Jane the Virgin Review: Chapter Seventy-Three (Season 4 Episode 9)

If you enjoy hearing the Law and Order: SVU sound effect play every time someone does something even remotely suspicious then Jane the Virgin Season 4 Episode 9, “Chapter Seventy-Three,” is your kind of episode.

This week we are treated to a chapter filled with subtle nods to best-selling franchises such as Harry Potter, Fifty Shades, and Outlander as Jane struggles to come up with an interesting novel idea to pitch to possible publishers.

We are also treated to some not so subtle references (cue the dun, dun) as Petra juggles her sister’s murder investigation and her feelings towards Jane amongst her fallout with Rafael.

“Chapter Seventy-Three” is a hodgepodge of will they won’t they moments between Jafael and even more pop culture references involving leather bondage and celebrities who show off their babies on Instagram far too much.

Because of this, it is hard to say if this episode of Jane the Virgin really hits the mark.

On one hand, we get a satisfying conclusion to the kiss storyline between Jane and Rafael that showcases some very grounded and human moments between the two parents. These moments are important not only to a storyline overcrowded with comedy this week but to fans who don’t love all the pop culture references.

Some viewers still watch this show for the romance, and despite how hectic the storylines get, Jane the Virgin has not forgotten this.

However, Jane and Rafael’s back and forth relationship is wavering dangerously close the relationship formatting we see on so many of The CW shows already, and this is where we could see this show truly begin to falter.

Relationships can only fluctuate for so long before fans get tired of a show’s romance aspect altogether. This is something Arrow learned all too well with Olicity during Season 4, and it is something Jane the Virgin may have to watch out for as they move forward with Jane and Rafael’s relationship.

Now, on the other hand, Jane the Virgin’s usually charming pop culture mockery could come off as too much this week.

If like many you enjoy the overuse of the sound effect dun, dun, then it is likely you enjoy this episode immensely. For those that don’t, it might feel like this newest chapter is still trying to find its balance after new family dynamics were introduced on Jane the Virgin Season 4 Episode 8, “Chapter Seventy-Two.”

It would seem without Rogelio and his ever-changing roster of telenovela shows to provide Jane the Virgin with a unique humor and showbiz glam, what outrageous storylines remain can feel out of place amongst the suburban Miami backdrop.

Rogelio and his usual shenanigans take a backseat to raising Baby in what seems to be an important step in the character’s development.

While Rogelio becoming a stay at home Danny (not to be confused with This Is Us’  fake show The Manny) is important, the storyline is easily overshadowed by Petra’s storyline with her shady lawyer named Jane. Baby is still a baby, and after the spit-up gag has been used once, there isn’t much more for Rogelio to do comedically in scenes with his daughter.

This is likely why there was a time jump introduced onto the show last season. Aging Mateo three years introduced new material and gave Jane’s character breathing room when interacting with other characters.

Rogelio is what keeps this show’s silly shenanigans and heartfelt moments balanced. Sidelining him with a storyline less entertaining than playing a giant person on a telenovela could be a big hindrance going forward.

“Chapter Seventy-Three” is a great example of what makes Jane the Virgin work and what does not.

It is also a great reminder that we are almost halfway through Jane the Virgin Season 4, and this show has still managed to stay witty and fresh even in its weaker episodes. All the wear and fatigue that has begun to appear in shows like The Flash and Arrow has yet to show in Jane Villanueva’s story.

Clearly, Jane the Virgin is aware that giving some characters too much love and others not enough could be their downfall.

Top Lines from “Chapter Seventy-Three.”

Jane: “You just push people too far, Petra. And at a certain point, they can’t come back anymore.”

Jeffrey Mullins (a.k.a Marcel Gerard from The Originals): “The market is oversaturated with vampire romances. You got anything else?’

Petra: “I can’t stand Ivanka. She tried to sell me a few of those bum condos a few years back.”

Rogelio: “Not sexy enough for a vision board.”

Jane: “You think I don’t want to write a bestseller and make loads of cash and buy a giant house? And one for my Grandma. And a boat!”

What did you think of this episode of Jane the Virgin? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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

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