Not-so-stylish superstar
Her self-confidence is Betty’s secret weapon on ShowMax.
Betty’s not going to let her awkwardness get in the way. Ugly- ducking Betty (America Ferrera) is ruffling feathers among the peacocks of New York’s fashion scene in sitcom Ugly Betty (2006-2010; all four seasons are available on internet TV service ShowMax). We can’t help but root for this plain Jane with a beautiful mind. And so what if she has werewolf eyebrows, a smile like a cheese grater with those braces and a wardrobe that a church raffle would reject? Her determination and passion let her peck her way into her dream job at fashion magazine MODE and America adds that “Betty aspires to succeed in a world she so doesn’t fit in. But with her optimism, intelligence and confidence, she not only succeeds, Betty is able to effect change in those around her!” Like when…
In episode 1, media mogul Brad1
ford Meade (Alan Dale) is the first to spot something special in former ice cream shop worker Betty – admittedly it’s that she’s so unattractive he thinks that his womanising editor-in- chief son Daniel (Eric Mabius) wouldn’t flirt with Betty if she was his PA. The joke’s on them though – once Betty has her foot (and sensible shoes) in the door, those Meades won’t know what kicked them!
For her first day at MODE in epi2
sode 1, Betty arrives wearing a red poncho to match her big, red-framed glasses. The staff reel in shock at the fashion faux pas, but Betty’s Latina pride makes a fashion statement that the insecure models can’t match. At least not with her silhouettes, floral motifs and colour choices…
The fashion people spend their 3
lunch chowing down a model’s favourite meal: air. From day 1, Betty eats delicious home- cooked food in the office. Not only nutritious, it wins the heart of MODE’s seamstress Christina (Ashley Jensen).
In season 1 episode 7, Betty visits 4 a hotel to write a review and she arrives at the posh hotel restaurant in her poufy, powderblue prom dress from high school. It’s about matching the spirit of the occasion for Betty, not the dress code!
Betty takes another step towards 5
making her fantasy world a concrete reality in season 2 episode 3 when she joins a creative writing class, since MODE isn’t giving her the writing experience that she wanted. That’s how to think outside of MODE’s big, clear perspex box!
Betty looks at how fashion’s 6
skinny empire harms little girls in season 2 episode 11 and she takes on the industry to convince Daniel to put on a plus-size model show during Fashion Week. Betty even takes to the catwalk in what turns out to be a hit show. Her confidence is infectious.
Miss Suarez not only has the 7
belief to choose work over love in season 3 episode 1, Betty treats herself to a holiday roadtrip too, filling herself with inspiration and reminding us that loving and doing what’s right for ourselves isn’t being selfish.
Betty uses a butterfly motif in 8
her clothing and in season 4 episode 2, she puts together everything she’s learnt in her years at MODE for a DIY makeover. As for her “cocoon”, she frames that infamous poncho and hangs it on her office wall. Betty has the courage to transform at her own pace while still loving who she was.
In season 4 episode 17, toothfairy 9
Kathy Najimy shows Betty what her life would’ve been like with perfect teeth. Betty’s subconscious is telling her that being the cutthroat, ambitious beautiful sister would’ve been a nightmare. She knows that she had to build that confidence by fighting people’s expectations daily.
And in the series finale, season 4 10
episode 20, MODE creative director Wilhelmina ( Vanessa Williams) expresses admiration after Betty reveals that she’s off to London: “You’ve got balls, Betty Suarez.” The respect of an enemy is a lot tastier than the love of Daniel and worth the fight.
WHAT IS SHOWMAX?
Even Wilhelmina applauds Betty. ShowMax is Africa’s largest internet TV service, with thousands of series, movies and documentaries available to bingeview for just R99 a month. You can watch as many of ShowMax’s series as you like without restrictions. You can pay one month and not the next, then sign back in again. It’s up to you! Go to www.showmax.com to sign up for a free seven-day trial!