Ep 3. Queens for a Day

In the third episode of Ugly Betty's first season, called "Queens for a Day," Betty's job is on the line due to the aggressive tactics of her co-worker, Amanda. Meanwhile, Betty's father is having trouble at work, and her sister Hilda tries to help her son overcome his fear of clowns by bribing him with a trip to the circus. The main events of the episode center around Mode magazine's annual "take your child to work day" event.

As the episode opens, Betty is feeling nervous about the event because she's worried that Amanda will try to make her look bad in front of everyone. When Amanda mocks and insults Betty at an editorial meeting, Betty responds by challenging her to a bet: whoever can get more advertising space for a new lipstick will win. However, Betty's confidence is shaken when Amanda cheats and steals her idea.

Meanwhile, Betty's father Ignacio is struggling at his job as a cook because his boss has been cutting costs and making the kitchen conditions worse. Hilda convinces him to stand up for himself, but when that doesn't work, she takes it upon herself to deliver a blistering speech to the boss and convince him to improve the kitchen. Betty's nephew Justin, who is afraid of clowns, is also dealing with a problem: he wants to go to the circus, but is too afraid to go near the performers. Hilda tries to help him overcome his fear by offering a reward if he can make it through the circus without running away.

Back at Mode, it's clear that Amanda has won the bet and is eager to rub it in Betty's face. However, Betty comes up with a clever solution and manages to secure some advertising space after all. Amanda is furious and tries to sabotage Betty by exposing her fashion faux pas (a lime green suit). But Betty pulls off a surprising comeback by turning her mistake into a fashion statement, and even Amanda is impressed.

The episode's climax takes place at the take your child to work day event, where Betty's nephew Justin makes a breakthrough by befriending a clown and learning that they're not so scary after all. Ignacio also takes a big step forward in his career by impressing the food critic who visits the restaurant. Betty and Amanda's feud comes to a head when they both compete for the attention of a visiting dignitary's daughter, but Betty ultimately comes out on top with her kindness and empathy. As the episode ends, things are looking up for Betty and her family, but it's clear that she'll have to keep fighting to prove herself at work.