Come To Springfield: America Ferrera
Ugly Betty, while certainly well written and well cast, would be absolutely nothing America Ferrera. After all, she plays the title role, the central character. Sure, there is a universe at play, with the New York fashion world, but Betty is also the emotional center of the show. Basically, there are a ton of side stories and subplots, but it’s Betty’s drive to “do what’s right” and “be a good person” that drives the show. In a way, that makes it even funnier, because the professional world she lives in is so catty and image driven. Most everybody is concerned with image, appearance, and surface, making a lot of the fashionistas rather shallow. It gives Betty a good sense of conflict.
So, if America Ferrera where to guest host on The Simpsons, what would her appearance be like? There could be a couple of angles. First, since Ugly Betty is an adaptation of a Spanish language program, she could have a story revolving around the guy in the bumble bee outfit, who seems to be Springfield’s sole representative, when it comes to Spanish language television. Basically, intriguing concept, but not necessarily funny.
One thing, however, comes to mind. She could reprise her role as Betty, and come on the show based on that. So, the question now shifts away from America Ferrera to her character, Betty Suarez. What would she do in Springfield?
Unfortunately, the resulting episode has already been done. Still, here goes anyway. Betty is fired from Mode, and so, trying to get over her latest romantic failure, decides to relocate to Springfield. Since Smithers has come down with a disease, Betty gets a job as Mr. Burn’s executive assistant. She does an efficient job, Mr. Burns falls in love with her, and Mr. Smithers gets jealous, thinking Mr. Burns wants to replace him. Before any of that can happy, Betty becomes conflicted by Mr. Burns’ inherent evil nature and decides to quit.
Again, not the best of possible episodes. Mr. Smithers has been replaced before – one time, by Homer.
The Simpsons, Ugly Betty, America Ferrera
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