Jane the Virgin Review: Chapter Thirty-Two (Season 2 Episode 10)
On-line dating is hard.
It’s even more challenging when you’re a mom, writing a novel, and you’re Jane the Virgin.
When Lina points out to Jane that she hasn’t dated in a while or seen any “action” Jane realizes it might be time to get back in the game.
While I love seeing Jane date, my biggest issue with this story is that it really goes no where. These guys are just awful. I also find it frustrating that Jane imagines any of these guys as Mateo’s future daddy. Type A Jane is a thinker, a planner. Sure, it’s fine that she’s putting herself out there, but her character can’t be compromised for a quirky dating story.
Which is why I’m so pleased with the dating resolution. Jane tells Alba and Xo that she doesn’t know how to date and they both agree. I’m also glad to see that Jane creates her own dating profile, sans photos of her drunk dancing, and that she’s ready to meet new people. But honestly, this entire story was a bit tiresome for me.
As I say here, I really think the show needs to take a step back and just focus on Jane, not in a romantic sense. Why does Jane need a man, or need to be dating a man? If it’s a natural progression for her, than that’s a wonderful and I’ll gladly jump on board, but these stories, especially this one in particular, feel forced.
At least she has that super hot sex dream about Professor Chavez. So, there’s some fuel for your fire, #TeamWritingProfessor fans! Jane’s got a new crush.
Let’s talk about Rafael.
“Chapter Thirty-One” ended with the revelation that Rafael’s mother is Mutter and with him taking a syringe to the neck by her hand, leaving him incapactitated. We come back in, “Chapter Thirty-Two” with no real moment for him to rationalize it or deal with it emotionally. This is a HUGE thing for Rafael to be dealing with.
The most concerning thing here, and it’s pointed out, is that Jane is very self absorbed listening to his story. Her problems aren’t the largest things happening, and Rafael needs someone to lean on, rather than being a Dad for just a moment.
His troubles follow him to Petra as well, but at least this time, the woman in the room reminds him that just because his mother is a monster doesn’t mean that he will be, as well.
I’m really enjoying the reconnection between Petra and Rafael in these past few episodes.
It’s easy to forget the history that these two have, and that they did have a great deal of love for one another at one time. The scene where they choose baby names out of a fishbowl is easily a highlight of, “Chapter Thirty-Two” and I can’t be the only one who noticed their sweet hand holding while their babies kicked.
But Rafael still loves Jane. It’s always going to hang over him until he reignites the love triangle again by telling her.
Michael’s story this week also feels very silly. It’s revealed that Nadine plants Sin Rostra’s chip into Michael’s leg before she is shot. I have to question a few loopholes here, like how does Michael NOT feel a chip being placed in his leg? How deeply does Nadine cut Michael? Does she have local anesthetic in her car first aid kit?
This is another story I’m growing bored with. Sin Rostro/Mutter. I want this resolved soon and for Jane the Virgin to find a new villain.
The standout story this week belongs to Rogelio as he handles his “momager,” Liliana, and gets his newly outed father to come watch him perform on set.
Rogelio is so over-the-top every week that it’s a really nice change to watch him take a dramatic turn. It’s also a sweet moment when Xo, whom Liliana does not approve of, stands up for Liliana’s job and urges Ro not to fire her because, “you don’t fire your mother.” That takes a lot of class for Xo and shows how much she’s matured since beginning this relationship with Rogelio.
Liliana takes notice as well, giving Rogelio her wedding ring to pass on to Xo.
And then there’s Alba who, inspired by Jane’s on-line endeavors, starts googling a man named Pablo Alonso Segura. Who is he? The narrator isn’t telling just yet.
Overall, I was quite unhappy with this episode, but pleased to see progress in some areas. Where will we go in, “Chapter Thirty-Three”? You’ll have to tune in on Monday, February 8 to find out! Here’s a preview of what’s in store next week!
What did you think of “Chapter Thirty-Two”? Are you getting a little bored with Sin Rostro and Mutter? Are you Team Jane? Who is Alba googling? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Jane the Virgin airs Mondays 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.