The Manhattan Project (Ugly Betty)
| "The Manhattan Project" | |
|---|---|
| Ugly Betty episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 1 |
| Directed by | Victor Nelli, Jr. |
| Written by | Silvio Horta |
| Production code | 301 |
| Original air date | September 25, 2008 |
"The Manhattan Project" (also known as "Nights in Rome or Tucson") is the first episode in the third season, the 42nd episode overall, and the third season premiere of the American dramedy series Ugly Betty, which aired on September 25, 2008.
As the events of the previous episode passed, Betty's decision about whether to visit Rome with Gio or marry Henry had taken its toll on her. We learn (via a confessional to her mom's tombstone) that Betty refused Henry's wedding proposal and Gio's Rome date because she wasn't ready for a serious relationship and had to find out who she was. With time away from her two former love interests, Betty travels the country alone to gain experience and returns refreshed, along with an idea binder which outlines her goals: get more responsibilities at work, exclude love life as a priority, and get her own apartment.
Unfortunately, as Betty returns to New York City, she discovers much has changed. First, there's a newly redesigned "Mode," done up in black, white and chrome fixtures, and the office is extremely cold. Marc and Amanda welcome back their favorite "frenemy," and of course, there's Wilhelmina as editor-in-chief. As Betty walks into a nursery for the unborn Meade (formerly Daniel's office), Wilhelmina punches a hole through the wall and tells the construction crew to put a window there.
Second, Daniel has been "kicked downstairs" to head up another Meade publication, a young men's magazine called "Player". Betty's job is plagued by Daniel Jr., who welcomes her by gluing her to her chair. Daniel makes light of the situation and wheels Betty into a meeting room, where she is greeted by a chorus of "boo"s from the male staff. Nevertheless, she gets assigned to head up the magazine's Harley motorcycle event. All goes well until DJ sprays Silly String on a model. Ever-resourceful Betty tells Daniel she will handle the situation by filling in for the injured biker. As she does, Betty spots Daniel Jr., who proceeds to spray more Silly String all over her helmet—resulting in a major catastrophe. Marc and Amanda, of course, are present to enjoy the hilarity.
Third, Betty decides to get an apartment in the city, much to the chagrin of Papi and Hilda. Betty, with a very pregnant (and hungry) Christina at her side, goes apartment-hunting and is duped by a savvy real estate agent. A spacious flat with cheery yellow walls wins Betty over, but she makes up her mind a moment too late—someone else just signed the lease. Sensing Betty's naivete, the agent talks her into leasing another "great" place upstairs that turns out to be a filthy mess and has a "sexy view"... of an elderly nude couple. Later on, though, Betty's family saves the day by surprising her with their version of an Extreme Home Makeover. After her apartment is finished, Betty (who has made it a goal to hold off on relationships with guys) knocks on her neighbor's door to complain about loud music and meets Jesse, who is a very attractive guitar player. Betty walks back into her place with a wistful look in her eyes.
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