Snuggly Betty

Oh my God, I LOVE "Ugly Betty." Because of some temporary DVR hiccup, I was sadly unable to record the premiere. At first, I was just slightly disappointed; despite the fact that there was so much buzz about how good it was, I figured that it wouldn't live up to the hype because nothing ever does.

But then I watched Episode 2, and found myself delighted from the very first ping of the background music playing behind the re-cap of the previous week's show. Since then, I've been looking forward to tonight's episode with as much — nay, dare I say it, even more — anticipation than that with which I await each new episode of "Studio 60" and "Gilmore Girls." And although less wacky, tonight's episode certainly did not disappoint.

Yes, there were a few instances of predictable dialogue that I wouldn't tolerate in a less earnest show, but "Ugly Betty" obviously has the same heart of gold as its title character. Plus, a twisted sense of humor. Thank goodness the cast is so talented — in particular America Ferrara and Ana Ortiz, who swing effortlessly between sincerity and comedy, and Vanessa Williams and Michael Urie, who are able to perform the absurd with facial expressions that convey the perfect mix of seriousness and self-aware amusement.

If you haven't already caught it, watch tonight's episode online. If you have some tropical ice treat to eat along with it, even better. Personally, I recommend Ben & Jerry's Jamaican Me Crazy sorbet.