Jane the Virgin Review: Chapter Thirty (Season 2 Episode 8)
December is a time when our favorite television shows give us the warm and fuzzy feelings associated with the joyous holiday season.
In “Chapter Thirty,” of Jane the Virgin delivers on those feelings while also striking up some very interesting plot twists that will no doubt change the game in the new year.
I’m going to start by coming out and saying that while I love the ever-changing love triangle between Jane and Rafael, now that it’s become perfectly clear that Michael is her choice, I’m over it. She’s stood by her feelings for Michael, even in his absence, and now I think it’s time to do one of two things; shift this to a Jane and Michael love story or make things a little more complicated for Michael (poor Michael…he’s never going to get an easy ride.)
The chemistry between Jane and her writing professor, Mr. Chavez, is definitely palpable and he obviously has Jane’s best interests at heart with her writing and her long-terms goals. He has slimy Wesley removed from the program for writing that awful article about the Solanos in order for Jane to become his TA, a sign that he’s paying attention. More importantly, in terms of loosening Jane up, he knows the exact way to shake her out of her writing rut by asking her to write different genres.
Jane still has lingering feelings for Michael, which may be a result of the lack of closure between them, and I’m really looking forward to scenes in the coming year where these two characters move past their problems.
As for the other man in her life, Rafael’s growing bond with Petra is developing quite nicely. There’s no love connection between them, I almost see it as Rafael pitying Petra. He is there for her, though, in a way that no one else can be with complete understanding. Magda has backed Petra into a dangerous corner with the murder of Ivan. Petra has always been somewhat of a slave to her villainous mother, and Rafael understands that. His proclamation that he doesn’t hate her as he listens to her confess every dirty secret is so on par with what Rafael is learning in his relationship with Jane.
Sometimes good people do bad things.
Jane and Rafael go through some couples counseling to work through their issues about Michael and why Rafael cheats his way into Michael getting (supposedly) fired. This storyline, honestly, feels a bit trite, and I think it would have been better served worked out over a few episodes, because I think this isn’t something a simple role-play exercise can help. There’s a lot of mistrust between these two and if they are going to continue co-parenting with the extraneous feelings abounding, it’s not something Grace from Secret Life of the American Teenager can just “poof” away. (I miss having Meghan Park on my television!)
Rogelio spends most of “Chapter Thirty,” obsessed with thinking that his intern has betrayed his trust and spilled his secret romance with Charo. Spoiler alert, he didn’t. The more touching moment for Rogelio came when it was finally revealed that HE is Jane’s mystery benefactor paying her college tuition. Rogelio may be a lot of self-absorbed things, but when it comes to his family, he puts their needs in the forefront.
Rogelio also had a bromance breakup with Michael. Rogelio genuinely loves Michael and watching Michael rebuff him is super upsetting. I want Michael to work things out with Ro more than I want a reconciliation with Jane.
The biggest joy of “Chapter Thirty,” is Alba FINALLY receiving her green card and watching the Villanuevas celebrate this feat together. We’ve been awaiting this moment since the series began, so to have it play out on Christmas felt right. Alba is a religious woman whose faith is constantly put on display. Her gift coming on THIS day, of all days, makes more sense than anything else that happens in the episode.
While I’ve not been completely invested in Luisa or the Mutter storyline, I did find the switcheroo surprising. Where is Luisa’s mother, and what is her connection to Rose? I’m just glad too see that Luisa isn’t acting like a fool and that she’s working with the police now. It’s important to keep that crazy locked down.
Lastly, I feel awful for Petra, who is trying so hard to change her ways and reach out to those around her. It seems as though with each positive stride she makes, the universe hands her a giant obstacle. I suppose the challenges build character. She’s going to jail for Magda’s crimes, but at least now that Rafael knows the truth, he can hopefully get her out of it. I’ve got hope for Petra.
What did you think of “Chapter Thirty?” Are you digging the chemistry between Jane and Mr. Chavez? Are you quietly imagining a Jane the Virgin/Secret Life of the American Teenager crossover? Jane and Amy would have SO much to talk about! Sound off in the comments below!
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Jane the Virgin returns on Monday, January 25 at 9/8c on The CW.
Christine Laskodi
Christine is guilty of watching Hart of Dixie more times than the average human will in their lifetime. She's the host of Long Live the Hart: A Hart of Dixie Podcast (available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!) as well as co-host on The Shipping Room, a podcast devoted to television's greatest relationships. You can find some of her older television reviews at TV Fanatic and IGN. Christine eagerly anticipates every cheesy holiday movie that networks can throw at her, and current favorite shows include The Good Place, The Resident, Shark Tank, and All Rise.