There's nothing a little mother's love and musical theatre can't fix

We previously mentioned the potential for a love affair between Justin (Mark Indelicato) and his jock/closet dancer friend Randy (Max Ehrich) on ABC's Ugly Betty. The potential is still there, but the two are certainly on shaky, high school ground now. On last night's episode the Suarez clan was pleased as punch that Justin had a new friend who shared his passion for musical theatre. Unfortunately Justin and Randy's date to attend the school's production of Little Shop of Horrors gets interrupted when Randy’s friends mock him for hanging with Justin.

The next day Hilda surprises her son with two tickets to see the 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical In the Heights as a gift for Justin and Randy. When Justin tells Randy about the surprise, more jock jerks interrupt the proceedings. Randy rebuffs Justin's offer loudly and publicly, clearly trying to prove that he is not gay, nor Justin's friend, nor a musical theatre fan. (As if!) Justin is devastated and of course Hilda can tell. When she finally coaxes the truth out of Justin, we are treated to one of the most touching and heartfelt scenes between a mother and gay son since -- well, since Mark and his mom (as played by Patti LuPone) reunited. Hilda tells Justin that he's perfect just the way he is and anyone who doesn't think so is an idiot. I know, I know, every mom worth her mettle has tried this line on us -- but somehow Hilda really makes Justin and us believe it. After Justin feels better he offers his mom the other ticket, and she joyfully accepts.

Ah, a date to a Broadway show with mom. It's not a real relationship for Justin yet, but it's the next best thing.

-- JASON NELSON

Previously > Fast & Furious with Mark Indelicato

Comments

[Hannah]

This was so sad! I am a highschooler, and I see this kind of thing happen all the time. Some guys try so hard to be "manly" or whatever. It's ridiculous!

[Ryan]

Ah yes, we've all gone through this moment and it was so great to see it captured so well and not at all contrived on mainstream television. Ugly Betty is a remarkable program.