Jane the Virgin Season 4 Episode 15 Review: Chapter Seventy-Nine
Lizzy Buczak
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Alright, let me wipe this cheesy smile off my face.
Anyone else feeling super lovey-dovey after Jane the Virgin Season 4 Episode 15?
There were so many defining moments and next steps taken for these characters that I'm truly excited for what's to come in potentially the final season.
Team Rafael fans were presumably rejoicing as this episode served as a turning point for him and Jane. There's no more uncertainty surrounding their relationship as it seems they are in it for the long run.
That is what happens after you blurt out “I love you” and it isn't even awkward.
In fact, the moment was anti-climactic, which would usually be a bad thing, except, in this case, it was more of a realization that they are really comfortable around each other. It was natural, the words fell off the tongue and no one thought twice about it.
We've known it for awhile, but hearing her say it out loud allowed Raf to take an even bigger step -- giving her space in the apartment to work on her writing.
And then, Jane took it a step further and made the “let’s move in together” leap.
Some might argue that things are moving rather fast, but realistically, they’ve already lived together and spend most of their time together anyway.
And of course, Mateo is going to be thrilled with the new arrangement. Isn't it every kids dream to have the parents living together under one roof?
For Michael fans, this episode may have been kind of a low-blow as all of Jane and Rafael’s momentous moments happened on the anniversary of his death.
Given how much he meant to her, it was a bit odd that initially, she “didn’t remember” what day it was and only made the realization after sleeping with Raf.
However, it’s also a sign that she’s moving on and moving forward. Years have passed since Michael’s untimely passing and it’s a good thing that she isn’t dwelling on it or letting it hinder or define her.
Would it have been nice to see her pay Michael a bit more thought? Of course. But I think the writers walk a thin line of respecting what she had with him and also, what she has with Raf now.
Okay, things not to bring up. Let’s start with the three “I’s.” Insemination, infidelity, and any other indiscretions.
Petra
I don’t want to ever think that she’s forgotten about her first love because of Rafael, but we also have to accept that this is her family and her priority now.
Briefly, I thought the reason Jane was telling everyone she loved them was because she was internally re-living Michael’s death. I’m very glad that wasn’t the case since that would have caused a huge rift between her and Rafael who was already a bit sensitive about being the second choice.
The certain level of jealousy is understandable. And even more understandable is the guilt he's feeling about it; it's unwarranted to be jealous of a dead man yet you can't argue with human nature.
Relationships with men have always influenced the series but the show succeeds when it uplifts female dynamics, specifically Jane and Petra's.
Their "I love you" moment effortlessly upstaged Jane and Rafael's moment and adorably brought their friendship into a new phase. I will never get over how she kissed Jane on the forehead!
They have such a unique situation so it would make so much sense if they despised each other. But on the contrary, Jane cares deeply about the other baby momma, which is also what motivated her jealousy of J.R.
Jane: And like I said, I love you.
Petra: Well, thank you. I appreciate your explanation.
Jane: You have to say it back.
Petra: I don’t want to.
Jane: Petra…
Petra: Can I say it in Czech?
Jane: No, I want it in English right now.
Petra: Fine. I love you too. Just don’t cry in front of J.R. Ever
Everyone always loves Jane so why didn't J.R?
And despite Petra's love for Jane, she still thoroughly enjoyed that for once, someone thought she was better than her.
J.R called her basic, which let's be real, is not a word I would ever use to describe our titular girl. Maybe she needs to spend some more time with her?
Hilariously, J.R and Rafael started off being overprotective and evolved into chums because they are exactly the same. J.R is basically the female version of Rafael, which is disturbing and heartfelt at the same time.
Sometimes, meeting the family can send a partner running for the hills but in this case, I think J.R, Petra and the two mini-Petra's are going to make a really great little family.
I couldn't be more proud of Alba's achievements -- she finally passed that dang citizenship test!
Wow, I’ve never seen anyone not like Jane before. It’s honestly a turn on.
Petra
Much of Alba's character arc has been her journey to becoming a citizen and much like the saying "when it rains it pours," her test date ended up being smack dab in the middle of Xo's cancer diagnosis and mastectomy recovery.
Alba's decision to keep it a secret from Xo as to not stress her out was admirable, as was Xo's decision to throw a fit to force Alba to go home and study. But let's face it, these women are stronger when they band together. Together, they can do anything they set their mind to.
I was worried that being rejected by Jorge after she put herself out there would cause Alba to fail the test and that would be unbearable. Working for something so hard simply to lose it because of some man? Not happening. Nothing was standing in the way of her American dream.
The series always has a way of elevating regular moments and this time, I was very fond of the congratulatory paintings coming to life, especially the Trump portrait that morphed into Obama. Oh, if only it were that easy.
Xo's acceptance of herself during her recovery seriously made me cry. Her speech to the security guard about having cancer and showing her pus-filled tubes after being self-conscious was so admirable.
Xiomara: You're sorry? My mom is late because of me.
Immigration Officer: Reason doesn’t matter.
Xo: Oh yeah, it does. Because I have cancer. No, no do not look away. I have tubes coming out of me and puss dripping in these bags, and it hurts like hell, but I came here to see my mom take this damn test because being a citizen of this country is important to her. So, I am going to need you to let her take that fricking test.
Narrator: Well, if there was ever a moment to play the cancer card, this was it.
This is a woman who has always relied heavily on her looks and presentation. To bear her soul like that and own up to her changing body was just beautiful.
And, of course, this was the only time that using the cancer card was justified.
What Rogelio did was, well, expected, but still despicable. However, Darcy wasn't any better. I was shocked when she didn't call him out on his lies because obviously, she would have been aware of the American version of Santos given her connections.And if not her then Esteban for sure.
I really never thought I'd actually be the one to say that Esteban was the only parent with Baby's well-being in mind. Rogelio and Darcy are so vindictive, they will do anything to tear each other down, ignoring the fact that by hurting their child's parent, they are actually hurting their child.
It was nice to see them put those differences aside and admit that they've been exploiting each other's weaknesses to use as leverage. It's like dirty politics but parenting. Dirty parenting.
Maybe now that they've all met in the middle, it'll be easier for them to share custody and raise this child.
Related: Jane the Virgin Season 4 Episode 14 Review: Chapter Seventy-Eight
Which Hispanic actor hasn't made an appearance in Rogelio's world yet? I thoroughly enjoyed Mario Lopez squaring off with him at the park over a nanny. But realistically, if he had a nanny, why was he at the park?
And why was that nanny in such demand? Based on the gossip columns, you really have to be careful about those celebrity nannies.
Too much happiness is a tell-tale sign that something bad is about to happy. Since things were working out for everyone, Magda had to appear out of thin air as the one-eyed-witness to Anezka's "murder." I wonder if her claims will uphold in court.
Will Petra's relationship with J.R interfere with the case? Will she need a new lawyer? There's really no one that could defend Petra and understand the level of dysfunction surrounding this situation at the same time.
Catch up with the Villanueva women and Petra when you watch Jane the Virgin online. And comment below to share your thoughts on the episode!
Lizzy Buczak was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She retired in June 2021..
