Ep 4. Grin and Bear It

It's another day at Mode Magazine and Betty is still struggling to fit in. Despite being the most hardworking and dedicated employee at the magazine, she still faces ridicule from her colleagues who don't appreciate her unique sense of style. In season 2 episode 4 of Ugly Betty titled "Grin and Bear It," Betty is tasked with a special assignment that requires all of her creative talents.

To start, Betty's boss Daniel assigns her to work with Amanda, Mode Magazine's resident fashion disaster. Amanda is a self-centered diva who doesn't take kindly to being told what to do. Betty, on the other hand, is determined to do the best job possible and make a name for herself at the magazine.

The assignment they are tasked with is to create a fashion editorial inspired by nature. The concept is simple enough, but Amanda doesn't make things easy. At first, Amanda is resistant to sharing any creative input, but when Betty comes up with some innovative ideas, Amanda slowly starts to warm up to her. Given Betty's background in graphic design, she brings a unique perspective to the project.

Betty's design skills come into play as she creates mood boards and drafts illustrations as possible focal points of the editorial. And as they shoot the editorial, Betty is there every step of the way, adjusting fabrics and double-checking to ensure that everything is just right.

While the fashion editorial is the central plot of the episode, there are a few other storylines that are worth mentioning. Chief among them is the reveal that Henry, Betty's crush from the first season, is back in town. However, things aren't as simple as they seem. Henry is engaged to his girlfriend Charlie and the two of them are being pursued by the paparazzi. In a heart-wrenching scene, Betty watches from afar as Henry and Charlie are swarmed by photographers. This is an instance that reminds the viewers of Betty's kind nature.

Another storyline involves Wilhelmina Slater, Mode Magazine's snarky creative director. In this episode, it's revealed that Wilhelmina is going through a divorce, and she's forced to confront the notion that she's not exactly the most pleasant person to be around. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Wilhelmina opens up to Betty about her struggles. Betty offers her a listening ear and a little bit of advice, showing once again her empathetic personality.

All in all, season 2 episode 4 of Ugly Betty is a solid episode that highlights Betty's strengths as a character. Despite the challenges she faces at the magazine, she is unwavering in her determination to do her job well. She also proves herself to be a kind and compassionate person who is always willing to lend a listening ear. This episode is a testament to how far Betty has come since her first day at Mode, and it sets the stage for further character growth in the episodes to come.