There's No Place Like Mode

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"There's No Place Like Mode" is the 15th episode in the third season, the 56th episode overall, of the American dramedy series Ugly Betty, which aired on February 19, 2009. The episode was written by and directed by Bethany Rooney.

Plot[]

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At a YETI class, Betty is advised to get experience in an industry other than fashion if that is not her ultimate career goal. Betty suggests that each editor-in-training pair up with someone who works at a different magazine to gain more experience. She asks Daniel if he has any non-fashion-related assignments for her and he hands her the job of writing press release about a new designer named Heinrich, who has been added to the Mode show at the last minute. For her YETI partner, Betty selects the girl from the New York Review but Jodie pairs her with Matt, the "sports guy". He has to trail her during Fashion Week, including a visit to the enigmatic Heinrich. She does not know what to make of his designs of metal, glass, barbed wire and wings.

Betty and Christina write a jokey press release for Heinrich, one that advises fashion fans to "get their tetanus shot", but it ends up being sent out by mistake. Daniel is pleased with the unconventional approach, however, as is Heinrich, who now wants Betty to produce his show. Daniel tells Betty to simply follow Heinrich's vision, but she has no idea what to do with his vague, contradictory descriptions. Because the buzz is so high, Daniel moves the Heinrich show to the prestigious final spot. Unprepared for the daunting task, Betty is contemptuous of Matt's offer to take a break from all things fashion by visiting his magazine. When he tells her she has prejudged him as the "sports guy", she agrees to accompany him on a sports assignment.

During an uncomfortable meeting in the men's locker room, Matt admits that he was not a sports fan until he got to know the athletes personally, including the Serbian player who plays to support his poor family. He made a career that he was ill-suited for work for him by making it personal, and suggests that might work for her at Mode. Betty takes his advice to heart and researches how Heinrich grew up behind the Berlin Wall and how his father was killed trying to escape. She finally has a concept: the runway will be flanked by an "Iron Curtain", and Heinrich is pleased with her "perfect" interpretation of his vision.

Wilhelmina is outraged when a Cavalli dress she had been planning on wearing for Fashion Week does not arrive, and even more so when Marc suggests it is because she has less media attention due to her relationship with Connor. Things get even worse when she is seated in the second row at a fashion show, instead of her usual front-row seat. To prove that she is still relevant in fashion, she grants an exclusive interview to Suzuki St. Pierre, but gets bumped in favor of a news update about the latest in doggie denim trends. Wilhelmina laments to Connor that she thought she could have a personal life as well as a career and he advises her to "claw her way back".

Molly dresses up to accompany Daniel to Fashion Week, but is labeled a "frump" in the press, so Daniel arranges for her to get her hair and makeup done by two Mode stylists. When Suzuki greets her as "Ugly Ducking" and wants to know all about her makeover, Molly turns away. After receiving a phone call, she claims there is a leak at her building and leaves. Molly does not return Daniel's phone calls and when he tells Betty about the makeover, she points out that he essentially insulted Molly's appearance. Over the phone, Daniel apologizes to Molly, saying that he loves her and does not want her to change. He asks how the repairs to her apartment are going and she tearfully answers that it is more serious than they thought, as it turns out that she is at the doctor's office.

Frustrated with Elena's growing relationship with Ignacio, Hilda throws her a going-away party since Ignacio no longer needs a nurse. However, she is disturbed when Elena comes down to breakfast the next morning with Ignacio, dressed in his robe, and is put off when they make out while she is trying to watch TV. Ignacio argues with Hilda, insisting that he has a right to have a relationship. Justin tells her he likes Elena and remembers that she and Hilda used to be friends. He gives his Fashion Week ticket to Elena, so that she and Hilda will be forced to spend the evening together. The two women end up giggling over the ridiculous Heinrich fashions and bond over their love of stirrup pants and chunky jewelry. Hilda admits that she likes Elena, she is just uncomfortable with the dating situation. Elena suggests they come up with some "ground rules", with less PDA.

As Betty marvels on finally understanding the art of fashion, Christina reveals that she has been in labor all day. The Iron Curtain is blocking the two back exits, so Betty has no choice but to escort Christina down the runway; Christina collapses right on the runway and prepares to give birth as she is unable to get out. Due to the crowds, the paramedics cannot reach Christina, but Wilhelmina sees it as her opportunity to get back on top. She orders the models to raise their wings to shield Christina and give her some privacy. Wilhelmina calls for a doctor to assist with the birth and Hilda volunteers Elena. The birth becomes the event of fashion week and Wilhelmina emerges triumphantly holding the baby as the show's grand finale.

Matt congratulates Betty on the show and she thanks him for encouraging her to "dig deeper". He confesses he was never interested in fashion, he was more interested in learning about her. Betty asks Daniel what it feels like to have a half-brother. He affirms it makes him miss his father, and praises her work on Heinrich's show and her ability to connect with people, assuring her that she will make a great editor someday.

Production[]

This episode marks the birth of Wilhelmina Slater and Bradford Meade's son, the future owner of 50% of Meade Publications. This also marks the second time in the series run, following "Zero Worship", that Betty and Daniel exit the catwalk together as the spotlights are shut off at the end of the episode.

Casting[]

This episode introduced Daniel Eric Gold to the cast as Matt for a recurring run.

Viewership[]

This episode came third in its timeslot against Survivor: Tocantins and Bones, with a 5.1/8 rating and 7.6 million tuning in, slightly up from the previous episode.^[1]

Guest starring[]

• Bernadette Peters as Jodie
• Grant Bowler as Connor Owens
• Sarah Lafleur as Molly
• Lauren Velez as Elena
• Daniel Eric Gold as Matt
• Alec Mapa as Suzuki St. Pierre
• Michael Stuhlbarg as Heinrich

See also[]

• Ugly Betty
• Ugly Betty (season 3)

References[]