Fashion always finds a way to come back into season.
It took 20 years for fans to wear their cerulean sweaters for The Devil Wears Prada 2. But this sequel, a trip down memory lane, has us thinking about TV’s own fashion comedy.
Of course, we’re talking about the beloved ABC hit, Ugly Betty!
The back issues of MODE.
For four seasons, Betty Suarez’s adventures at MODE magazine hooked us with its new kind of workplace chaos.
You had the office shenanigans of Betty feeling like a fish out of water next to the scandalous and elitist MODE coworkers. Their love for designer labels and power outweighed their compassion for Betty.
On the other hand, we have Betty balancing her family time. She tries her best not to lose herself in the fashion world, keeping her roots in Queens, New York.
Mix both of these with a flair of primetime soap and telenovela. Lots of heart, campy drama, and fashion.
Now, you have one of my absolute favorite series ever. Ugly Betty is so much fun!
As we’re getting closer to Ugly Betty’s 20th anniversary, it’s time to bring this fashion show back into circulation.
We’ve been deprived of Wilhemina Slater’s workplace schemes, the innovative editorials, and the shocking plot twists.
But in a new TV world (and a new decade), everything would change for MODE’s reality. Where would Betty Suarez and her “Modies” be in a 2020’s lens?
Especially working in a magazine publishing company, of all places!
Let’s take a look at what we’d love to see in an Ugly Betty sequel.
From underdog to superstar.
Betty’s return is an absolute must. We fell in love with her story, from a shy executive assistant to a future co-owner of a magazine.
She needs to be at the forefront.
From Ugly Betty Season 1 Episode 1 to now, Betty has had many new experiences in the publishing world. She knows what it takes to put a magazine together, and she has the confidence to lead a team to make it happen.
She’s no longer the bumbling assistant figuring things out. Sure, she’ll mess up and get into hijinks, but she’s much more capable now.
Plus, she’d be more worldly than the last time we saw her on Ugly Betty Season 4 Episode 20.
Just like Andy Sachs on The Devil Wears Prada, Betty has traveled the world. She has her fateful final steps on screen in London, U.K., but where else could she have lived?
And where else did she work?
There’s an untold history just waiting for Betty to tell. And her closet will have more fashion pieces to share, too.
Romance after publication.
But did she and Daniel start their relationship? That’s an uncertain question.
Daniel makes his grand trip to see Betty, but the series ends with them making plans to catch up again. A possible workplace reunion that could lead to romance.
Ugly Betty builds its foundation on their friendship.
Making the relationship work or just staying friends are two strong possibilities.
Daniel grows a lot throughout the series; he’s no longer the playboy he once was. So, a world where he is a loyal, strong partner to Betty could be a reasonable idea.
More stories to tell.
Betty’s friends, family, and frenemies are also a must-have to return. By the series finale on Ugly Betty Season 4 Episode 20, everyone is living their best lives.
Wilhemina is editor-in-chief. Mark gets his well-deserved promotion. Amanda finds her long-lost dad.
The world is looking up, but time and fashion can change a lot.
Even though they love and respect (well, mostly enough) Betty, it doesn’t stop them from throwing out quips. Or, in most cases, planning a scheme to get whatever they want.
Would Wilhemina seek more power at Meade Publications? Would Mark or Amanda feel threatened by a returning Betty?
And can Claire Meade and Christina be around to offer loving support again?!
Plus, her family would be thrilled to have her return to New York. The Suarezes are the heart of Ugly Betty; they’d welcome her back with open arms, jumping into a familiar routine.
Let’s not forget, they stayed in the city. She left for London.
Their family could’ve changed a fair bit since Ugly Betty Season 4. Did Hilda’s business and marriage survive? Are Ignacio and Elena still together?
Has Justin gone into fashion? Is he at MODE?!
It’s a new Ugly Betty world for us to catch up on.
A new magazine for a new era.
Speaking of fashion looks, Ugly Betty is the perfect time capsule for that era. The outfits, the industry, and the pop culture references.
And of course, the comments that didn’t age well. (*Cough* post-Alexis’ reveal *cough*)
A sequel series can be an interesting look back to see if the characters have changed, and how they’d comment on the past.
Wilhelmina, specifically, sets the standard for the magazine and fashion industries. She’s more nefarious, cutthroat, and unforgiving than Miranda Priestly could ever be.
New fashion and pop culture standards might have shaped MODE over the years.
Did Wilhemina adapt, or has she begrudginly dealt with it all this time?
Just imagine her trying to style for Gen-Z and TikTok trends. She would be so frustrated!
We need to see this reality.
Agree? Disagree?
What’s on your wishlist if Ugly Betty returns for a future season?
Let us know in the comments, or share this article with someone who needs a touch of Ugly Betty in their life. That’s what makes it fun.
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