Ugly Betty, the man magnet

by Jennifer Squires Biller

Betty Suarez is a man magnet. Seriously, the girl attracts more men than the Playboy mansion.

Last season, accountant Henry and sandwich-guy Gio were fighting over her. Then, she moved on to her musician neighbor for a fleeting moment, and now she’s landed a billionaire named Matt.

Betty is rocking the mojo.

What is it about Betty that men find irresistible? By today’s standards for beauty, she doesn’t fit the profile. In fact, she’s the exact opposite. She’s short and stocky, has braces, bushy eyebrows, and an unflattering hairstyle. She wears glasses, and her wardrobe is so mismatched, if I didn’t know better, I’d think Betty was colorblind.

Yet, she always seems to have a man seeking her attention. I have plenty of single girl friends who want to know Betty’s secret. Maybe it’s those red glasses. On second thought, the glasses didn’t work for Sally Jesse Raphael.

Perhaps it’s Betty’s perkiness or perpetual optimism that men find attractive. Maybe nice girls don’t finish last. (Someone should tell Amanda; the girl could use a date.)

At this rate, Daniel will be the next to fall for Betty. She clearly doesn’t know her own power. Oh wait, I think they already did that in the Spanish version of the show and it didn’t work well. I’m just saying, Daniel, beware. Betty Suarez is apparently more loveable than any of us ever imagined.

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Commentary with a Co-Ed: Ugly Betty still charms

by Ashley Gouveia

Betty is back!

I’m beyond thrilled that Betty and the gang are back in action for the show’s third season. I’ve missed Marc and Amanda’s witty banter and, of course, Mode. Imagine my disappointment when I thought that Betty wasn’t going to be at Mode for the foreseeable future. Let me say this; Mode and Betty go together like peanut butter and jelly. If you try to separate them, it’s just not as enjoyable.

But the writers decided to go the smart way and get Betty back into Mode. However, she wasn’t working for Daniel but for Wilhelmina. Gasp! After about five minutes of me saying, “How could she do this?” I accepted it. Last week I didn’t like how Betty began working at Player magazine. I saw it as a big step down for her. I wanted her to be loyal to Daniel, but he was fooling himself. He missed Mode just as much as she did. Thank the TV gods that he realized that by the end of the episode.

How great was it that Marc was the one who inadvertently got Wilhelmina demoted and Daniel back as Editor in Chief? That was a great moment between him and Betty. Claire Meade is still made of awesome. I loved it when she shattered the crystal sculpture of Wilhelmina. She doesn’t fool around.

There were two storylines that I didn’t like last season that I’d hoped would disappear. Daniel having a son was not one that I was excited about. Introducing never-before-seen-children into a big ensemble show could be a disaster. Remember what happened to Gilmore Girls when Luke’s long lost daughter showed up? I couldn’t get on board with this story. But last night had me enjoying Daniel and DJ’s scenes. I think that if the writers keep the story at a minimal, I could actually enjoy it.

The other storyline was the one with Christina and the baby. It was revealed that Christina’s husband only needed the money for more drugs. Color me not surprised. I never trusted his character. Now the baby is the only thing that is keeping Wilhelmina’s plan afloat. So who do you think was the person who pushed Christina down the stairs? The obvious guess would be Stuart.

Is Hilda in complete denial over Tony? Come on, the guy is gorgeous but she is definitely the other woman. I hope she gets out of that relationship soon. I laughed out loud when Tony showed up at Mode, and Amanda and Marc were drooling over him. That was a great scene.

What do you think of Betty’s third season so far? Sound off in the comments.

Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Friday

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Commentary with a Co-ed: Happy Birthday Betty!

by Ashley Gouveia

Ugly Betty returned to the tube last night with its first post-strike episode. Yay! What better way to celebrate than with Betty’s 24th birthday? She was all ready with her new bedazzled phone, courtesy of Justin, to spend a romantic weekend with her boy, Henry. But, of course, Henry’s baby’s mama had other plans.

Charlie returned in full baby bloom and successfully got Henry to cancel his b-day plans with Betty. Henry is either way too nice or just really naïve. I had hoped he might see through Charlie’s façade, but I was disappointed. It didn’t help that Hilda went over to tell Charlie about Henry and Betty’s special night. Although it was great to see the old butt-kickin’ Hilda make Charlie squirm with her long acrylic nails.

