Million Dollar Smile

Last updated
"Million Dollar Smile"
Ugly Betty episode
Episode no.Season 4
Episode 17
Directed byPaul Holahan
Written byHenry Alonso Myers
Chris Black
Production code417
Original air dateMarch 24, 2010 (2010-03-24)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
 Previous
"All the World's a Stage"
Next 
"London Calling"
Ugly Betty season 4
List of episodes

"Million Dollar Smile" is the 17th episode of the fourth season of the American television comedy series, Ugly Betty , and the 82nd overall episode of the series. It was written by Henry Alonso Myers and Chris Black. The episode was directed by Paul Holahan. It originally aired on the ABC network in the United States on March 24, 2010. Guest stars in this episode include Neal Bledsoe, Halley Feiffer, Ryan McGinnis, Donna Murphy and Kathy Najimy.

Contents

In the episode, Betty Suarez (America Ferrera) finally has her braces removed, but only after she enters a dream sequence in which she sees what her life would be like if she had had perfect teeth. At the same time, Justin Suarez (Mark Indelicato) tries to contact Austin (Ryan McGinnis), who he kissed in the previous episode and Daniel Meade (Eric Mabius) secures the Million Dollar Bra for a MODE cover shoot. Meanwhile, Amanda Tanen (Becki Newton) reveals that her relationship with Tyler (Neal Bledsoe) is getting serious.

According to the Nielsen ratings system, the episode was watched by 4.63 million households during its original broadcast, and received a 1.7 rating/5 share among viewers in the 18–49 demographic.

Plot

Betty (America Ferrera) wakes up in a good mood as she is finally having her braces removed and can get her first ID picture without them. At her orthodontist's office, Betty tries to hurry along Dr. Frankel (Kathy Najimy) and just as she stops her from talking, the fire alarm goes off. At MODE, Betty is depressed that her braces have not been removed, so Marc (Michael Urie) photoshops her image into a blond haired and braceless woman on her ID.

Justin (Mark Indelicato) tries repeatedly to call Austin who seems to be hiding from him after they kissed. Claire (Judith Light) has come back from France and Daniel (Eric Mabius) is cold towards her as she lied to him about Tyler. Meanwhile, Amanda (Becki Newton) lets Tyler sleep over for the night after their dinner date due to him being jet lagged from the flight. After Tyler kisses her for the first time the next morning, Amanda later tells Daniel that she is getting serious with Tyler and Daniel tells her to leave. At the editors meeting, Daniel announces that he has secured the "Million Dollar Bra" for a cover shoot. Wilhelmina (Vanessa Williams) is surprised that Daniel's done something right for a change, until she reads the itinerary for the bra and tells Daniel that the Bra is due to be shipped to Cairo at the same time as the shoot.

Betty tells Daniel she will contact her friend, Alison, who works for Eve, the president of the company that owns the Bra. Betty goes to the Guggenheim Museum to meet Alison, but is stopped by security and when she produces her ID, the security man does not believe it is her. Her braces then set off the metal detector and when she calls out Allison's nickname, A-Bomb, she gets tackled to the ground by security and hits her head. When she wakes up, Betty finds that she is in an It's a Wonderful Life -type dream sequence where is she beautiful and rich. She no longer has braces and is working at MODE as Wilhelmina's right hand woman. Dr. Frankel is her guardian angel and explains that because she had perfect teeth, everything is different. Hilda (Ana Ortiz) is the ugly sister, Justin was never born, Ignacio gambles and Daniel and Amanda are married. When Betty finds out that she and Wilhelmina had planned to sabotage the "Million Dollar Bra" shoot, Betty tries to change the course of events, but ends up hitting her head again. She wakes up to find herself back in the real world and thinking Wilhelmina is going to steal the Bra, Betty rips off Wilhelmina's shirt before backing into the Bra and getting her braces stuck to it. Dr. Frankel then arrives and removes Betty's braces.

Daniel apologizes to Amanda and says he is okay with her and Tyler's relationship. Tyler sees them hug and confronts Amanda, who tells him that Daniel has given them his blessing. Tyler is not happy and Amanda tells him they need some time apart until Tyler and Daniel work on their issues with each other. Back at the Suarez house, Betty is celebrating with her family and eating the foods that she could not eat before with her braces. The doorbell rings and Justin opens the door and finds Austin standing there.

Production

Kathy Najimy guest stars as Betty's orthodontist and guardian angel. Kathy Najimy 2011.jpg
Kathy Najimy guest stars as Betty's orthodontist and guardian angel.

