TVSquad

(S02E17) Wili's moment of triumph arrived, and it was just as glorious as I expected it to be. La Slater is officially back at Mode as Creative Director, and all is right with the Ugly Betty world. This episode was all about couples. Hilda pursued Coach Diaz, Gio pursued Betty, and Marc and Amanda did what they do best--torture Betty. The "Betty Whorez" e-mail was one of those small Mode moments that I haven't seen in a while.

I loved how Amanda immediately ran to Marc's side during Wili's return to the office. Things are finally back to normal, and I wish this episode had come sooner. Luckily, they had time to pull an innocent prank on Betty before the episode ended. Amanda's reality show storyline served as a nice reminder that Marc and Amanda's relationship is actually kind of deep (for them, at least). I enjoy the soapy drama, clever writing, and fashion on Ugly Betty, but the show's heart is what makes it special.

The Suarez sisters tried to get dates this week, but only Hilda succeeded. I always enjoy it when Justin and Hilda have scenes together, but I'm not terribly excited about Coach Diaz right now. He's hot, don't get me wrong, but the relationship seems a little dull. Maybe the writers will create a soapy subplot for Tony during the hiatus--who knows? To use Gio's expression, is he merely Hilda's rebound guy? For now, I don't see Tony having a long-term presence in the Suarez household. I'm willing to be convinced, though. Perhaps Hilda and Tony were just overshadowed by Gio and Betty's chemistry this week.

Gio reached an entirely new level of cuteness after his goodnight with Betty. Our girl needed something to get her out of the pile of balled-up tissue and photos that she woke up in. Gio also got Betty to view her life in terms of choices, not obligations. She doesn't have to worry about being a good girlfriend to Henry, because Henry's gone. Besides, Betty's kiss with Gio was way better than any of her kisses with Henry. I have a feeling that we're going to be left wondering about Betty's love life as the season ends. In my mind, the year of Henry Grubstick is almost over. Next season has got to be Gio's turn.

It didn't take Wili long to reclaim her position of power at the magazine, did it? I was surprised that Betty let Daniel handle all of the Mode drama on his own. First he had that weird "sexy war issue" idea, then he went on Larry King Live and got ambushed by Marc. Betty had better get her romantic issues sorted out soon, because Daniel needs more than an awkward butt pat and a pep talk. I want to see at least one "Betty Suarez, loyal assistant" moment in the finale.

My favorite line of the night: "Marc and Amanda! We're so funny together; everyone says so." We certainly do.

Next week--Lindsay Lohan, Naomi Campbell, and softball take over the season finale.