Jane the Virgin Season 2 Episode 12 Review: Chapter Thirty-Four
Amanda Steinmetz
at
.
Updated at
.
There will be no clever opening line in this review because there's only one thing that can be said... tonight's episode was simply fantastic!
Jane the Virgin Season 2 Episode 12 showcased all the wonderfully delightful aspects this series brings to television: heart, humor, and a heroine who manages to be relatable even when thrown into telenovela levels of storytelling.
There's a lot to discuss, so let's begin with our leading lady.
Gina Rodriguez shines every time she appears on screen. In the hands of a lesser actress (and writers), Jane would be a one note character. Jane's virginity doesn't make her a stereotype. In addition to being intelligent and funny, she's allowed to be sexy.
Was this finally going to be the episode where Jane lost her virginity? She sure seemed willing and ready to move past this milestone in her life. After all, even the narrator could recognize how weird it is for her to be a virgin mom. Shout out to the narrator for being on fire with the commentary!
Jane: Waiting just doesn't seem to make sense anymore. I mean, I'm a virgin mom. That's just weird.
Narrator: Totally weird.
Jane's ability to be open with her mother is one of my favorite parts of their relationship. Not since Lorelai and Rory has there been a mother-daughter relationship quite like this one. I loved how Xo simply listened and never tried to tell Jane what she should do.
While Jonathan is quite the looker, there wouldn't have been much of a future for the two of them. Jane tried to talk herself into thinking she was okay with just getting the deed done, but her heart knew better.
Just as quickly as Jane drove over to Jonathan's apartment wearing no pants, she began to cry when things started to get hot and heavy. This scene was both hilarious and extremely emotional. No one should talk themselves into doing something they clearly don't want to do. Luckily, Jonathan realized she wasn't ready and put a stop to it.
Jane couldn't go through with having sex because Jonathan wasn't the right man for her. Thankfully, Mr. Right showed up at her doorstep professing his unwavering love, and #TeamMichael rejoiced.
Let's hope Jane and Michael's re-coupling lasts. The love triangle needs to be put to rest, and it appears that has happened now that Jane has closed the door on her relationship with Rafael and admitted to Michael that she still loves him.
Michael: Tell me it's not too late.
Narrator: Like I said, some moments can't be romanticized.
Michael: Don't think, just tell me do you still love me?
Narrator: Because they're just that perfect.
Jane: Yes.
Rogelio is going to be over the moon when he finds out he can be best friends with Michael again. Maybe that will cheer him up since his engagement to Xo seems to be over for the time being.
Xo is right to want to take time for herself at her age and not have to be burdened with the job of raising another child. It's also Rogelio's right to experience what it's like to raise a child, since he missed out on Jane growing up. Unless one of them changes their mind, I don't know how they are going to get past this.
Elsewhere in the episode, Jane attempted to make nice with Petra by giving her advice and throwing her baby shower. All this resulted in an unleashing of honesty that was long overdue. Despite the history of animosity between them, I want to see these two strong women be friends.
Jane and Petra are going to be different mothers. They will raise their children differently, but that doesn't mean they can't find a way to create a peaceful modern family unit. Rafael is the father of their children, and they will be a part of each other's lives forever.
Speaking of Rafael, I was glad Jane took the step to officially ends things with him. It wouldn't have been fair to dangle the possibility of getting back together in front of him. Rafael looked devastated, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he can now open his heart back up again to Petra.
Rafael: I don't understand, Jane. We were in love.
Jane: We were, but...
Narrator: And she knew she couldn't leave the door open.
Jane: My feelings changed. I don't know when, but they changed and that's why we aren't together.
In dramatic telenovela news, Rose is dead! Obviously we still need to deal with Mutter, but I'm thankful this particular plot is finally moving forward. This also means Jane can breathe a sigh of relief knowing Mateo is safe.
Leftover Thoughts and Questions
- Alba admitted to Jane that she slept with another man before marrying her grandfather. I was completely shocked by this revelation, but it makes much more sense now why she was so adamant on Jane waiting since she regretted her experience.
- Rogelio De La Vega = A Revealed Gigolo. Absolute perfection!
- I totally forgot about Rogelio's secret scientology tapes and I'm glad they were brought back up again. Also, what will happen now that his old pen pal, Lola, is about to be released from prison?
- Petra needs better friends!
So over to you guys! What did you think of the episode? Will Jane and Michael renew their engagement? Will Mutter finally be caught? What are your predictions for Jane the Virgin Season 2 Episode 13?
Sound off below, and don't forget you can catch up on any missed episodes when you watch Jane the Virgin online via TV Fanatic!
Amanda Steinmetz was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She went into retirement in June of 2027. Follow her on Twitter.
