All's fair in love and politics. That's how the saying goes, right?

Jane and Petra went head to head in the 2017 election for Room Mom on Jane the Virgin Season 3 Episode 14. The battle for mom supremacy didn't last long, but their rivalry did lead to some emotional revelations.

Elsewhere in the episode, Mateo's aide provided relief, and Xo questioned the future of her relationship with Bruce.

After the lackluster Jane the Virgin Season 3 Episode 13, I'm happy to say this installment got back on track. Everything from the election theme to Rogelio's personality to the romantic pairings just felt more natural. 

Even though Jane and Petra have gotten along during the majority of the time jump, that doesn't mean they don't let their competitive sides come out from time to time. This time around, their rivalry extended to their children's school for the title of Room Mom.

Despite the intense political climate we are still in, I didn't mind the overt election theme. The graphics, hashtags, and one liners had me chuckling.

Jane: The kids can see democracy in action. This time free from Russian intervention.
Narrator: Ugh, don't remind me.

• Permalink: Ugh, don't remind me.

Sometimes the quirky themes can miss the mark, but I though the election provided some funny moments like the teal vs. coral moment. Also seeing Jane and Petra in some power pantsuits was fabulous. 

As with most of the conflicts between Jane and Petra, their issues with each other came down to their insecurities within themselves. Even when their warring provides entertainment, I prefer to see two strong women on the same side.

For being not the most self-aware character, Rogelio saw right through their feud. Their rivalry had nothing to do with being Room Mom, and everything to do with feeling inadequate.

The best rivalries are not about the rival. They're about the insecurities that your rival brings out in you... preferably in the fifth act.

Rogelio

• Permalink: The best rivalries are not about the rival. They're about the insecurities that your rival...

Jane is not the perfect mother, and neither is Petra. They love and take care of their children as best as they can. 

Jane looks at Petra and sees a mom in control with perfect, well-behaved daughters. The reality is that Petra likes to be involved in every aspect of her daughters' school because she is a perfectionist and cares about outward appearances.

Petra looks at Jane and sees someone more nurturing and intuitive. She also sees Jane as the woman Rafael will always side with. Jane may be softer, but she still struggles with raising Mateo while forging her career path.

Mateo's disruptive behavior and lack of focus isn't wrapped up in Jane and Rafael's shortcomings as parents. Mateo simply has issues many kids his age have. 

Jane was sure Mateo was scarred by Michael's death, and Rafael thought his time in prison hurt him. According to Alex, Mateo's aide, his issues are not deeply rooted emotional ones. 

I was glad to see Jane could get through explaining Michael's death without crying, but I am not ready for her to start dating yet. Like I've said before, it's been three years for Jane, but it's only been a handful of episodes for us.

Jane: You get what you put out, and I guess I've just been projecting this kind of Miss Havisham vibe out into the world ever since... you know.
Xo: Well I don't know who that is, but if you mean, "Hands off I've got cobwebs down there," then yeah, that's the vibe you've been throwing.

• Permalink: Well I don't know who that is, but if you mean hands off I've got cobwebs down there, then...

I have to say that I am really liking the Rafael that came out of prison. He seems much more measured and calm. Turning over Room Mom to Rafael was a stellar choice!

We obviously need to address the Rafael/Petra hook up. First of all, it was hot!

#TeamRafael fans were probably disappointed to see him all hot and heavy with someone other than Jane, but I was always rooting for a Rafael/Petra reunion. There's something about their dynamic that just works.

Rafael: See? You're the dragon protecting everyone.
Petra: You're the only one who sees me like that.

• Permalink: You're the only one who sees me like that.

The tenderness they showed one another shows how far they've come from all the blackmailing and deceit. Petra tends to feel Jane is the superior woman in Rafael's eyes, so his assertion that she is a strong and protective mother was just what she needed to hear.

There are still a lot of questions surrounding Scott's death and the journal, but I hope neither of them are behind the drama. 

I have my doubts what with Rafael and his prison buddy trying to hide the journal in Petra's suite. I don't think the writers would ever write Rafael into a murderer corner, but he could still be involved somehow. Let's hope not!

Elsewhere in the episode, Xo questioned her relationship with Bruce. Is anyone surprised? 

As much as Bruce seems like a great guy, he wasn't written to be Xo's endgame. I am a little surprised how quickly after his proposal the relationship has fallen apart. 

For being together for several years, you would think a longer discussion would be needed before ending an engagement. She just handed that ring back over to him without a second thought.

With Rogelio's admission that he may not need a baby now that Mateo has filled that void, a reunion with Xo seems inevitable. I think playing grandpa is the role Rogelio was born to play.

This just might be the bromance that Rogelio needs after Michael's death. Watching Rogelio and Mateo get fitted for custom suits was so freaking adorable.

Rogelio went way too far by asking Mateo about Xo's relationship with Bruce. Mateo is way too young to be engaging in that type of conversation. Of course, Rogelio's heart is always in the right place. 

This is the Rogelio I've been missing since the time jump. Perhaps this means we just need more bonding scenes between these two.

My ovaries couldn't handle how gosh darn cute Mateo looked in his little suit. 

Rogelio: So are you excited about abuela's wedding?
Mateo: Will she have a bouncy house?

• Permalink: Will she have a bouncy house?

Mr. Sweetface looked so sad when he realized there would be no bouncy house. If Rogelio and Xo reconcile and get married, they better have one at the reception just for Mateo!

Leftover Thoughts and Questions

• Alba looked so beautiful when she tried to impress Jorge. Not surprising, she didn't need to try that hard. The man was obviously going to ask her out long before she put on some high heels.
• So far I'm liking Mateo's aide, Alex. He could be a nice addition to the cast if he sticks around. 
• Is Abbey gone for good? There has to be more to that woman's story than just being Rafael's girlfriend during the time jump.
• Will Chuck turn on Petra and sell her out to the police for moving Scott's body?

So over to you! Do you think Jane should start dating? Are Rafael and Petra getting back together? What are your predictions for Jane the Virgin Season 3 Episode 15? 

Sound off below, and don't forget you can watch Jane the Virgin online anytime via TV Fanatic!

Amanda Steinmetz was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She went into retirement in June of 2027. Follow her on Twitter.