Jane the Virgin Season 2 Episode 15 Review: Chapter Thirty-Seven
Amanda Steinmetz
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Family matters and matters of the heart were on display in Jane the Virgin Season 2 Episode 15.
Jane was dealing with multiple family dynamics as she was confronted with the disapproval of Michael's parents and Rogelio's reluctance to open up about his traumatic experience.
Meanwhile, Alba was reunited with her first love Pablo. However, their passion may not be able to stop the curse that seems to follow him around.
Before we touch upon the the various relationships, let's talk about the use of the Bechdel test. If you haven't heard of this concept, it's pretty simple: In order to pass, a piece of fiction must include two women, both with names, talking to each other about something other than a man.
The baseline of the test seems so simplistic, but you would be shocked to see just how many TV shows and films don't pass. The writers managed to use the Bechdel test in the show's narrative (Jane's writing) and as a meta-critique of the show (the Narrator passing and failing certain scenes).
Alba certainly didn't pass the test as she was completely preoccupied by the arrival of Pablo. Despite her initial protests, Alba was swayed by their powerful connection and his mighty facial hair.
I'm thrilled to see Alba get a little feisty. We've always seen her as a righteous, conservative woman. It's nice to see her let loose a little, even if it was just on the dance floor.
There is no curse. I think perhaps you're just frightened because of the intensity of our passion.
Pablo
Unfortunately it looks Pablo's curse is very much real at this point, and the Villanueva house is in the eye of the storm. Jane is not superstitious, but even she's got to admit the water pipe bursting through the ceiling is not a coincidence.
Speaking of Jane, she found herself having to defend herself against Michael's parents. I love Jane. I really do. However, Michael's parents made some spot on remarks about how Jane handled her breakup with Michael and subsequent coupling with Rafael.
Jane could understand their distrust of her. She's a mother now, and no parent wants to see their child's heart get crushed. Still, their disapproval of the re-engagement didn't stop Jane from standing up for herself and her love of Michael.
I'm sorry you don't like me, but you know what, your son understands why I wasn't here, so I'm cool, and I really hope that you'll learn to live with me because I'm not going anywhere.
Jane
Not everyone is going to like her, and that's a hard lesson for Jane to learn. She's a people-pleaser, but she's not going to make everyone happy all the time. Thankfully, Jane was able lend a supportive ear and shoulder to cry on for the man who needed it most.
Rogelio was finally freed from the clutches of Lola, and we are finally free from that lackluster storyline. The purpose of the storyline is still unclear, but at least it provided us with a lovely exchange between father and daughter. We rarely see Rogelio be truly vulnerable, so it was a very grounded moment for a larger than life character.
Leftover Thoughts
- It was a shame to see so little of Petra in this episode. I wonder if the writers are setting up a postpartum depression storyline for her or if she just needs to bond more with her daughters.
- Rafael better being playing a long con with his brother. Derek doesn't seem trustworthy, and Rafael shouldn't be this gullible.
- I'll admit that my heart fluttered when Michael stood up to his parents about loving Mateo.
- The visual hearts that appeared after Rogelio learned Jane was engaged to Michael were precious.
So over to you guys! What did you think of the episode? Should the series be more focused on passing the Bechdel test? Is Pablo really cursed? What are your predictions for Jane the Virgin Season 2 Episode 16?
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.
