As we say goodbye to Ugly Betty [1] until the writers' strike [2] is negotiated and over (hopefully soon!), I can't help but wonder why it is that the character of Betty herself has bugged me so much this season. Is she actually different, more self-righteous, less fun than season one? Or is it all in my head? I suppose I've got some time to reflect on that now. Last night's episode, which was the final one we'll have for a while, had some classic moments (hellooooo anytime Amanda sings) and some frustrating ones, but I had to love that the whole thing was basically a spoof of Neil Strauss' pick-up guide, The Game. Heard of it? It spawned that VH1 show, The Pick-Up Artist [3], and, apparently, this episode of Betty. Here are my thoughts:

• Amanda should sing every episode, even just a little something. Her brainstorming session with Marc trying to come up with the ditty she would sing to capture Gene Simmons' attention was so fun and hilarious, not to mention her final product. It made me love Becki Newton [4] even more than I already do.
• Best interaction of the episode, between Wilhelmina and Christina: "Are you trying to hug me?" "I'm as surprised as you are . . . Thank god that passed."

For more thoughts on our last Betty for a while (sob), just

• Gabrielle Union is a) gorgeous and b) great on this show as Willi's sister. It seems like we would have her around for at least a few episodes . . . if there were more episodes. What do you think is her big secret?
• Claire Meade is quickly becoming my favorite character. I can't wait to see the triumph/total disaster that is Hot Flash magazine. I like how it's for women of a "certain age." That phrase always makes me giggle a little. So nondescript, yet so perfect.
• So about The Game or, as it is here, Tap That, featuring the A.S.S. (approach, subdue, score) method. I had to chuckle at the cultural relevance (especially as someone who had a huge guilty soft spot for Mystery and his cronies on The Pick-Up Artist [5]), and I loved the scene with Betty and Henry reading the book side-by-side and talking about all the lingo.
• Also great was how quickly the pick-up strategy worked on Amanda (and, um, Betty) and Hilda's defense of the entire practice. "At least it gives guys the confidence to talk to us rather than just stare at our boobs." Wise words.

• I must admit that the Henry vs. Gio story line finally had me warming up (again) to Henry. The pick-up montage was hilarious and, at times, cringe-worthy, and the scene where he finally admitted the jealousy factor was legitimately sweet. Now if only I could warm back up to Betty.
• It was about time Daniel fell head over heels for a woman who will inevitably break his naive little womanizing heart again. It seems we may have found her.
• Not enough Christina! Never enough Christina — where is her sick husband through all this? I kinda wanted them to move more quickly through this pregnancy plot line, but I suppose the writers probably thought they had more time to progress.

What did you think about the episode? Are you sad to say goodbye to Betty & Co. for a while? Seriously, am I being too harsh on Betty? Were you loving The Game reference? What is Renee's big secret? What will you miss most about the show during the hiatus? Will Gene Simmons and Amanda run off to make a family band? How much does Christina know? Do tell!

Photos copyright 2008 ABC, Inc. [6]