DVD Review: Ugly Betty - The Complete First Season

Based on Yo soy Betty, la fea, a Colombian soap opera, Ugly Betty is a whimsical series about Betty Suarez, a sweet, young Hispanic woman from Queens trying to make it in the cutthroat world of high fashion magazine publishing. The show strikes a great balance between comedic soap opera and poignant family drama, which is executed to perfection by a brilliant cast.

As the series opens, Betty gets a job as the Assistant to the Editor-in Chief of MODE. Her boss is the newly installed Daniel Meade, son of publishing magnate Bradford Meade. With the position opening up after the death of Fey Sommers, Daniel was given the job in an attempt to get him to grow up, but his addictions get in the way, an unfortunate trait he inherited from his mother. Obstacles also appear in the form of two people who want to run MODE: the conniving Wilhelmina Slater, who felt she deserved to take over for Sommers, and Alexis Meade, formerly known as Daniel's brother, Alex.

As outlandish as the situations get, there are very touching moments as well. Betty is treated cruelly when she first arrives at MODE because she doesn't fit the stereotypical look. However, her intellect and perseverance shine through and she quickly becomes a valuable asset. Home life is tough as well. Betty's mother passed away before the series began, and her father would be dead also if he was the same Ignacio Suarez that matched his Social Security number.

The entire cast and writing staff deserve much kudos for the characters. Even though some are exaggerated, they remain consistent and believable. Two standouts are America Ferrera, who shines as Betty, seamlessly switching from touching moment to physical comedy, and Vanessa Williams, who has never been better as the bitter and bitchy Wilhelmina Slater. Even the small roles are given to talented actors. Gina Gershon is hysterical in the recurring role of make-up mogul Fabia, although it's astounding her character can talk with all the face work she has had. Other guest stars include Patti LuPone, Rita Moreno, and Lucy Liu.

Article Author: El Bicho

This writer is a member of The Masked Movie Snobs, a collective that fights a never-ending battle against bad entertainment.

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