TVSquad

(S02E12) Courtroom drama! Perfume that makes you crazy! Baby-making schemes! This week's Ugly Betty had all the telenovela angles covered. In the grand tradition of fictional court proceedings, Claire's murder trial was over and done with in a couple of days. Don't you love that about TV? There was even time to spare for Gio, Wili, and Christina. Good thing, too, because there's only one episode left. Better get your fill of Suzuki St. Pierre now, folks.

Gallery: Ugly Betty: Odor in the Court

Not Guilty! I'm so relieved that Claire is out of that prison jumpsuit and back in her designer suits. She won't smell as good without her perfume, but she will be significantly less paranoid. That has to be a plus. Now that she's a free woman, how will Claire spend her time? I hope that she gets a love interest in future episodes (whenever new episodes are written, that is). My vote is for Barry Bostwick's character. It would be a shame if the trial is the last we see of him. Claire should definitely spend more time around Betty; the scene when Betty agreed to keep Claire's perfume for "safekeeping" was touching. That kind gesture nearly led to Betty's death, but it was still sweet.

I wonder why the perfume had such a rapid effect on Betty, but not on Claire? Does alcohol delay the effects of the toxins, or what? Either way, it was hilarious to see America Ferrera playing an extremely bonkers version of Betty Suarez. Everything about Betty was intensified: her jealousy and insecurity, her appreciation of "purple" pastrami and tomatoes that taste "like sunshine," and even her love of Molly Ringwald. Betty's time under the influence revealed quite a bit about her true feelings concerning Henry and his connection to Charlie. She's not holding true to her promise to live in the moment, but that's not a surprise. Things aren't looking good for their relationship on a long-term level, though.

Cliff's goodness must be rubbing off on Mr. St. James, because he has suddenly become the voice of reason around the Mode offices (and he doesn't even work there!). He convinced Amanda to do the right thing and hand over the evidence that proved Claire's innocence. It's tough to admit that your late mother's murderous ways got her killed. Maybe Gene Simmons will turn out to be a better role model for Amanda. I have a feeling that Amanda will have to resume her search after meeting Gene Simmons next week, but you never know. Personally, I'd prefer it if Amanda's biological father became a recurring character instead of making a one-time appearance.

I can't believe that Christina went through with this surrogate deal! We haven't seen much of her husband Stuart lately, but you just know that her big sacrifice will end badly. Between Stuart's mysterious illness and Wili's generally villainous nature, Christina has some major betrayal in her future. Could the final scene in the doctor's office have been any creepier? Still, kudos to Betty for showing up to support her friend's ill-advised endeavor.

How much longer will it take Betty to discover that Gio has feelings for her? Hilda figured it out a long time ago, and even Amanda has her suspicions. I'm guessing that Daniel might be on to the sandwich maker as well. Did you see Daniel looking at Gio's face after that hug with Betty? I've gone back and forth on the Henry vs. Gio issue, but I think I'm officially on team Gio--at least for now. He was so gentle with Betty at the doctor's office, rubbing her back and comforting her. You can't beat the on-screen chemistry that America Ferrera and Freddy Rodriguez have right now, and I think they should go for it.

I tried to soak up as many precious Betty moments as I could, since this was one of the last remaining episodes. Cheese fingers has become my favorite mean nickname of all time, although Eggy is a close second. I also appreciated that Wili and Marc presented Christina with an oversized check for $100,000--just to get the point across. Let's not forget about the aptly named Judge Biotch, either. For me, the cutest moment of the episode was when drugged-up Betty hopped over a chair in Daniel's office while saying "Woo!" Who knew that toad venom could make Betty more adorable?

Which, if any, storylines will be resolved next week? Will Stuart suddenly become more interesting? Is Gene Simmons really Amanda's father? When is Gio going to make his move? I don't know what to expect from the final episode, since it wasn't intended to be the last one of the season. Perhaps it's better to cast aside all concerns about plot resolution and be grateful that there's at least one more episode of Ugly Betty left to watch.

My favorite lines of the night:

• "The outfit gave a lethal injection of style to an otherwise drab day of testimony." --Suzuki St. Pierre, on Claire's Dior suit.
• "Her evil disposition, my eyes...that kid would be unstoppable." --Marc, on his hypothetical baby with Wilhelmina.
• "It was designed for lazy afternoons that blurred the line between pleasure and pain." --Amanda, on the Love Dungeon
• "A Windsor knot with a spread collar? You're the one who should be behind bars, Danny Boy!" --Suzuki St. Pierre
• "I just got a new crock pot, so you know where I was all day." --Marc
• "I miss Addison so much." --Justin sounding off on Grey's Anatomy
• "I spend more time here now than when I worked here." --Marc

Next week--Gene Simmons guest stars, Daniel crosses paths with Wili's sister, and Henry and Gio face off!