So it is the time of year when the dvds of last year's tv series are released. So I've spent a chunk of the week, getting back into the world of one of my favorite shows, Ugly Betty. And so far I'm pleased. Clearly that show did not lose its zing in the second season. They brought in some great guest/recurring actors, including Illeana Douglas, Victor Garber ("I never pun"), John Cho, and Freddy Rodriguez. I quite like Rebecca Romijn playing Alex in Alexis's body. Vanessa Williams is great fun, and Michael Urie is flat-out terrific. Last season Becki Newton was my favorite, and her timing remains top-notch, but for the opening four episodes Marc is just amazing - his lines, delivery, clothes (such clothes!), and pratfalls are all super. All of the best scenes on this disc involve his character (interacting with Wilhelmina, Amanda, or Justin). And whether he's mocking, supporting, or plotting he's got some great lines - "Ambitious suck-ups! I mean - interns!", "Can I spoon too?", "Don't get me wrong, mad props on the e-vil". Though I suppose the show's best lines might be Wilhelmina's orders/advice to him. Things like - "I was a simple girl with an evil plan", "I took lemons and I made a lemon martini", and "off the floor Mark - no, your instincts were right, fall again".
Posted by armand at September 10, 2008 09:59 PM | TrackBack | Posted to CultureSo... Gio or Henry? I'm definitely in the Gio camp! Freddy Rodriguez is adorable... and Betty doesn't need to get caught up in Baby Daddy drama!
Posted by: kikimonster at September 11, 2008 11:59 AM | PERMALINKWell so far Gio is an asshole - but I like Freddy R doing it more than I have often liked him, and I think watching Betty in that kind of relationship will be more fun than watching her in a pink gerber daisy world with Henry. So ... I guess I hope Gio is her man for this season, but that eventually she and Henry get together. I mean c'mon, we're talking about Harrison John (Gorham's role on Popular).
And looking back on it a day later, as great as Marc was (and he was great - that whole intern bit was priceless), I think Willy is right there with him for this portion of the show. The rooftop bit in Family/Affair (with Marc's thunder) was particularly good. And she had so many great lines - "dear, pie-eyed, pie-eating Betty", "Marc, I need to fire Chloe in Production. I want you to stand next to me and nod thoughtfully". This is definitely one of the most fun things on television. And given the state of politics at the moment, we need fun diversions.
Posted by: Armand at September 11, 2008 01:12 PM | PERMALINK