Jane the Virgin Review: Chapter Ninety-Two (Season 5 Episode 11)
Jane the Virgin Season 5 Episode 11, “Chapter Ninety-Two,” is all about adjusting to change — but not gracefully.
With only 8 episodes left to make an impression with this final season, Jane the Virgin looks to shake things up domestically with shifts in the Villanueva power dynamics.
That means changing the female dynamic of Alba’s home and not at all acting like Petra and J.R. didn’t just break up.
“Chapter Ninety-Two” isn’t in the mood to wallow, but thankfully Petra isn’t ready to get over her break up just yet either.
She has to break down several more time before it’s officially okay to move on from J.R. and she does so on the Villanueva’s porch swing — the only sensible place to have a break down on this show.
The emotionally charged cry fests are another excellent showcase of the only relationship that seems to matter this season.
Jane and Petra are killing it at this friendship thing now more than ever as their opposing views and stubborn personalities continue to compliment each other in these valuable venting sessions.
Both girls have begun to lean on each other for support and honesty which is refreshing when attempting to show two independent women empowered by each other.
If the power of friendship isn’t appealing to you, then this episode has plenty of conflicts to take in as well.
Alba and Jorge may be blissfully in love but their outdated marriage rules have Jane on the verge of pulling her hair out — can we blame her though?
Seeing Alba go from being the head women of the house to calling Jorge the man of the house is somewhat of an uncomfortable adjustment.
Jorge’s attitude doesn’t help viewers warm up to him either as he refuses to clean up after himself and expects Alba to make all his meals for him.
It is frustrating to see Alba reduced to a 1950s housewife in this new marriage but as she points out to Jane in a clever twist, nothing has really changed. She used to cook and clean for Jane and Xo but because Jorge is a man they take offence.
It’s a valid point that turns this storyline in Alba’s favour before the episode can come to a close.
These opposing viewpoints make for interesting conflict that leads Jane to the important decision to move out, so not all is wasted either.
But Alba’s incredible debate skills still don’t justify Jorge’s behaviour.
Unfortunately, not all of this episode’s conflict has a clever way of winning us over.
River Fields, whose presence has been questionable from the start, reveals herself to be a women bent on breaking up Rogelio’s marriage. She even goes as far as to kiss Rogelio after telling Xo she would never do so again.
It’s a twist that feels completely wrong for Jane the Virgin.
The actress isn’t an overly important character but her presence in Rogelio’s life has made him more aware of how he should treat women and does show a woman successor in a positive light. But all that is trashed for nothing more than some catty revenge plot that showcases River as a crazy psycho now and for what exactly?
For a show that is all about empowering woman, a conflict that uses a woman to tear down another woman and leans into the toxic stereotypes present in pop culture feels terribly off key for this show in its final season.
Jane and Rafael are of course dealing with their own struggles as co-parents. Thankfully, every problem they face on this episode with Mateo is a triumph for us.
It’s hard to watch Jane and Rafael’s plan for getting Mateo’s ADHD under control fail but their enthusiasm and dedication certainly frames the relationship in a more flattering light.
So much so, that the subtle mention of Rafael’s dating life comes off as a natural segway in the discussion.
It has taken a while to get back to this point in the couple’s relationship and I’m glad their growth as individuals has led us in this wholesome direction. This new level of maturity and devotion to their son will make forgiving them much easier when Jane and Rafael do finally rekindle their feelings for one another.
Jane the Virgin attempts to take us in bold directions and for the most part, succeeds with a strong friendship and even strong bond between parents. Whether we are watching Petra or Mateo have a meltdown, the aftermath is worth the trouble.
But not all conflict is worth the trouble or our time as moral lines are blurred for no justifiable reason.
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