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Home » Blogs » Dorothy Snarker's blog » How many guest stars does it take to screw up a hit comedy?

How many guest stars does it take to screw up a hit comedy?

by
Dorothy Snarker

Yesterday, it was announced that Rita Moreno and Rebecca Gayheart have signed on to guest star in upcoming Ugly Betty episodes in May.

Their sweeps-month appearances add to the hit ABC comedy’s ever-growing number of familiar faces popping up in Betty’s beautiful world. These include Gina Gershon, Lucy Liu, Katharine McPhee, Debi Mazar, Patti LuPone, Kathy Griffin, Jerry O’Connell and Tim Gunn. Plus that’s not even counting the mother of all not-so-ugly guest stars, Salma Hayek herself.

So, while my love for all things Bettylicious remains unwavering, this news does give one pause. How many guest stars are too many guest stars? The line between cute cameos and full-blown Will & Grace-itis is a thin one. I suppose once Bruce Willis and Julia Roberts show up, we will know to abandon all hope, for the Friends Very Special Guest Star Virus (VSGSV, for short) will have taken hold, and no vaccine on Earth can counter its fatal laugh-deadening effects.

When it comes to guest stars, I say go for quality over quantity. And by quality, I mean more Salma. Now that’s ugly caliente.

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    • Submitted by
    Dorothy Snarker
    on April 12, 2007 - 11:27am.
    TAGS :: 
    jennifer from pittsburgh's picture

    Challenges in Time Management

    Submitted by
    jennifer from p... (1430 posts)
    on April 12, 2007 - 12:26pm.
    I really wish this show was on another night because I can't miss The Office, even when it's a rerun. I guess I could tape Ugly Betty, but I tape The Office and dissect it later with my youngest son. We're like idiots with it.
    Niuxita's picture

    I actually cheered out loud

    Submitted by
    Niuxita (84 posts)
    on April 12, 2007 - 12:59pm.

    I actually cheered out loud several times when I heard about Rebecca Gayheart. I LOVED her on Dead Like Me and was heartbroken when she left, just like that. And knowing what her role on UB is going to be makes that episode even more exciting.  

    About the abundance of big name guest stars, I actually feel that that's part of the show's style and that it fits its soap status. It keeps me looking forward to who they're going to bring next. Plus, that's trademark Salma Hayek. I think the same happened in Frida, which she also produced and which had several big name stars in cameos.

    blackheart's picture

    Dead Like Me

    Submitted by
    blackheart (49 posts)
    on April 13, 2007 - 12:24am.

    Now that was a fantastic series, and Rebecca was spectacular in it. I really wish she'd stayed on longer - and the series too.

    Gobias Somecoffee's picture

    Meh

    Submitted by
    Gobias Somecoffee (270 posts)
    on April 12, 2007 - 3:15pm.
    I like Rebecca Gayheart as well.  I really don't mind all of the guest stars if they are written into the story properly or if they play themselves; I believe that's what Tim Gunn did.
    LadyLazarus's picture

    VSGSV

    Submitted by
    LadyLazarus (8 posts)
    on April 13, 2007 - 3:50am.

    very well said. ugly betty is an attractive 'package as it is'... u notice vsgsv tend to distract the story... don't fix what is without a doubt exponentially growing in ratings. however once that growth hits a peak, then bring in the VSGV .... or just simply.. bring SALMA back... and write in penelope too :P

     

    ugly betty should put up who would u like to see poll on their website. that would surely boost ratings .. choices : Penelope Cruz , Lena Headey, Piper Perabo and Jennifer Beals... hahahahha ..


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