Even though Henry couldn’t make it, that didn’t stop a newly head-shaven Gio (love it!) from trying to make the day memorable. I thought that was adorable how he knew that a horse and carriage would be something she would like. I was seeing the sparks, and I’m not talking about the ones they saw on the way to the park. The writers are really setting up this triangle.

I knew I wasn’t going to go through an episode of this show without laughing out loud. Marc’s “I want you” comments toward Daniel were nothing but hysterical. I know what you mean, Marc. But stay away from my man! Amanda wearing a KISS t-shirt to promote her daddy’s celebrity was classic Mandy. Although, there was so much in this episode there was barely enough Amanda in it. But the little moments she did have were hilarious, like when she was listening in to Betty and Henry’s phone conversation.

It seemed like Daniel was too wrapped up in his love life to remember Betty’s birthday. Through the whole episode I was saying, “Come on, Daniel,” think about it. It was great to see that he didn’t completely forget and got her a gift a while back. Was I the only one who wanted to know what he got her? He’s given her some pretty good gifts in the past, like her business cards and the Guadalajara tickets. Maybe it was a deleted scene we’ll have to wait to see on the DVD.

Is it possible that there is a crazier or more evil person in Wilhelmina’s family? It looks like Renee is a little obsessive with men. Christina thinks she’s strange. Well, seeing next week’s preview, that is an understatement. Watch out Betty! ‘Till next week.

Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Friday.

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The Golden Globe nominations 2007

The Golden Globe nominations were announced today and some familiar TV faces are among them. I’m thrilled that several new shows were recognized. Pushing Daisies, Damages, and Mad Men all got a nod for drama series, as well as old favorites Grey’s Anatomy and House. But where was Lost? It should have been among the best dramas.

As for individuals, it’s nice to see Lee Pace, of Pushing Daisies, Donald Sutherland, of Dirty Sexy Money, America Ferrera, of Ugly Betty, and Christina Applegate of Samantha Who? But I think Chandra Wilson, of Grey’s Anatomy, was overlooked. She’s done phenomenal work on that show, but for some reason Katherine Heigl is the more heralded actress.

Take a look at the list. Are you pleased, or was your favorite show/actor/actress snubbed?

TELEVISION

Series, Drama
'Big Love,' HBO'
Damages,' FX Networks'
Grey's Anatomy,' ABC'
House,' Fox'
Mad Men,' AMC
'The Tudors,' Showtime

Actress, Drama
Patricia Arquette, 'Medium'
Glenn Close, 'Damages'
Minnie Driver, 'The Riches'
Edie Falco, 'The Sopranos'
Sally Field, 'Brothers & Sisters'
Holly Hunter, 'Saving Grace'
Kyra Sedgwick, 'The Closer'

Actor, Drama
Michael C. Hall, 'Dexter'
Jon Hamm, 'Mad Men'
Hugh Laurie, 'House'
Jonathan Rhys Meyers, 'The Tudors'
Bill Paxton, 'Big Love'

Series, Musical or Comedy
'30 Rock,' NBC'
Californication,' Showtime
'Entourage,' HBO
'Extras,' HBO
'Pushing Daisies,' ABC

Actress, Musical or Comedy
Christina Applegate, 'Samantha Who?'
America Ferrera, 'Ugly Betty'
Tina Fey, '30 Rock'
Anna Friel, 'Pushing Daisies'
Mary-Louise Parker, 'Weeds'

Actor, Musical or Comedy
Alec Baldwin, '30 Rock'
Steve Carell, 'The Office'
David Duchovny, 'Californication'
Ricky Gervais, 'Extras'
Lee Pace, 'Pushing Daisies'

Miniseries or Movie
'Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee,' HBO
'The Company,' TNT
'Five Days,' HBO
'Longford,' HBO
'The State Within,' BBC America

Actress, Miniseries or Movie
Bryce Dallas Howard, 'As You Like It'
Debra Messing, 'The Starter Wife'
Queen Latifah, 'Life Support'
Sissy Spacek, 'Pictures of Hollis Woods'
Ruth Wilson, 'Jane Eyre' (Masterpiece Theatre)

Actor, Miniseries or Movie
Adam Beach, 'Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee'
Ernest Borgnine, 'A Grandpa for Christmas'
Jim Broadbent, 'Longford'
Jason Isaacs, 'The State Within'
James Nesbitt, 'Jekyll'