"Million Dollar Smile" was directed by Paul Holahan, and written by executive producer Henry Alonso Myers and co-executive producer Chris Black. [1] The episode originally aired on ABC in the United States on March 24, 2010, as the seventeenth episode of the show's fourth season and the 82nd overall episode of the series. [1]

During "Million Dollar Smile", Betty finally has her "over-exaggerated" train-track braces removed after three seasons. [2] In April 2009, series creator Silvio Horta told Michael Ausiello of Entertainment Weekly , that Betty's braces would be removed by the end of the fourth season. [3] He explained "Next year, there’s going to be a progression in her look overall. It’ll still be Betty, but you’ll see some growth in that direction." [3] Following the series' cancellation, it was announced that Betty was to undergo a make over and her braces were to be removed during "Million Dollar Smile". Broadway theatre actress Kathy Najimy joined the cast of Ugly Betty in February 2010, as the orthodontist who would be removing Betty's braces. [4] Najimy's role would also see her act as Betty's guardian angel during a dream sequence. Najimy succeeded Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who played Betty’s first orthodontist, Gabe Farkas, in season 1. [4]

Donna Murphy appeared in this episode as Eve, an "ice queen lingerie executive." [5] Other guest stars included Halley Feiffer as Betty's friend, Allison, Ryan McGinnis as Austin and Neal Bledsoe in his ongoing role of Tyler. [6] [7]

Reception

In its original American broadcast, "Million Dollar Smile" was watched by 4.63 million households, according to the Nielsen ratings system. [8] It received a 1.7 rating/5 share among viewers in the 18–49 demographic, meaning that 1.7 percent of all people in that group, and 5 percent of all people from that group watching television at the time, watched the episode. [8] This was an increase from the previous episode, "All the World's a Stage", which was watched by 3.3 million American viewers. [9]

Television website TV Fanatic said the episode "was entirely far fetched, but, it was highly entertaining nonetheless". The website also praised how the writers marked Betty's braces being removed, saying "job well done". [10] Tanner Stransky from Entertainment Weekly called "Million Dollar Smile" "a stunning episode" and added that it was "truly heartwarming". [11] However, New York magazine called the dream sequence "a downer" and labelled it "downright uncomfortable". [12]

Related Research Articles

<i>Ugly Betty</i> 2006 American comedy-drama television series

Ugly Betty is an American comedy-drama television series developed by Silvio Horta that aired on ABC from September 28, 2006, to April 14, 2010. The series is based on Fernando Gaitán's Colombian telenovela Yo soy Betty, la fea, which has had many other international adaptations. It revolves the character Betty Suarez, who – despite her lack of style – lands a job at a prestigious fashion magazine. It was produced by Silent H, Ventanarosa, and Reveille Productions partnered with ABC Studios, with Salma Hayek, Horta, Ben Silverman, Jose Tamez, and Joel Fields serving as executive producers. The pilot was filmed in New York City; seasons one and two were filmed in Los Angeles and seasons three and four were filmed in New York City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Box and the Bunny</span> 2nd episode of the 1st season of Ugly Betty

"The Box and the Bunny" is the second episode from the American dramedy series Ugly Betty, which aired on October 5, 2006. Although this is the second episode overall in the series, it is listed as the third episode on the first season DVD release, while "Queens for a Day" was listed as episode 2. The episode's title is a reference to the music box that Bradford took from Fey's apartment, and Betty's pink stuffed bunny that Amanda kidnaps and abuses. It is also the first episode to be produced in Los Angeles.

"In or Out" is an episode from the dramedy series Ugly Betty, the thirteenth in the series overall, which aired on January 18, 2007. It was written by Myra Jo Martino and directed by Michael Spiller. The episode title itself is an allusion to the film with the similar name.

Secretaries Day (<i>Ugly Betty</i>) 21st episode of the 1st season of Ugly Betty

"Secretaries' Day" is the 21st episode from the dramedy series Ugly Betty, which aired on May 3, 2007. The episode was written by Henry Alonso Myers and directed by Victor Nelli, Jr.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Icing on the Cake</span> 17th episode of the 1st season of Ugly Betty

"Icing on the Cake" is the 17th episode from the dramedy series Ugly Betty, which aired March 15, 2007. The episode was written by Dailyn Rodriguez and directed by Jeff Melman.

"A Tree Grows in Guadalajara" is the 22nd episode of the first season of the American television dramedy Ugly Betty. It was written by Tracy Poust and Jon Kinnally and directed by Lev L. Spiro. The episode was originally broadcast by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States on May 10, 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">How Betty Got Her Grieve Back</span> 1st episode of the 2nd season of Ugly Betty

"How Betty Got Her Grieve Back" is the season two premiere of dramedy series Ugly Betty. It aired on September 27, 2007. It is the 24th episode in the series, which was written by Silvio Horta & Marco Pennette and directed by James Hayman. The episode's title is a play on the book and film How Stella Got Her Groove Back.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Giving Up the Ghost</span> 9th episode of the 2nd season of Ugly Betty

"Giving Up the Ghost" is the ninth episode in the second season, and the 32nd episode overall, of the American dramedy series Ugly Betty, which aired on November 22, 2007. The episode was written by Charles Pratt, Jr. and directed by Gary Winick.

