Product Description
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Audiences are cheering for a vibrant overachiever with the
spirit and the smarts to live her dream. America Ferrera stars as
go-getter Betty Suarez, a true beauty in the skin-deep world of
high fashion. Two very different cultures collide in this sexy
and stylish series about believing in yourself regardless of the
odds. Earning Golden Globe Awards® for Best Television Series and
Best Performance By An Actress In A Television Series in its very
first season, Ugly Betty is a runaway hit with fans and critics.
Experience every episode of Season One in this box set. Plus,
join executive producer Salma Hayek and actor Eric Mabius for
exclusive show ins, and see what it takes for America
Ferrera to get Bettyfied available only on DVD. Youll find
yourself falling in love with every minute of Ugly Betty.
.co.uk Review
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Based on the popular Colombian telenovela Yo Soy Betty La Fea,
Ugly Betty is a biting comedy with plenty of heart. There are
several ongoing plots, including murder, illegal immigration,
infidelity, a vendetta, and death. And yes, this really is a
comedy.
Golden Globe winner America Ferrera (The Sisterhood of the
Traveling Pants, Real Women Have Curves) stars as Betty, a
whip-smart assistant at a women's magazine who is clueless when
it comes to fashion. While her size 0 colleagues parade around in
haute couture and stiletto heels, Betty shows up for work in her
mismatched outfits, complete with thick glasses and awkward
braces.
The series, which made its debut during the 2006-2007 season on
ABC, could've relied on physical humour for laughs. But the sharp
writing and likeable cast bring the show to life. There's a lot
going on in the first year. Besides setting Betty up as Mode
magazine's ugly duckling overachiever, the first few episodes
introduce viewers to a superb supporting cast that includes
Betty's frenemies Amanda (Becki Newton) and Marc (Michael Urie),
the hysterical duo that aligns themselves to whoever can best
advance their careers. As for Betty's womanizing boss, Daniel
(Eric Mabius), he's not the brightest bulb in the package.
Recalling childhood outings with their mother, he says, "She used
to like taking us to clothing museums." To which his sibling
says, "Those were stores! She just called them museums to get us
out of school." Salma Hayek--one of the show's producers--guest
stars in an arc as a powerful editor who beds Daniel to prove a
point. But it's her unexpected turn as an actress on Ignacio's
favorite soap opera that is the real treat.
About halfway through the 23-episode series, it appears that the
writers switched gears with one of their main plots revolving
around a possibly undead fashion editor. But in a typical
over-the-top Ugly Betty way, they make the plot switch work. The
heart of the show is when Betty returns home from work. She still
lives with her her, Ignacio (Tony Plana), older sister Hilda
(Ana Ortiz), and nephew Justin (Mark Indelicato). Justin is one
of TV's best kid characters. Not only is he equally adorable and
wise, but he is most probably--or will grow up to be--gay. The
way his family accepts him for who he is--rather than who they
wish he was--is incredibly loving and thoughtful. Betty also is
navigating a love life that she makes more complicated than it
has to be. Instead of dumping a boyfriend who cheated on her, she
allows her sister to manipulate her into staying with him. When
she finally realizes she has strong feelings for Henry
(Christopher Gorham), the adorable accountant at work who has a
huge crush on her, it may be too late. The season finale will
leaves viewers with several cliffhangers revolving around
Ignacio, Justin's her, and (of course) Betty. For most fans,
season 2 can't come fast enough. --Jae-Ha Kim