Supporting Actress, Series, Miniseries or Movie
Rose Byrne, 'Damages'
Rachel Griffiths, 'Brothers & Sisters'
Katherine Heigl, 'Grey's Anatomy'
Samantha Morton, 'Longford'
Anna Paquin, 'Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee'
Jaime Pressly, 'My Name Is Earl'

Supporting Actor, Series, Miniseries or Movie
Ted Danson, 'Damages'
Kevin Dillon, 'Entourage'
Jeremy Piven, 'Entourage'
Andy Serkis, 'Longford'
William Shatner, 'Boston Legal'
Donald Sutherland, 'Dirty Sexy Money'

For the film categories and the complete list, click here.

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The best and worst of Emmys 2007

Tony Soprano didn’t take home the gold. Neither did Denny Crane.

But those weren’t the most shocking moments of Emmy night. Nope, that honor goes to Sally Field, Ray Romano and Katherine Heigl for their potty mouths. And you thought the Emmys was just another boring award show.

Host Ryan Seacrest did a decent job, but quite frankly, he didn’t do much “hosting.” Thankfully, he left the stand-up comedy bits to the likes of Ray Romano and Ellen DeGeneres. Wise move, Ryan.

Here’s a rundown of the best and worst moments of the night.

Oh no, he didn’t!: During his opening monologue, Ryan Seacrest struck up a conversation with Eva Longoria about her dress and shoes, when he noticed her costar and his former dating companion Teri Hatcher. “Hello, Teri,” Seacrest purred seductively, as the audience erupted in laughter. Hatcher smiled awkwardly, as he added a quick, “You look great!” Nice save, Seacrest.

Worst skit: Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and a leaf blower. It pains me to list two of the funniest guys on the planet under worst skit, but their bit about the “green Emmys” and a leaf blower, well, blew. It was so strained, that it appeared even they knew it wasn’t working. Colbert did have one funny line. He said his leaf blower ran on alternative fuel: “Al Gore’s tears; he’s a crybaby.”

Best ad-libbed moment: Jon Stewart redeemed himself when he and Colbert announced Ricky Gervais as the winner for best actor in a comedy. Gervais was a no-show to the event, so Stewart decided to give the award to someone else. “Ricky Gervais couldn’t be here tonight, so instead we’re going to give this to our friend Steve Carell.” The audience howled as Carell ran onstage, jumping in glee.

Strangest moment: Ryan Seacrest took the stage wearing a Henry VIII costume from the show The Tudors to do a gay joke. “This looked a lot less gay on the rack. Can I keep it?” Somewhere, Simon Cowell was rolling his eyes.

The musical montage: Ryan Seacrest didn’t sing. Lucky for us, he knows his limits. Instead, the Family Guy’s Brian and Stewey took the stage and delivered some funny musical lines including this gem: “ABC has got a lineup that is refreshing and alive, with its hits like Desperate Housewives just continuing to thrive. And those women look sensational for being 65!” Then, they went on to pick on The Sopranos infamous series ending, as they sang: “The Sopranos is a show I’d recommend, because you never know just how it’s gonna”…(the screen faded to black and silence, as the audience roared with laughter.) The singing duo also joked about the Grey’s Anatomy controversy. They sang that NBC was looking at bringing back Seinfeld, but with Isaiah Washington as Kramer. The camera then cut to T.R. Knight, smiling awkwardly. Ouch.

Who knew John Locke was funny? Claiming the prize for best supporting actor in a a drama series, Lost actor Terry O’Quinn delivered a funny speech about his working conditions: “Sometimes, when we’re rolling around in the jungle in the mud, and we’re hitting each other and stabbing each other and shooting each other and they’re pouring on the blood, I wonder what it would be like to bake up a sheet of cookies on Wisteria Lane. And get one of their checks.”

Best looking couple: Grey’s Anatomy star Katherine Heigl and Friday Night Lights star Kyle Chandler took the stage to present an award, but the two looked like they belonged on top of a wedding cake, instead. She was stunning in a long white gown, and he was equally stunning in an elegant black suit. Sadly, these two won’t ever get to share a scene on Grey’s; they blew him to bits in last year’s season finale.

Inside joke or coincidence?: I couldn’t help but laugh when Christina Aguilera sang Stepping out With my Baby with Tony Bennett. The pop star is rumored to be pregnant.

