Jane the Virgin Season 2 Episode 16 Review: Chapter Thirty-Eight
Amanda Steinmetz
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Jane's life is quickly changing as her wedding is on the horizon, and the time has come for her to move out.
Normally the drama and comedy are turned up to level telenovela, but Jane the Virgin Season 2 Episode 16 was a quieter installment that focused on the many transitions in Jane's life.
While Jane's life was changing for the better, Petra seemed to take advice from the worst person you could imagine... her mother.
Petra is a proud woman, but she allowed herself to be vulnerable in front of Jane and the mothers circle. They may have started out as adversaries, but Petra and Jane have come to a place of understanding and respect.
Petra's incredible act of kindness will probably remain a secret for the time being. By helping Jane and Michael achieve their new home, Petra displayed how much she values Jane as a friend. It's just a shame Petra didn't reach out to her after listening to Magda.
Petra: After everything Jane's done, starting with having Mateo in the first place after your sister knocked her up, and you can't tolerate a small commute to let her live in her dream house? Get over yourself, Rafael, and find a way to make it work!
Narrator: And so, just as Jesus rose Lazarus from the dead, Petra Solano went to the mat for Jane Villaneuva on this day in the year of our Lord, 2016.
I think we can all agree that Magda is a horrible human being. It's important to note that Petra's and Jane's roles could have easily been reversed. Jane was lucky enough to grow up with a support system, while Petra was stuck with Magda. Jane also had an instant connection with Mateo, but Petra still seems to be struggling with Elsa and Anna.
All signs are pointing to postpartum depression. Petra needs to get help fast and stop getting advice from Magda, who probably wins the worst mother of any year award. It's true that not all people are meant to be parents, but I don't believe for one second that Petra is incapable of feeling true love for her daughters.
Switching gears entirely, but still focusing on a parent's love for their child, we have Rogelio and his desire to turn Jane's wedding into a massive, blowout, celebrity extravaganza. Rogelio has never been one to keep things quiet or understated, so this didn't come as a surprise.
Jane's resistance didn't last long when Xo reminded her how Rogelio wasn't around for all the major milestones in her life. Rogelio loves a flashy party, but he also genuinely wants to do something special for his daughter. I'm glad they were able to compromise with the small ceremony and the big reception.
Every time God closes a door, he opens up the opportunity for a much bigger wedding venue.
Rogelio
Jane's life already changed when she had Mateo, but now she is about to move out of her childhood home to be with Michael. All she's ever known is the home life she's had with Xo and Alba. Moving out won't change her relationships with them, but it does signify that life moves forward and things can't stay the same forever.
Rafael and Michael were both able to put aside their own personal ideas about where they wanted Jane and Mateo to be, and let her decide what was best. Actually, it appears Rafael and Michael have been able to put their rivalry on hold because they are still working together to get information from Derek.
Elsewhere in the episode, Alba and Pablo quickly got engaged before quickly breaking up. I'm not too disappointed by this sudden turnaround. Pablo was a fun character to look at, but I could see him overstaying his welcome. He was an interesting man to get Alba back into the dating pool, but she deserves a lot better.
Observations and Questions
- How long before Xo and Rogelio make up? It's understandable he needs his space, but he shouldn't shut her out. They both need to be there for Jane.
- It says a lot about this show when a low key episode means having a cameo from the legendary Charo!
- Of course Rogelio takes advice from Lauren Conrad!
- When will there be a discussion about Michael's role in Mateo's life?
So over to you guys! How many celebrities will Rogelio invite to Jane's wedding? Will Petra seek help for her postpartum depression? What are your predictions for Jane the Virgin Season 2 Episode 17?
Sound off below, and don't forget you can catch up on all the telenovela drama 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.
