Oddly enough, I’m struggling with writers’ block just like Jane is in this week’s episode of Jane the Virgin.
In a very relationship-focused episode, Jane is worried about Rafael. He’s been distant, since she rejected his proposal. Xiomara is at odds with her mother when she tells her that she’s moving in with Rogelio. Petra reveals some insightful observations on why Rafael is so impulsive when it comes to relationships, as Michael and Rogelio form an unexpected yet comical duo. If that’s not enough, the episode ends with two new relationships, the natures of which are likely to be revealed throughout the rest of the season.
As usual, quite a lot happens in Chapter 16. Therefore, I broke down the episode into my favorite moments.
WRITERS’ WORKSHOP
For one, I love that Jane wants to be a romance writer and is hardly ashamed of it. It’s madly endearing. Anyway, the writers’ workshop, which is moderated by guest star Jane Seymour, is all about encouraging and boosting each other’s work. Unfortunately, Jane missed that little memo and provided a critique rather than praise. It’s a hilarious scene as she makes a fellow writer cry with her remarks. She later rectifies the situation, but the really interesting part of it is what the narrator reveals… that one person in that workshop will change her life.
It turns out it might be the young woman who sat next to Jane, as she happens to be Michael’s ex-girlfriend. What about that could be life-changing?
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XIOMARA MOVING OUT ISN’T A FANTASY
Xo is initially surprised when her mother takes her “Moving In with Rogelio” announcement in stride. We later learn that she didn’t think Xo was serious. Now that her mother sees Xo beginning to pack, she freaks out and the two fight. The writers know how to nail these Villanueva woman argument scenes. The dialogue is spot on, and seeing Jane try to mediate to no avail is something I definitely find relatable.
ROGELIO SHADOWS MICHAEL
OMG, can we please have a buddy cop show with just Michael and Rogelio? After the GIF below went viral, Rogelio is being endless teased on the internet that he doesn’t know how to hold a gun correctly. It’s fun to see Michael let loose as Rogelio shadows while on the job, so Rogelio can help perfect his craft as a space lieutenant in his new telenovela.
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They have a great comic chemistry, and honestly, if these two accidentally team up to take down Sin Rostro, I will die of happiness (and probably laughter too).
THE JANE AND RAFAEL SALSA DANCE IS A FANTASY
I think we’ve all stood in a place and fantasized how we wish things were happening now instead of what is actually happening at the moment. This is Jane’s fantasy, after making Rafael understand why she couldn’t accept his proposal, she’s worried that he might not forgive the things she said. She conjures up an epic and romantic salsa dance sequence in her mind. For a moment, we think they’ll be alright. Life isn’t that easy though.
Jane was right to tell him that he needs to stop making her feel bad for saying no to something she isn’t ready for. All of this dawns on Rafael after Jane’s little speech and a small, real talk with Petra. Rafael desires a family of his own so badly, which causes him to act so impulsively with his relationships. He wants to make sure they can’t leave him, like his mother did.
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TIME TO FIND MAMA
The next obvious step is for Rafael to find his mother to finally get an explanation for why she abandoned him. Jane and Rafael are back on the same page in their relationship, and she encourages his search.
Why does it feel like we should brace ourselves something super big and dramatic?
Gaby’s Crazy (But it COULD happen!) Jane the Virgin Theory of the Week:
Rafael’s mother is going to be a new villain, and she’s possibly linked to Sin Rostro is some way.
Rating: 9/10
“It should be noted that…”Jane the Virgin airs Mondays at 9/8c on The CW. Watch a preview for next week’s episode:
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