No one delivers a joke like Doogie: Neil Patrick Harris is a gem on How I Met Your Mother as ladies man Barney, where he delivers some of the best comedy on the tube. (Yes, I’m ticked he didn’t win for supporting actor.) In one of the funniest jokes of the night, Harris took aim at fellow presenter Hayden Panettiere when he delivered this line: “Hayden just turned 18. You know what that means ….new voter.”

You can’t say that!: The censors got a workout during the ceremony, but didn’t do the censoring very smoothly. Those watching at home weren’t sure what happened when the sound was cut and the screen showed a weird shot of the set, during Ray Romano’s comedy bit. He apparently used another word for “sleeping with” when taking a jab at his former costar Patricia Heaton’s new TV job. Later, the censors tried, awkwardly, to quickly cut away from Katherine Heigl as she uttered the word “S---“ on hearing her name called for best supporting actress in a drama. And finally, the censors silenced they flying nun. Yep, the censors cut the end of Sally Field’s acceptance speech for lead actress in a drama. She was almost finished with her “if mothers ruled the world” anti-war speech when she got a little too passionate and used the word “God” in front of “damned.”

Seacrest’s best joke: Taking a jab at notorious ladies man Jeremy Piven, of Entourage, Seacrest spotted gorgeous Heroes star Hayden Panettiere in the audience. “Congratulations on turning 18, Hayden. My gift: seating you as far away from Jeremy Piven as possible.”

You say “toe-may-toe” I say “toe-mah-toe”: The announcer mispronounced Katherine Heigl’s last name as “high-gel,” as she took the stage to present an award. Katherine quickly corrected the woman, saying, “It’s Hi-Gul,” laughing along with the audience. “It’s alright. It’s a hard name.” Later, when Heigl’s name was called for the best supporting actress in a drama, she acknowledged the announcer’s effort:“Thanks for getting my name right!”

Tell it like it is: Comedian Lewis Black did a stand-up bit during the show that at first seemed out of place. That was, until he began ranting against the TV networks for their ubuiquitous pop-up adverstisements, during programs, telling us what’s on next and for replacing the credits at the end of the shows with previews of what’s coming on next. As you know, I share his passion on the subject. He then took the news stations to task for the continuous crawl at the bottom of the screen: “The only thing you give us is attention deficit disorder!” Preach it, brother.


Elaine Stritch is hilarious: Whenever Elaine Stritch takes the Emmy stage, you know something intersting is about to happen. She usually keeps the audience in stitches and this year was no exception. She bumbled the reading of the teleprompter during her presenting gig before explaining to the audience that the mistake wasn’t planned: “I’m not faking this. I really don’t know what the Hell I’m doing.”

Best speech: James Spader delivered the goods. Looking completely stunned that TV mob boss James Gandolfini didn’t win, Spader began his speech with that acknowledgement. “I feel like I just stole a pile of money from the mob,” he quipped. Still shocked, he continued, “Where the Hell is Elaine Stritch when you need her?” Spader then went on to scold the Emmy folks for seating his bosses and half the audience behind the stage, where they could see only the backs of those on stage: “I’ve been to thousands of concerts in my life, and these are the worst seats I’ve ever had.” The audience erupted in laughter. Hey, I’d be pissed, too, if I had to watch the backs of people heads for the entire night. Spader then acknowledged the other nominees and issued a quick thank you.

Funniest presenters: Brad Garrett and Joely Fisher were hysterical during their presenting bit. “Do you like my dress,” Fisher asked, about her sexy gown with a plunging neckline. The 6-foot-plus Garrett glanced down and joked, “You should see it from up here. Note to self: Buy milk.” Garrett went on to complement Fisher’s appearance: “I think you just made Charlie Sheen’s to do list: that’s how amazing you look.” Cut to Charlie Sheen in the audience, shaking his head and laughing.

Hollywood loves Al Gore: At first I was confused as to why Al Gore was getting a standing ovation for co-founding Current TV, an interactive TV network. I’d never even heard of Current TV. (I know I’m not alone here, so Google it.) Then, I realized the audience wasn’t applauding his TV venture, just Al. They love this guy and his efforts to save the environement.

