Jane the Virgin Review: Chapter Seventy-Six (Season 4 Episode 12)

Jane the Virgin Season 4 episode 12, “Chapter Seventy-Six,” sees Jane over-taken by her inner critic after she revisits the negative book review that put her writing career on hold.

However, Jane would be glad to hear that there are no negative reviews to be written when it comes to this episode, because “Chapter Seventy-Six,” is executed with a smart simplicity that we rarely see from the telenovela.

This newest chapter delves into a very real conflict — the inner battles everyone has with themselves at one point or another. It’s a drastic change from the dramatic high jinks of secret relationships and murder charges, but it is a transition Jane the Virgin always manages to pull off.

Jane’s inner monologue can be used ineffectively at times but Critic Jane is a perfect way to demonstrate just how Jane’s insecurities are eating away at her. And it is Jane’s ability to finally put those insecurities into words at the end of the episode that pulls this entire lesson together.

There’s something powerful about hearing Jane tell Rafael she is a terrible writer because that’s what the review said and Rafael reminding her that the review did not say that. She just chose to interpret it that way.

Even better, Rogelio’s inner critic is somehow louder and more dramatic than the man himself.

Allowing for his hidden insecurities to be voiced in such a way is a nice touch because unlike Jane, Rogelio does not listen to his inner critic and that is potentially the reason why he can be so disconnected to what is going on around him.

While people like Jane have to learn to stop listening to their critics, people like Rogelio need to listen to their critics to keep themselves grounded in reality.

That is the subtle message of this chapter and it is an important one, especially for artists watching who, like Jane, have faced negative reviews and second-guessed doing what they love.

Considering no one’s estranged family shows up and gets murdered at the Marbella, this episode feels timider than others that have come before it this season.

But that does not mean nothing exciting happens because some of the most important developments happen during “Chapter Seventy-Six.”

For starters, Petra and J.R. stop fooling around and finally start…well fooling around.

Despite being brash, Petra’s forwardness in starting a romantic relationship with J.R. is rather sudden. Thankfully, taking the bold step forward skips over a lot of unnecessary will they won’t they foreplay and gets straight to the point, which is that these two are adorable together.

Unfortunately, their new relationship warrants worry for both J.R. and Petra. We know Rosario Dawson isn’t sticking around long, and this wouldn’t be the first time a CW show killed off a woman after making love to another woman just to further the story.

However, Jane the Virgin is better than that, and do you know why?

They know when there need to be topical discussions about sex and when there does not.

Sexual fluidity is something most shows would parade around for praise. Not Jane the Virgin, though. Petra’s sexual awakening is never discussed, and Petra never has to explain why she has a preference for both woman and men now.

The terms gay and bisexual are never used and likely won’t be. J.R. and Petra’s relationship is treated no differently than Jane and Rafael’s as they explore their feelings for each other.

The two girls’ steamy night together isn’t even the most important revaluation of the episode. That honor belongs to Xo.

Not only does Xo injure herself badly in a dance completion that provides the much-needed context for her questionable behavior lately, but she is diagnosed with cancer shortly after going to the hospital.

It is a medical scare that is sure to rock the Villanueva’s lives through the back half of the season.

This also puts Xo in a tough spot.

In the past, Xo has preferred to handle her problems on her own much like when she got an abortion and didn’t notify anyone until days later that she was even pregnant. She is far more isolated than Jane and Alba so it will be interesting to see how she goes about handling this diagnosis with her family present in the matter.

“Chapter Seventy-Six” is proof that Jane the Virgin doesn’t need dramatics to make its point.

The subtle messages of this episode speak volumes if you are willing to listen.

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

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

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