TVSquad

If you had the return of Ugly Betty in your datebook -- or PDA -- for Friday, October 9, it's time for an update. ABC has moved the season premiere of Ugly Betty to October 16. It'll be a double shot of Betty, two-hours instead of just one. After the premiere, Ugly Betty will fall into its regular slot of Friday at 9 p.m.

Unfortunately, a double dose of Ugly Betty won't be enough to pump up the ratings. ABC isn't doing Betty any favor by plunking it on Friday nights when there are less people watching TV. Sure, there are lower expectations, but what does it say about the network's faith in the show? Why not just put it on Saturday when even less viewers tune in? (What happened to programming for Saturday night anyway? Once upon a time, great shows actually thrived on Saturdays!)

If they give the title character a radical change, as sources are reportedly seriously considering at ABC's Ugly Betty, does that include a title change to reflect the alteration? In other words, will Ugly Betty be the same show if Betty becomes a beauty?

Mike Ausiello is reporting that ABC has focus grouped a couple of scenes from the upcoming season in which Betty is remodeled to look more fashionable in the fashion world. As Mode's new associate features editor, she opts for some fancy new outfits and a less eclectic, eccentric look. She's also had her hair, brows and makeup redone ... no doubt after a trip to Hilda's beauty salon.

a.) The quality of the show has gone downhill

b.) The depiction of a single girl in New York City is unrealistic

c.) There are gay characters on the show

d.) The show sensationalizes drinking, casual sex, and revenge

e.) Betty has been wearing her braces too long

Here's the answer.

[via TV Tattle]

I'm probably one of the few Ugly Betty watchers who thought that America Ferrera looked cute in her Betty getup from day one. But it seems as if Betty Suarez has been slowly de-uglifying ever since. Many of our readers have noticed that America is noticeably slimmer than she was when the show started. But I've also noticed that her hair (is it a wig?) isn't as much of a shaggy mop as it has been, her clothes aren't as loud (still frumpy, but not as silly), and her brace-face isn't quite as prominent.

All this may be in an effort to shape the character -- in other countries' versions of the show, Betty eventually goes through a transformation into a gorgeous woman. At the very least, it may be showing that Betty's time at Mode might be rubbing off on her in small ways. But, according to TV Guide's Mike Ausiello, some of the changes might be coming from Ferrera's reps, as he reported in a blind item today. In other words, he doesn't mention the name of the show, but most of the commenters seem to think he's talking about Betty.

(S01E04)

Jerri (reading her poem in class): When you work from your home, and John's callin' the phone, you're a call girl / When you walk 'til you limp, and give a cut to a pimp, you're a street whore / When their beggin' you please, to get down on your knees, near their groinage / 'scuse a me, don't you see, don't you touch where they pee, without coinage --

Mr. Noblet: Thank you Jerri, that'll be --

Jerri: When I straddle and squat, to show you my--

Mr. Noblet: All right Jerri...