Dead people can’t hear, but we can: One of my pet peeves at these awards shows involves the somber memoriam tributes. As clips of the dearly departed are shown, from time to time, the audience erupts in applause. I propose that they either hold their applause to the end, or clap for all of the deceased. It’s offensive that some dead folks seem worthy of applause, but not all. Dead people can’t hear, but we can, and their families can, too.

Fashion notes: Strapless is in, ladies, in a big way. A slew of ladies wore strapless gowns to the event. As for best and worst dressed, no one pulled a Bjork this year, so I won’t pick on anyone particular. I loved Kate Walsh and Ali Larter’s red gowns. Vanessa Williams ruled the roost in a gorgeous green-feathered number. Felicity Huffman went glam with a hot pink plunging neckline, and Sandra Oh looked the best I’ve ever seen her at an awards show. Oh, when did Ugly Betty get so thin? America Ferrara looked beautiful in blue but very skinny compared to last year. I didn’t love Jaime Pressly’s gown. It seemed a little too “old” for her. In other words, her character Joy wouldn’t be caught dead in it. McDreamy, aka Patrick Dempsey, looked gorgeous, but why didn’t he do any of the red-carpet pre-show interviews?

Preshow fun: E! still does the best pre-show, but their entertainment news crawl at the bottom of the screen drove me insane! I was trying to listen to the stars’ interviews, look at their gowns, shoes, jewels, watch the cut-in box to see who else was arriving, and read the crawl at the bottom of the screen. No one’s brain can take in that much information, unless they have ADD. The crawl did reveal some fun facts: Lost’s Evangeline Lilly changed oil on big rigs to earn money for college and worked as a waitress and flight attendant, and Grey’s Anatomy’s Katherine Heigl starred in the lowest-earning movie in history, the 2006 thriller Zyzzyx Road grossed $30 t the box office. Over on the TV Guide channel, Joey Fatone and Lisa Rinna seemed nervous and anxious and rushed the celebrities off instead of chatting with them about their shows. Rinna’s catchphrase of “Have fun tonight” started to grate my nerves after she said it a hundred times. Is it too late to get Joan and Melissa back?

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Commentary with a Co-Ed: Teen Choice Awards

by Ashley Gouveia

It’s that time of year again when teens vote for their favorite stars in TV, movies, and sports. If you watched the Teen Choice Awards on Sunday night, you may have had a similar underwhelming reaction.

Usually, I enjoy the teen fest, but this year I felt like I was watching High School Musical Part 3. Yes, I am one of those people who doesn’t get the whole phenomenon. (Sorry, I tried.)

The reason why I usually like this awards show is that it gives an opportunity for my favorite shows, like Smallville, to get recognized. Plus, we get a few glimpses of some CW hotties. For instance, Jared Padalecki, from Supernatural, presented an award to, big surprise, High School Musical 2 for Choice TV Movie. I think I got two glances of Jared, before the HSM cast came up on stage.

Wait, was that Sanjaya in the audience? Yes, it was. He won the award for Choice TV Male Reality/Variety Star. What is wrong with the world?

I’d like to tell you if Zac Efron said anything interesting in his one of many speeches, but I couldn’t make out anything. The cameras scanned the audience of screaming fans, and poor Zac could barely get a word in. Calm down girls. Let the guy speak. I thought I was going to have to witness another Sanjaya-like fan meltdown.

On most awards shows, they cut out the categories that most would consider boring. But, as usual, they cut the categories that I wanted to see. I would have loved to see Smallville’s Allison Mack get her surfboard for Choice TV Sidekick (for the second year in a row, yay!) or Heroes win for Choice TV Breakout Show. Instead, we got to see Ryan Seacrest win for Choice Hissy Fit. *crickets*

I was happy that America Ferrera won for Choice TV Breakout Actress for my new TV addiction, Ugly Betty. She also presented an award with co-star Ashley Jensen, which was probably one of my favorite parts of the night. Well, that, and John Travolta accepting the surfboard for Hairspray. Gotta love the Travolta!

Those were my highlights (or lowlights) of the night. What was your favorite moment? Did you have a favorite award winner? Or was there someone you wanted to win but didn’t? Let me know in the comments. Also, if you’re curious, check out the complete list of this year’s winners. ’Til next week.


Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Thursday.

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Commentary with a Co-Ed: It's new to me

Ugly Betty: It's new to me
by Ashley Gouveia

This week, I’ve started a new feature that I like to call: It’s New to Me.