"Twenty Four Candles" is the 14th episode in the second season, and the 37th episode overall, of the American dramedy series Ugly Betty, which aired on April 24, 2008. The episode was written by Veronica Becker and Sarah Kuscerka and directed by Michael Spiller. The title of the episode is a wordplay on the film Sixteen Candles.

"Crush'd" is the seventh episode of the third season, the 48th episode overall, of the American dramedy series Ugly Betty, which aired on November 6, 2008. The episode was written by Tracy Poust and Jon Kinnally and directed by Victor Neili Jr.

"The Born Identity" is the 21st episode in the third season, the 62nd episode overall, of the American dramedy series Ugly Betty, which aired on May 7, 2009.

"Curveball" is the 23rd episode in the third season, the 64th episode overall, of the American dramedy series Ugly Betty, which aired on May 21, 2009. This episode doubles as the first part of a two-hour episode, a first in the series' history.

"The Bahamas Triangle" is an episode from the ABC comedy-drama series Ugly Betty, which aired on December 4, 2009. It is the eighth episode from Season 4 and the 73rd episode overall.

"Be-Shure" is an episode from the ABC comedy-drama series Ugly Betty, which aired on December 11, 2009. It is the ninth episode from Season 4 and the 74th episode overall.

"The Passion of the Betty" is tenth episode of the fourth season of the American comedy-drama series, Ugly Betty, and the 75th episode overall. It originally aired on ABC in the United States on January 6, 2010.

"Smokin' Hot" is the 14th episode of the fourth season of the American comedy-drama series, Ugly Betty, and the 79th episode overall. It originally aired on ABC in the United States on February 10, 2010.

"Fire and Nice" is the 15th episode of the fourth season of the American comedy-drama series, Ugly Betty, and the 80th episode overall. It originally aired on ABC in the United States on 10 March 2010.

"London Calling" is the 18th episode of the fourth season of the American comedy-drama series Ugly Betty, and the 83rd episode overall. It originally aired on ABC in the United States on March 31, 2010. In this episode, Betty goes to London with Amanda and Hilda, where she meets up with Christina and Gio. Meanwhile, Wilhelmina joins the Alcoholics Anonymous in the hope of getting closer to Tyler.

"The Past Presents the Future" is the 19th and penultimate episode of the fourth season of the American comedy-drama series, Ugly Betty, and the 84th episode overall. It originally aired on ABC in the United States on April 7, 2010.

"Hello Goodbye" is the series finale of the television comedy-drama series, Ugly Betty. The episode serves as the 20th and final episode of the fourth season. It was written by series creator and executive producer Silvio Horta, and was directed by Victor Nelli, Jr. It first aired on ABC in the United States on April 14, 2010. Guest stars in this episode include Bryan Batt, Neal Bledsoe, Grant Bowler, Alec Mapa, Ryan McGinnis, Matt Newton and Adam Rodríguez.

References

  1. 1 2 "Million Dollar Smile - Press Release". The Futon Critic. Retrieved March 6, 2011.
  2. "Dentists attack Ugly Betty's braces". The Daily Telegraph . Telegraph Media Group. July 13, 2009. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
  3. 1 2 Ausiello, Michael (April 30, 2009). "'Ugly Betty' scoop: The braces are coming off!". Entertainment Weekly . Time Inc. Retrieved March 6, 2011.
  4. 1 2 Ausiello, Michael (February 11, 2010). "'Ugly Betty' exclusive: Kathy Najimy braces for historic role". Entertainment Weekly . Time Inc. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
  5. "Ugly Betty Recap: Brace for It..." New York . New York Media Holdings. March 25, 2010. Retrieved March 6, 2010.
  6. "Programme 16 - Million Dollar Smile". RTÉ One . Raidió Teilifís Éireann . Retrieved 6 March 2011.
  7. Richenthal, Matt (October 23, 2009). "Neal Bledsoe to Guest Star on Ugly Betty". TV Fanatic. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
  8. 1 2 Seidman, Robert (March 25, 2010). "TV Ratings: Human Target Drops 13% vs Survivor; Idol Rises; "Fly Girls" Crashes on Takeoff". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 13, 2012. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
  9. Levine, Stuart (March 18, 2010). "Ratings: 'Idol' worship keeps Fox on top". Variety . Reed Business Information . Retrieved March 5, 2011.
  10. Mrs Northman (25 March 2010). "Ugly Betty Review: "Million Dollar Smile"". TV Fanatic. Retrieved 25 March 2010.
  11. Stransky, Tanner (25 March 2010). "'Ugly Betty' Bites: 11 super quips from last night's braces-removing episode, 'Million Dollar Smile'!". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 25 March 2010.
  12. "Ugly Betty Recap: Brace for It..." New York Magazine. 25 March 2010. Retrieved 26 March 2010.