TV Review: Ugly Betty, "Petra-Gate" – I’ll See Your Cliffhanger and Raise You Two Papis Chulos

I don’t even know where to begin, except to tell you that this week’s episode of Ugly Betty had me literally standing in my favorite chair in shock, apprehension, and glee (not all at the same time, of course).

Bueno, let me try to sum things up.

Santos proposed to Hilda! Having stormed out earlier that day after Ignacio asked him to walk away now since they both knew he was going to walk away, he returns later on bended knee with emerald cut diamond in hand. Girlfriend was smart though, she first spoke with her wise-beyond-his-years son to see how he felt, and later expressed her concerns about moving too fast to Santos. She even tried to give the ring back, but after Santos left, she ran out the front door after him, and you think it's too late. When Santos jumped out from behind the door and they embraced, I was cheering from high atop my chair. Sad, I know, but Hilda deserves a break, m’ija! And truthfully, I could not be happier that Kevin Alejandro’s guest appearance is continuing. I love to watch him act, and, well, just to watch him.

Fed up with Daniel and Christina’s betrayal, Betty starts to emotionally clean house, until Hilda points out that she has run away from conflict in friendships before. Betty listens, and pushes herself to confront both of them and express her hurt. Both friendships are saved and Betty grows as a result. And it is way lucky for Daniel that she forgives him, because…

Daniel is trying to get Alexis to put his underage, blackmailing bed partner, Petra, on the next cover. Alexis refuses, and in a weak moment he confesses his situation to Henry. Just when Daniel is about to sign the magazine away in exchange for Alexis’ cooperation, Henry and Betty team up and prove that Petra is, in fact, of age, saving Daniel’s philandering butt once again. It also provides a lovely bonding moment for Henry and Betty (add sigh here).

There is clearly trouble in paradise in Henry’s relationship, and could a break-up be too far away? One can only hope, as crunchy granola Charlie kind of bugs me and I can’t imagine any viewer not wishing Betty and Henry together.

Article Author: Ann Hagman Cardinal

Ann Hagman Cardinal is a freelance writer as well as the Marketing Director for Vermont Collge of Fine Arts. Her first novel, Sister Chicas--co-authored with two other Latina writers—was released in 2006 by NAL/Penguin Books. …

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