Jane the Virgin Review: Chapter Eighty-Four (Season 5 Episode 3)
Sometimes being civil just isn’t Jane the Virgin’s style and that’s more than okay.
Jane the Virgin Season 5 Episode 3, “Chapter Eighty-Four,” provides us with an abundance of juicy feuds without once being problematic in the process — and that’s the greatest accomplishment we could ask of this show in its final season.
After the stressful return of Michael, it is no surprise sticking these characters in a tent with a talking stick can be both amusing and disastrous, but what we couldn’t expect is how therapeutic the entire experience would be as well.
Mateo stumbling across a very alive Michael is not exactly therapeutic, but if you don’t laugh at how funny the entire situation is for that poor boy then are you properly invested in this show?
Beyond Mateo’s traumatic experience is an episode that has as much heart as it does fight — particularly when it comes to Petra and Jane.
Here we are eagerly awaiting to see if Michael and Jane can rekindle their relationship when it is Petra and Jane who need to find each other again. Sure the two girls made up and friended up seasons ago but their relationship has always been one of circumstance.
For everyone that has rooted for these two to finally realize their potential as besties, we wait no more! Jane and Petra may have been forced to spend time together at first but now they are able to see that they genuinely want to be each other’s lives.
Jane even goes as far as to call Petra her sister by the end of the episode. This is peak character development!
Seeing two woman who once saw each other as rivals put aside their difference and develop into supportive mothers that can confide with one another is so uplifting. Especially for Petra, who is so self-sufficient, we forget sometimes that she needs someone too.
Not going to lie though, their fight over chat is one epic way to end a series-long feud.
We know this stability is fleeting for Jane and Rafael but it is just so heartwarming to see Jane solidify her future with him.
There is a comfort in watching Jane ask Rafael about their future as parents and if adopting is something they should consider – which of course it should be!
There is nothing more captivating than hearing these two talk as if this future can and will exist.
It’s really too bad Jane the Virgin can’t end the series right here at this moment but alas, Jane can’t have her happy ending just yet.
Which brings us to Jason, who somehow manages to be the best and worst part of this episode.
The worst parts come early on during the episode when Jason takes it upon himself to get a date with Jane no matter how many relationships he fractures in the process. Unlike Michael, Jason doesn’t seem to understand the word no and it’s rather infuriating from a character and writing standpoint.
Jason has pointed out that he is the victim here but instead of carrying on with that sentiment, this episode looks to villainize him in all the wrong ways. Jason even tells Jane she isn’t allowed to talk about Michael — Jason, you are Michael!
I just wish Jason would have shown more remorse or genuine emotion before his goodbye to Jane and not have acted like some kind of lower class Bond villain that stumbled into a telenovela. His goodbye to Jane is mature and vulnerable, something I wish we could have seen more of in this amnesia storyline.
Which leads us to the best part of Jason — the end of Jason and the return of Michael.
Jason may not be gone for good, but that look of sadness and joy that crosses over his face as ceiling shavings fall down around him is most defiantly Michael. Seeing that familiarity in his eyes is worth everything Jason has put us through.
Of course, Michael would regain his memory but the fact that it’s a reenactment of the iconic snow falling kiss that allows Michael to finally remember is beyond wonderful — it’s a masterpiece.
Everything from the mix of white flakes and tears trickling down Michael’s face, to the glowing of his heart is squeal-worthy.
We really have to give this show credit where credit is due. They craft this beautiful storyline ending for Jane and Rafael that could continue on without faults. And instead, Jane the Virgin actively seeks out the chaos by throwing Michael back into the mix and tearing down everything they have worked towards.
Michael’s story didn’t have to play out like this but I am glad it is because the amnesia storyline might just be the firework show we needed to close out this final season properly. Jane the Virgin knows how to keep the Jane, Rafael, and Michael love triangle feud alive but more importantly, they know how to keep us coming back for more every time.
We are now three episodes into Jane the Virgin and this show is showing no indication of slowing down.
“Chapter Eighty-Four,” keeps that momentum going with brisk pacing, fun family feuds between siblings and parents, and no stumbling.
Sure, Jason may be a hard pill to swallow but with the promising return of our beloved Michael, he is worth the grief.
Everyone else being on their worst behaviour propels this episode forward with exciting conflict that is resolved in easy and satisfying ways. And at the heart of it all is our favourite telenovela family, who were built out of the circumstance but chose to stay together because they love each other.
Top Lines from “Chapter Eighty-Four”:
Mateo: Ahhhhhh, mommy! Michael came back from the dead.
Rogelio: I did some research, and pay parity affects people of color too. So this, plus everything that’s going on in this country … it’s always been my dream to be famous in America, but I’m starting to wonder why am I so desperate for validation from a country doesn’t seem to value or accept me.
Jane: Would you ever consider having more kids?
Rafael: I have three.
Jane: I just want you to know you’re a good person. You deserve a good life.
Jason: I know that now. I must have been for someone like you to love me.
What did you think of this episode of Jane the Virgin? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
–
Jane the Virgin airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on The CW.
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Alicia Gilstorf
Alicia is a Rotten Tomatoes Certified Critic and a Critics Choice Association member. She credits her passion for TV to workplace sitcoms, paranormal dramedies, and coming-of-age stories. In her free time, Alicia loves to curl up with a good book and lose herself in a cozy game. Keep a lookout for her coverage of Ghosts. You can also find her work on Eulalie Magazine and Cool Girl Critiques. Follow Alicia on social media: @aliciagilstorf