Jane the Virgin Review: Chapter Thirty-Three (Season 2 Episode 11)

#AwkwardSweaterKiss is my new favorite Jane moment in the history of Jane the Virgin.

Everything about “Chapter Thirty-Three” was pure excellence, quality that I haven’t seen in a long time from the sophomore season of the CW hit show.

Taking the focus off of the Jane love triangle and refocusing some of that energy on other characters is the greatest choice that the show has made thus far.

The audience is reconnecting to characters that haven’t be at the forefront in a long time and they’ve finally hooked me with the Mutter story line, all while balancing Jane’s new crush and keeping Mateo an important part of the story.

While Jane the Virgin often juggles a number of stories in one episode, those stories sometimes feel a little disjointed. With “Chapter Thirty-Three” there are a lot of pieces in motion, but they all have a synergy that works in the show’s favor.

I’m thrilled that the writers are weaving Jane’s virginity with her crush on Jonathan. It’s been a long time since Jane gave any thought to her vow of chastity and, especially now that she is a mother, it seems like a great time for her to consider that vow again.

Jane’s attempts at perceiving Jonathan’s feelings for her aren’t going very well at all. Yes, he touches her back, and yes, he’s sharing more about his personal life with her. But she’s totally misread him when she leans in and kisses his sweater.

Oh Jane.

As much as I want to see Jane alone, I do like this story line. I think for Jane, someone who has been an adult for her entire life, an older and mature man is the right fit.

At least for right now.

Let’s talk about what’s happening between Rafael and Petra.

I’m enjoying seeing their love rekindle. These two are more mature now and there are no secrets between them. They can go into a relationship with a completely clean slate. I don’t doubt Petra’s love for Rafael for a second and it seems that the feeling is mutual, or at the very least, headed in that direction for Rafael.

Which is why it’s heartbreaking that after their kiss, Petra realizes she can’t be with Rafael while he is in love with Jane. Jane will linger over them until Rafael can get some closure.

Petra does a lot of questionable things, but this is the one decision she’s making with a totally level head. I want to see Rafael drop his feelings for Jane, for many reasons. He and Petra make a great team and their romance has enormous potential, especially with the twins on the way and what that will mean for the family dynamic with Jane.

Without Jane, Michael can finally focus on his career and the Mutter/Sin Rostro case. This case isn’t my favorite story on the show, but it does allow for some nice shocking (and gross) twists.

So Luisa’s stepmother and girlfriend Rose is also the stepdaughter of her stepmother, who is Mutter!

Seeing Rose again after such a long absence surprised me. Mostly because I expected that she would be sporting a new face. I wonder if she will contact Luisa, and bring those powdered doughnuts.

I’m also confused by Luisa’s current romantic situation with Susannah. Luisa is a  very complicated character who tends to make romantic decisions with the wrong heart. But Susannah is a stable person, kind, and she’s got her life together.

While I love that stability as man an option for Luisa, it’s quite obvious that her heart lies, as it always has, with Rose. I predict Susannah will be in for some serious heartbreak.

This twist is SO telenovela, but in the best way imaginable. I’m excited to see where this goes now, something I did not feel last week.

I think back to when we first met, when we were sixteen, and I think that my whole journey up to now has been about finding my way back to you.

Rogelio: I think back to when we first met, when we were sixteen, and I think that my whole journey up to now has been about finding my way back to you.

The standout story for me in “Chapter Thirty-Three” is Rogelio’s proposal to Xiomara.

Rogelio is a larger than life star. Everything he does needs to be big and grand and star-studded. So to see him just drop to one knee, with a ring that his grandson just pooped out, and propose to Xiomara is nothing short of amazing.

Unfortunately, that proposal comes to Xiomara at a time when she’s finally realizing that she wants to focus on herself for a while.

I’m actually a bit surprised that the children storyline is coming up between Xo and Ro. While I realize that forty is not too old to start a family, it did catch me off guard that it would be a point of contention for Rogelio. It’ll be interesting to see how that resolves.

Everything about this episode hit all of the right notes. From the wacky telenovela twists to the embarrassing, awkward moments this felt like a reinvigorated Jane the Virgin, one that I hope we see continue in the coming weeks.

What did you think of this episode of “Chapter Thirty-Three”?  Are you a fan of the Mutter twist? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

 

Jane the Virgin airs Mondays at 9/8c on The CW.

Follow us on Twitter @TellTV