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"Ugly Betty's" penultimate episode before going on indefinite hiatus was just so-so, with the bulk of the action centered on poor Betty's bid for approval from Matt's mother Victoria Hartley, played by the coldly excellent Christine Baranski.
Spoilers, like the hors d'oeuvre sticking to the front of a priceless painting.
After a disastrous first meeting in which Mrs. Hartley mistakes Betty for the help, Betty's determined to make a good impression at Mrs. Hartley's Friday night shindig. Through Claire's advice, Betty discovers that the topic to be discussed that night is torture and bones up on it Betty-style. Oopsy -- the topic has been switched to the future of opera. Fortunately, Betty makes a nice save by drawing a parallel to fashion and wows the guests.
But it's no good. Mrs. H still insists that Betty get out of Matt's life. This is where it gets weird. Betty starts doubting herself and thinks maybe it's better to just bow out. Matt once again is the sane one and tells his mom off, standing by his girlfriend. That's right, girlfriend. Betty didn't want to label it, but apparently he does. Good for Matt. Eventually, Betty gets convinced as well.
It's love for more than one Suarez sister. The clan has conspired to invite that very nice councilman Archie (Ralph Macchio) to dinner, in hopes he and Hilda will hit it off. It's the lamest set-up ever and obvious to even Archie, who sees that Hilda is resistant. Nevertheless, when he asks her to go on a date, she accepts. Hmm, is this the most boring romance on the show or what?
Oh wait, no, that would be Daniel's romance with Molly -- she who is dying of cancer. This plot just doesn't work for me. I understand that there needs to be some seriousness to ground the over-the-top levity at times, but this is nothing but excruciating. Molly refuses to participate in an experimental clinical study that only has up to a 10 percent success rate, and Daniel can't understand it. Eventually, he decides to accede to her wishes and pack in quality interaction in the time she has left. Carpe diem and all that.
Finally, Wilhelmina must resort to selling her luxuries -- including PETA-disapproved furs -- to an auction house in order to raise money for the magazine, specifically to hire an in-demand photographer. She panics and has a mope-fest, identifying her achievements with these valuables, but eventually emerges triumphant in an excellent black bustier/shapewear thingy. After a talk with Daniel who puts things into perspective by mentioning Molly's tragic situation, Willie decides she's allowed to indulge in some luxuries (like her champagne and caviar snacks) in order to actually live life.
Random highlights and musings:
- Where was the fun this episode?
- Who's sad that Christina (Ashley Jensen) is leaving the show?
- I'm over Suzuki St. Pierre.
- "Edith, I love your new labradoodle!" -- Baranski at her snootiest
- Separated at dinner, Matt and Betty communicate by texting. Is sexting far behind?
- There's been this trend in the last few episodes where Betty doesn't act like herself -- rude to Matt, hesitant about dating him, intimidated by Mrs. H -- until Matt calls her on it and talks sense. What's up with that?
- I totally want Hilda and Archie to walk into a dojo and defeat the Cobra Kai for sweeping Danielsan's leg.
Your thoughts? Could Mrs. Hartley been colder? Do you like Hilda and Archie together? What about Daniel and Molly?
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Zap2it Twitter Talk 
Why was the only snow in the city on Molly's windowsill? She and Daniel were going to go out to "play in the snow," and the next shot showed Betty walking down a sidewalk with no sign of even days-old slush.
When they showed a pan shot of Central park you could see snow there.
Gee we thought this was a great episode last night compared to most of the season. Wil was hysterical, Claire was great (would just love a cat fight between Claire and Matt's mom).
Really cannot stand Christine Baranski, but she plays rich ***** roles well (personal experience?)
Betty's wardrobe was almost a bit toned down for once. Now, why didn't she go visit Christina and borrow something from the Mode wardobe to wear to the elegant soiree?
Was there ever an explaination as to why Marc was feeding the gossip press info and photos of Wil? We guessed wrongly that he was making $$ and would give it to Wil to use to pay the photographer's fee so she could keep her 'things'.
Will we ever see Molly's family around offering support versus her BF she's only been with a short time?
Hopefully, the comedies ABC is putting on during this time slot fail miserably and they'll return Betty back pronto
I don't think Archie and Hilda's romance is boring. It's just taking baby steps. As a character, Hilda must grow and learn that bad guys are bad for her. Archie is smart, he's self-depracating, and I predict he'll start stepping up to the plate in regards to upping the "hot" quotient. I don't mind that it's starting slowww.
I don't find the romance with Archie boring either I can see why Hilda likes romances that either are 'dangerous' or just bad choices. Something like a relationship with Archie is totally a 180 degree turn -- and about time! Betty totally nailed her with the ring comment.
And hasn't Mrs. Meade been quite the 'pseudo' mother-like influence to Betty? Her comment about B growing up and realizing that NOT everybody is going to like her REGARDLESS of the reason was also spot on.
Love this show.
Alia-
I totally agree with you about Archie & Hilda. It is so cute that Archie comes by every week for a haircut. I'm surprised that he has any hair left for Hilda to cut. I wonder if Hilda caught on that Archie might like her since he found a way to see her each week.
Since "Ugly Betty" have been revealing so many secrets: Suzuki St. Pierre's double-life, Matt being rich, & Molly having cancer. I actually thought at the end of what I call "The Matchmake Hilda & Archie Dinner", the audience was going to learn that Hilda & Archie have been secretly dating.
I'm not surprised that Ashley Jensen is leaving considering they waste her.
Betty is turning into Jamie Buchman from "Mad About You" by being determined to have the boyfriend or husband's mother like her.
Very impressed with Matt for taking the blame when mushroom hit the painting, texting information to help Betty discuss the opera, and sticking up for Betty. He is trying his best to refrain from being a Mama's Boy.
Would someone please explain to me how that mushroom cap landed on the painting that was underneath a cover?
strong episodes with LOL lines and great pathos
Was there a cover on the painting? I thought it was just dark and the Mother used a remote to turn a light onto it. Hmm good point if there was a cover... Missed that one completely.
So-so? No, I don't agree! I think the pace of this show is what it's always been, and I like it. But I also wondered about the snow being only in one place...that was glaring, and I don't usually notice continuity screwups.
I see Claire Meade more as a mentor for Betty than mother, although she obviously is warm and caring toward her. And mentoring is exactly what Betty needs in an environment that isn't a natural fit for her. Christina played that role a little early on, looking out for Betty and showing her where the pitfalls were. I do miss her and really liked her character. Maybe the cast was just too big for them to continue to develop storylines for her? Anyway, I'm glad she's got another gig because she's great.
Wilhelmina's clothes continue to be great, and that stance on top of her bed was funny - we should all have such a bod at her age.
I liked this episode more than the recapper did, but I think it suffered from too many nice but bland characters, like Archie, Matt and Molly.
I know Betty is supposed to have no fashion sense, but really have some pity for the poor viewer! Too many scenes of her wearing clashing pinks and reds. Visual torture!