During the fall and spring months, I’ve missed TV shows that most people would break their TiVo for, if it overlooked their favorite tube hour. So I’m taking the summer months to catch up with what I, regrettably, never had time for in the regular season. Also, all you Tube Talk readers can help me decide if I should continue to tune in or just save the time slot for something else.

First up, my ugly confession: I didn’t watch Ugly Betty this season. I know what you’re thinking: “Have you been living under a rock?” No. I really haven’t. The Thursday-night time slot was the deal breaker. I, being the only person in the universe who doesn’t have a DVR or TiVo, had to cut it from my primetime schedule. But, I finally watched the first episode.

When I initially heard about Ugly Betty, I thought the concept of the show sounded promising: an ordinary girl from Queens, NY, who steps into the superficial world of high fashion. America Ferrera is an amazing actress, so I knew she could pull it off. Plus, hello, Eric Mabius. Enough said. I knew I was most likely missing out on a really good hour of TV.

My first reaction after watching the pilot episode was empathy. My heart goes out to Betty. We’ve all got a little bit of Betty in us. (OK, so I don’t own a poncho, but I know I’ve had those ‘foot in mouth’ moments like Betty did when she met that jerk photographer.) All those things that her boss, Daniel, made her do were so awful that I’m surprised she lasted as long as she did before she called it quits. That scene where she put on the outfit at the photo shoot, when all the others laughed at her, was heartbreaking.

Daniel revealed that he, indeed, had a conscience after all and told the photographer to stop. But Betty had had enough and wasn’t going to take it anymore. Go Betty! Of course, Daniel came groveling and begged her to come back. Thankfully, she did. We got to see a little more of Daniel’s nice side, too. I’ve noticed that Daniel pretends to be an intimidating guy, but he’s just as insecure as Betty when he’s around his father.

The music adds a lot to the show. KT Tunstall playing in the end was the perfect song choice. Our heroine, Betty, was walking away, thinking she was on top of the world and tripped right in front of her boss. But, she just picked herself up, smiled, and kept on walking. Good for her!

So, what do you think? Should I stick with the show? Betty fans, what is the pivotal episode that would convince me to watch the entire season? I’d love to know what you think about the show. Also, if there is any other show you can think of that may be "new to me" let me know. Until next time!

Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Thursday.

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Let’s hear it for the curvy girls

Jennifer Hudson at the 2007 SAG Awards

This year’s award season has been a refreshing change for those of us who sit at home, watching, wondering if the pretty people parading by ever eat.

This year, real women, with real curves, are walking the red carpet. And I’m not talking about the gals who the fashion media dub as “curvy,” just because the actresses dared to squeeze themselves into a size four. I’m talking about the real-looking women, who are ruling the red carpet.

Let’s hear it for Jennifer Hudson, Chandra Wilson, America Ferrera, Sara Ramirez and the other ladies who are proudly showing off their assets.

Just a few years ago, these gals never would have been mentioned in the endless fashion critiques and best/worst-dressed lists that inevitably accompany awards shows. I cite the example of the gorgeous Queen Latifah at the 2004 Golden Globes, as proof. The Queen was one of my top picks for best dressed that year, but she failed to get a mention from fashion gurus Joan and Melissa Rivers and their counterparts. The style shows and magazines touted the best-dressed starlets to be the thin crowd i.e. Renée Zellweger, Nicole Kidman, etc. Sure, they looked great too, but the Queen was stunning that year. And sadly, she was ignored, because she didn’t look like the typical Hollywood starlet.

Queen Latifah at the 2004 Golden Globes


This year, Ferrera earned a “best dressed” nod for her Golden Globe gown from People magazine. And Hudson’s photo is everywhere in that gorgeous gown she wore to the SAG Awards. And despite that everyone is talking about Grey’s Anatomy’s Katherine Heigl, Sandra Oh and Kate Walsh as fashion icons, Ramirez was my pick for best-dressed cast member at the SAG Awards.

Believe it or not, real people, like me, actually like seeing real-looking women playing Cinderella for the night. It’s nice to see actresses whose images aren’t so unattainably perfect that they look as if they stepped off the toy-store Barbie-doll shelf. And frankly, it’s refreshing to not feel the need to give the actresses a sandwich, out of fear they may keel over from starvation while they’re telling us about their Harry Winston diamonds and Gucci gown.

