodes to do so. Everyone is back in fine form.
I was concerned about Wilhelmina's purpose but giving her half of Meade will provide all that much more meat to her storyline of trying to take over.
Terrrence | Oct 17, 2008 11:03:45 AM | #LOVED THIS EPISODE!!!! Gio being on UB takes the show to whole other level...he's perfect a perfect balance of humour and HEART. Betty & Gio are so entertaining together. I hope to see a lot more of Gio this season! 6 Episodes you say? Really??! Where did you hear that mrsgio?! I'll jump for joy if that's true! Overall I rate this episode as the best of S3 yet!!!
Sal | Oct 17, 2008 11:31:58 AM | #I missed Amanda in the episode.
Dee | Oct 17, 2008 11:37:17 AM | #This season has been great so far, but where's Jesse, the cute neighbor guy?
Dennis | Oct 17, 2008 11:43:33 AM | #I agree that we need an episode that gives more face time to Justin. Loved seeing all of the Suarez clan together, giving Hilda some TLC. The family is a wonderful part of this show.
Jan | Oct 17, 2008 12:03:50 PM | #Great episode! That cheese looks like one that they sell in the Wisconsin Cheeseman catalogue. Wonder if they used that as a stand in for the real thing. Cheaper, I bet.
So it looks like Alexis, DJ, Henry, maybe Gio and Coach are all leaving now. Going to seem empty with them all gone.
I agree with something somebody said awhile ago. Betty needs to lose the braces. Not even smash-mouthed teenagers keep those things on that long, and Betty's teeth aren't crooked. Keep the hair, though. That's what really makes her look like herself.
No Marc-Amanda moments this episode, which sucked. Loved Willie's outfit in the beginning. I want her clothes, most of them.
Kara Mel Apples | Oct 17, 2008 3:01:15 PM | #Alexis was guilty of attempted murder, and Daniel doesn't have a clue about how to be a father (it takes more than good intentions). However, I get the feeling that I was supposed to be rooting for DJ to stay with Daniel. And that it would be justice if Alexis got a few hours of community service as punishment for pushing a pregnant woman down a flight of stairs. Uncarpeted stairs, I might add.
Isn't the show supposed to have a chewy moral center?
Speaking of chewing: I agree about the braces. They should have been off long, long ago.
Maureen | Oct 17, 2008 4:04:29 PM | #I agree with Maureen that there are moral implications to Alexis's actions that the show is just ignoring. I don't care how upset you are, pushing someone down a flight of stairs is just wrong. And pushing a pregnant woman down the stairs in the hopes that she will lose her child deserves more punishment than a few hours of community service. (Especially since Alexis seems to be running off abroad rather than actually doing any community service.)
Same thing, on a more minor scale, with Hilda. She knew Coach was committing adultery and she "aided and abetted".
Yes good people sometimes do bad things, but that doesn't make the bad things right.
omg i luv gio! y isnt he there anymore? did i miss something? i mean i thought he finally forgave her and then hes jus poof gone!? he was like my fav character i luv gio!!! hes so awesome and there would b no thinkin 2 who i would go w/between him and henry hands down gio! i mean rawr! wht happened? i know hes comin up in a movie called "nothing like the holidays" w/debra messing and john lequizimo or somethin like tht cuz i luv wen tht commercial comes on and i get 2 c him haha...but yeah BRING GIO BACK!!!...plz...
Kaylin | Dec 16, 2008 10:50:28 AM | #
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