Ugly Betty: The Complete Fourth and Final Season

The adventures of Betty Suarez—walking fashion disaster, unlikely dude magnet, unexpectedly savvy young magazine editor—conclude with the 2009–10 fourth season of the ABC-aired hit series, neatly tying up several storylines. While Betty (America Ferrera) starts out as her usual klutzy, tactless (read “honest”) self—someone who's adored by her family, pursued by lovers old and new, and resented by her conniving colleagues at Mode magazine—by the end her evolution is complete. Some of the changes are superficial, if dramatic: a wardrobe makeover and the removal of her signature braces. Others are job-related: after being promoted to editor, Betty becomes a respected member of the publishing world, with a tempting new job offer that promises to completely change her life. She also sorts out her various boyfriend options. Additional issues that gain closure are the often bitter power struggles between Claire (Judith Light) and Wilhelmina (Vanessa Williams), who both want control of Mode; the dispositions of Betty's “frenemies” Amanda (Becki Newton) and Marc (Michael Urie); and the romantic lives of Betty's sister, nephew, and father. While hardly revolutionary, Ugly Betty's distinctive qualities—including its message that one doesn't have to screw over everyone else to get ahead—made it a show that will be missed. Compiling all 20 episodes, DVD extras include an episode audio commentary, deleted scenes, bloopers, webisodes, and a location featurette. Recommended. (S. Graham)