Jane Gloriana Villanueva always had a plan. It’s something that we are reminded about in almost every episode because everything that has happened in the last few months has not been part of Jane’s strict plan.
In my review of the last episode, I expressed concern over the speed of Jane and Rafael’s new relationship, and it finally hit that inevitable roadblock in this week’s chapter. Rafael proposes in an incredibly romantic, very-perfect-for-Jane-like way. For a second, I didn’t know if Jane could resist saying yes, but she did. Everything in this show goes by so fast; it’s about time that things slow down, even if it’s for one subplot.
Obviously, Rafael doesn’t take Jane’s rejection well, but at the same rate, the dude just got divorced, found out his father was killed by his stepmother, who happens to be the infamous Sin Rostro. Oh, and yes, his sister is missing. (I mean, where is Luisa?) It’s sort of easy to forget that Rafael is dealing with all of this heavy stuff when he turns on that smile and gets all adorable with Jane. But he is, and it’s a serious case of bad timing for these two as Jane’s due date gets closer.
As far as the Marbella Hotel is concerned, Petra is having a ton of fun running the business, keeping Rafael in his place as a silent partner. The only thorn in her side is Lachlan, who tries to blackmail her with a sex tape. Petra stays one step ahead, by leaking the tape herself and putting a PR spin on it to gain empathy. You can kind of see Rafael gain a tiny bit more respect for her with that clever move.
Michael plays a big part of this episode as Jane remembers her past relationship with him as she contemplates her future with Rafael. The chemistry and love those two had (and you can argue that they still have it) makes this one of the best love triangles on TV ever. If it weren’t for this big twist of fate, Jane and Michael could have ridden off into that sunset without any doubts.
Speaking of the past, the show utilizes flashbacks so well. They give insight into the character in not how they’ve changed, but how they’ve grown into who they are now. Jane’s younger self is very similar to older self; it further develops the characters, rather than surprise us or create more mystery. There’s so much happening in the present that it’s a smart move to keep those flashbacks simple.
Xiomara and Rogelio’s relationship is moving at high speeds, but the urgency fits the passion these two have for each other. Their romance is not only a joy to watch, but very funny. Rogelio’s decision gave us this priceless moment:
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To put aside his ego to be near Xo and Jane says a lot about how much Rogelio loves them. So for him to make next step and move in with Xiomara wasn’t much of a surprise.
Back to Jane and Rafael, there is something exciting about their pairing. Michael and Jane talked about the sexy, romance novels she loves to read, where Jane and Rafael are actually living the romance. Sticking to a plan has helped Jane in many ways, but now when it’s impossible to predict what will happen next, Jane is forced to experience everything life has to offer, not just the stuff she pre-selected to experience. Frankly, that’s why the crazier each episode is, the better this show gets.
Gaby’s Crazy (But it COULD happen!) Jane the Virgin Theory of the Week:
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Roman Zazo’s creepily calm twin brother is actually Roman, and the guy pierced by the ice sculpture in the pilot was the zen brother.
Rating: 9/10
“It should be noted that…”Jane the Virgin airs Mondays at 9/8c on The CW. Watch a preview for next week’s episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGaZV2Y0Nmc
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