I’m not so naïve as to think that this trend toward real-looking women in Hollywood will continue. I’m just optimistic enough to hope that it will.


(left) Sara Ramirez at the 2007 SAG Awards and (below) at the Golden Globes
























(below) America Ferrera at the 2007 Golden Globes and Chandra Wilson at the SAG Awards

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New show reviews: Heroes, The Nine, Ugly Betty and Friday Night Lights

Apparently, the networks saved the best shows for last. The latest shows to debut this fall are by far the best of the batch. Here’s a look at Heroes, The Nine, Ugly Betty and Friday Night Lights. It’s a good year for TV, Tubers!

Heroes — If you watch one new show this fall, make it this one. Heroes is so compelling it will keep you glued to the tube for the entire hour. Heroes is the story of people who possess superpowers and are living among us: One can see the future. One can travel through time. One is invincible, and so on. The result is a strong, well-written character drama with moments of humor. In short, Tubers, it’s this year’s Lost. The breakout star of the show is the delightful Masi Oka, as Hiro Nakamura, the hero with the ability to time travel. However, the entire cast is strong, not a weak link among them. Sendhil Ramamurthy is engrossing, as the son trying to solve his father’s murder and make sense of his mysterious research on the heroes. Greg Grunberg, of Felicity fame, stars as Matt Parkman, who has the ability to read people’s thoughts. (Yes, it’s as spectacular as you’re imagining.) And I’m not sure exactly what power Ali Larter’s character, Niki Sanders, possesses, but let’s just say it gives a whole new meaning to the term “split personality.” I’m a little nervous if these folks are the ones destined to save the world, but hey, Clark Kent can’t be everywhere, people. Heroes is the only show this season to receive a perfect four-star rating from Tube Talk. (NBC, Mondays at 9 p.m. EST.)

The Nine — I loved this show, and you will, too. The Nine is the story of nine people taken hostage during a bank robbery. Don’t worry; it’s not what you think. This drama is packed full of rich characters, who we get to know through flashbacks and their actions during the 52-hour hostage crisis. The robbery forces each of them to make choices and, later, live with the consequences of those choices. Tim Daly is perfect, as always, as charming police detective Nick Cavanaugh. (Thank you ABC for getting Daly back on our screens.) Kim Raver, Scott Wolf and the rest of the cast also shine. The Nine has great potential and should be money in the bank for ABC, if viewers will commit. Miss The Nine, and you’re robbing yourself of one of the season’s best new shows. (ABC, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. EST.)

Ugly Betty — Betty Suarez is my new hero. This plain Jane from Queens, with disturbingly bad fashion taste, landed a job in the snobbish, cruel, cutthroat world of high fashion. Ridiculed on a daily basis for her braces, hair, wardrobe and figure, Betty doesn’t crumble. With intelligence and humility, Betty proves to her new boss Daniel (Eric Mabius) that she’s an asset he can’t afford to lose. America Ferrera is endearing and loveable as awkward Betty. Mabius is well cast, too. Despite Daniel’s player tendencies, he seems to have some redeeming qualities. He understands that Betty’s beauty may not be in her physical appearance, but in her ability to be honest, hard working and a true friend. Ugly Betty is filled with plenty of laughs, too, as you would expect. Vanessa Williams channels Cruella De Vil when portraying Wilhelmina Slater, Daniel’s nemesis. Ugly Betty is the most beautiful new comedy this season. Don’t miss it. (ABC, Thursdays at 8 p.m. EST.)

Friday Night Lights — With Kyle Chandler headlining a show, you can’t go wrong. However, if you’re not a sports fan, you may be disappointed with this new drama. Friday Night Lights chronicles the story of a small town in Texas where football is the main attraction. From little old ladies to pushy businessmen, everyone has an opinion about the team. The good townsfolk start talking on Monday morning about Friday’s game, and of course, are eager to share their advice with the new coach (Chandler.) The executive producer has said the show will be about more than football, and I hope it turns out that way. Honestly, I could have used a little less of the game in the premiere and a little more character backstory. But, I’m not giving up yet, especially after the tragic accident to the team’s quarterback that will surely cause tension in the town and with the players. I’m not sure if Friday Night Lights will be a touchdown for NBC, as it’s up against some stiff competition from Dancing with the Stars, NCIS, House, and Gilmore Girls. But if you like football, Chandler, and sports dramas, it may score with you. (NBC, Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST.)

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