I ♥ UGLY: My Review of UBS3's Episode 1

Betty's back! With louder outfits, a power punch of changes, and fast-paced NYC as the backdrop, so far, our girl from Queens is off to a very good start.

There's something unique about the new season of Ugly Betty...it's quicker, it's bolder, it's brighter...

From the get-go, all our summer's anticipation of who-does-she-choose, are answered within the opening two minutes leaving plenty of time for Betty to encounter a whole sleuth of new shenanigans...from leasing a dump of an apartment, having a food fight with Kimmie (Lindsay Lohan), to being attacked by her supposed "power" animal, this season has fun written all over it.

What I love, is al though Betty's world is constantly changing - and this season seems to be going at an alarmingly fast pace - it continues to carry the same heart, energy, and authenticity as the previous two. Especially, the first season...with all the original writers back together storming up Betty's world, we can find solace in hilarious, campy adventures while shedding truth and human qualities at the end of every episode again.

One thing's for sure, the fashion has done a major upgrade. With Patricia Fields signed on once again, the clothing takes on it's own character and gives even more life and personality to everyone. And Betty just looks so much more put together even though she's made to be a thrifty dresser. I admit, because of Betty's wardrobe, she's inspired me to stand out more in the crowd.

And having Betty running around on the busy streets of NYC looks magnificent! It's like she's meant to be having unusual experiences parading around the clutter-filled sidewalks in her great ensembles...it's tacky, but it makes sense for the show! That's why it's SO awesome that the NYC backdrop is included, and it gives a whole new life, vibe, direction, and movement to the show. It's so speedy and big, like Betty's lifestyle.

I couldn't help but sympathize with Betty when she's purchasing her first NYC apartment...the market is competitive, expensive, and first come - first serve. It reminded me a lot of my experience and how long, spendy, and hard it was to get my place in the city that never sleeps. And I live for subliminal signs in things...like Amelie...and Betty is that way with the dove - her power animal - and how it was meant to be when one perches itself outside the window. I'm all about happenstance and timing, and it's just so cool and fitting how parallel I feel like my life is to hers.

The show's message at the end where Betty goes through a series of emotions where she feels like making all these personal changes and growth, and then feeling like a child again. I think we can all see ourselves in her with that, because as much as we want to grow up, there's an innate nostalgia in us all, where we are sort of in a cross-road, or limbo between being young and being old. I'm just real happy the show's original heart is shining through once more. There were some really touching moments between Ignacio and Betty.

It was adorable at the end when she's settled into her place after going through a series of unfortunate events and doubting her decisions, how she dances around her little place. It's her own small space in the world, where she's growing up and learning things on her own. I can't wait to feel that when I move. I know it will be hard, but it will be worth it. And I can't wait to dance around my apartment to cute music and feel like I'm independent...it'll feel very becoming.

So hats off to Ugly Betty! At the rate it's going, it looks like it's off to an amazingly fun season!

*PS. It was so fun to watch this after now being behind-the-scenes and knowing how it's made. It's still surreal that I met everyone and could recognize all the Modies in the background too. And it made me want to be back there ASAP!