It's really come to something when the only programmes I want to watch after a hard day of TV listings writing, are those that I've downloaded straight from America.
For some time I've been looking forward to new US comedy drama series Ugly Betty, and been telling anyone unfortunate enough to be listening that it is the future of television. And, having just watched the first episode, I'm both thrilled and hugely relieved to report it is excellent.
What with it being American, there are a splattering of mawkish moments, but the comedy and the drama both more than make up for that. Drama-wise, the heart-breaking realities of Betty's life and her employer's attempts to get rid of her were genuinely touching. But, like any great comedy drama, it'll make you cry one minute and laugh the next. And the whole set-up (plain-Jane Betty goes to work at a supertrendy magazine, much to the annoyance of the staff around her) is pure comedy. It's like a whole series of Zoolander-eqsue stupidity. Which is just what the doctor ordered.
Not wanting to rave too much about it just yet (I've only seen the pilot) but the performances are all pitch-perfect as well. America Ferrera is great as the eponymous lead, while Vanessa L Williams is pure comedy as the supervillain fashion journalist with her own gay henchman. TV's Jim Robinons - Lost, 24, OC star Alan Dale - is also on hand doing his regular austere act, and Eric Mabius excels as Betty's boss, visbly torn between his superficial world, his conscience and the knowledge that he is in well over his head. Good show.
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