This show at the time was considered pioneering. Why? Because it centred on an ugly duckling story where a robust but plucky young women navigates the unusual (for her) world of a high-end fashion magazine. I know what you are thinking; “isn’t that offensive?” Actually, no. Not because the television wasn’t constantly about her looks conflicting with the beautiful.
It was about her personality conflicting with them and how her lifestyle is dramatically altered by the vicious and sometimes realistic world of glossy magazine Mode.
The first two seasons were trail-blazing. Kicking off in 2006, it was based on a Spanish teledrama. Developed by Ferenado Caitlan, Ugly Betty was a whole different kettle of fish, trying to swim upstream. It was commented as being a “triumph for the uglies” and not just because our leading lady wasn’t gaunt and perfect. It was because we were getting rounded and fully formed characters of different creeds on the television. The show was more a comment on how blind television was and indeed the world of fashion. Could a girl who wore clashing colours and patterns truly understand the world she was sandwiched into. And yes, it was always addressed that her look, lifestyle and eating habits weren’t of a standard people were used to. The shows important message "be true to who you are, work hard and achieve your dreams."
Hilarious and poignant at the same time, Ugly Betty was highly enjoyable. With characters such as the villainous Wilehelmina, the catty Marc and Amanda and Betty’s demanding family were highlights of the pool. The problem is that after a few season, Ugly Betty jumped the shark and became more ridiculous with it’s scenarios. Not that it wasn’t always riddled with “what the hell?” moments, there were always larger than life stories. It just became too much and audiences found it hard to swallow. With a dwindling viewership, it barely held on til its inevitable cancellation in 2010.
By then, Betty had transformed into a swan. But it wasn’t a bad move, it was this natural transition for her because she grew up and became more professional. She wasn’t turned because she was ugly because she wasn’t ugly to begin with. She was different and strived on with that difference until people were noticing her more. By then people had accepted her future as we all do. Moving on from our hideous fashion choices and become more adult. She didn’t transform into a swan, the elegance was already there. She just had to shed some feathers.
Brilliant and fondly remembered, Ugly Betty will always be a show that came with a great impact, a wonderful heart and it was glorious.