Jane the Virgin Review: Chapter Eighty-Seven (Season 5, Episode 6)
Jane the Virgin takes a break from this season’s epic love triangle to focus on the love brewing between Jane and Petra instead — and we couldn’t be happier!
It’s no secret these two women have been killing it as besties this season and Jane the Virgin Season 5 Episode 6, “Chapter Eighty-Seven,” looks to strengthen their bond even further with a trip to a lesbian bar.
If that doesn’t sound like it came straight from the pages of some questionable fan fiction than I don’t know what else would. Thankfully, the more absurd moments on this episode feel less like fan fiction and more like our loveable telenovela.
Jane the Virgin, knowing full well how quickly Jane and Petra’s grinding will be GIFed and shipped, look to nip any romantic vibes in the bud the only way they know how — with lots of close talking and lingering eyes.
Seeing Petra and Jane fall in love with each other and ditch the male love triangle all together sounds like an amazing tv show, unfortunately, it’s just not the one we are currently watching.
Thus the entire scene is a fun showcase of the sisterly love these two have developed for each other.
It’s rather enjoyable to see Petra take on the spoiled child approach when Jane doesn’t take her suggests into consideration. She really sells this newly strengthened family bond with her sibling pettiness towards Jane and Jane counters beautifully with an epic lesson on how to have a good time.
It’s nice to see this kind of girl bonding take place on any show but you don’t always get to see completely platonic friendships bloom in a lesbian bar.
“Chapter Eighty-Seven” truly is a gem of an episode if you ask me.
Petra wearing jeans is such a bold character development for her but jeans hardly compare to the character developments Alba has undergone recently.
There was a time when the word sex couldn’t even be said in the same room as her and now Alba is talking openly with Xo like some kind of sex guru with her new found knowledge of vibrators — wait ago Alba!
It’s so encouraging to see Jane the Virgin once again take on these unique sex-centred storylines.
This is a show founded on the story of a virgin getting artificially inseminated. Eventually, sex had to find its way into the story and I’m just glad the topic continues to be a prominent point of discussion for these characters.
Xo’s cancer storyline was a tough one emotionally to endure and even more so now seeing how much chemo has affected her life, or rather, her sex life.
A non-existent sex drive presents some well executed and weighted dialogue for Xo and Rogelio as a couple. With several masturbating scenes that are refreshingly scandalous for this show.
But nothing and I mean nothing compares to the rock solid sex advice our all-knowing expert, Alba has for Xo, “Just think about Barack Obama and turn it on”.
“Chapter Eighty-Seven,” doesn’t initially seem like the type of episode to throw a curve ball at us, yet the growing tension throughout the episode builds to a rather nerve-wracking ending for Jane and Michael.
With parts of Jason still very much a part of Michael’s personality and Jane herself saying they are very different people now, one could see their latest heart-to-heart ending in a break-up. Jane herself seems less enthused about the idea of being an item and more torn with how to say goodbye to her first love.
But despite the grieving looks the two are giving each other, Michael pulls a Hail-Mary and begs Jane to come to Montana with him for a few days to see if they can rekindle their love.
It is a questionable move on the show’s behalf as it seems more like a flippant attempt to keep this love triangle alive than anything, but to pass up the opportunity to see Jane vacation in Montana would be downright silly.
It’s also kind of a sweet surprise to see Jane say yes immediately to Michael.
Her quick response shows how much the character has come into her own this past season. A Jane that teaches Petra how to grind and jumps at the chance to run away with her previously deceased husband — gotta say I like this spontaneous Jane.
Despite how little we actually see of Rafael, this episode feels like it solidifies Rafael’s chances of getting back together with Jane.
I know this is the same episode where Michael asks Jane to go to Montana with him while holding hands all romantically, but there are so many times in this episode where Jane’s face is so telling of her future actions.
There’s the realization when Michael mocks something like Jason would and the longing when she’s silent around Rafael.
Even the narrator hints at a future where Jane and Rafael find their way back to each other. Once again the voice suggests that Jane wants to tell Rafael how she really feels but ultimately does not.
This inner dialogue of will she won’t she is becoming a recurring theme for Jane, however, only when she is speaking with Rafael. If I didn’t know better I would think these “feelings” Rafael and Jane can’t seem to vocalize will lead to some grand romantic confession down the road.
All I can say is Jane the Virgin better not make Jane go all the way to the backwoods of Montana if Michael isn’t going to be her endgame — that’s just cruel.
Thankfully, if you aren’t feeling the love of Jane’s love triangle right now “Chapter Eighty-Seven” has lots more to offer.
Petra and Jane’s outing with JR is, of course, a highlight and one that nearly overpowers the sour taste of this rift between Jane and Rafael.
Sad Rafael and pissed of Petra don’t always make for the juiciest of drama but Jane’s carefree attitude, a three-hundred dollar bottle of champagne, and some #CrazyRichLesbians keeps the party going.
Top Lines From “Chapter Eighty-Seven”
Petra: I told you to send Michael away and instead you broke Rafael’s heart!
Jane: That’s why you’re mad at me?
Petra: You are creating chaos for our whole family and I just don’t get why you are doing this!
Rogelio: “When I saw you strumming your lady guitar, I assumed you’d gotten your groove back,”
Jane: Lord knows I don’t understand all the choices that you make. But I still support you because that’s what friends do. And so if you’re serious about being my friend, you need to get over yourself and support me.
Michael: I remember thinking how lucky I was to be married to you, which is how I felt every single time you walked into a room or out of our room.
Narrator *watches milk drip down Jorge’s chin*: “Who am I kidding, it’s not even sexy in slow motion!”
Jane [to Petra]: Grind up on me!
Petra: I don’t know how to do that!
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 Wednesdays at 9/8c on The CW.
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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