The CW's Jane the Virgin - Episode 5.14 "Chapter Ninety-Five"
When Lina comes to town, Jane is excited to see her until Lina asks her for a favor. Rafael begins to work with Petra again but old tensions create new problems between them. Rogelio creates a plan to pressure the network to pick up his pilot. Jane and Rafael have been looking for a solution to one of their problems and think Alba just might be the answer.
In 2018, there were 495 scripted shows airing amongst the linear channels and streaming services. The way people are consuming content now is so different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, there is less necessity to provide ample coverage of each specific episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site is making the move to shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of The CW's Jane the Virgin.
"Chapter Ninety-Five" was written by Liz Sczudlo & Madeline Hendricks and directed by Neema Barnette
Being a mother has compounded everything about Jane's personality. She has always been very detail-oriented and protective of her loved ones. All the telenovela aspects of her life since becoming artificially inseminated have only made her more so. The people in her life know that she always has a list that outlines everything that needs to be done. They also know that she will do her research before making a decision or inviting someone new into the lives of her family. That's how she responds to the world. As such, it's easy to see how donating one of her eggs would be an impossible decision for her to make. And yet, she is willing to take it seriously and even do it because it's Lina who comes asking. Their friendship has long been so fascinating because of their differing personalities. They compliment each other in some beautiful and meaningful ways. But it's also easy to fall into the trap of believing that Lina hasn't done her homework regarding all that this medical procedure would entail. She was just tasked with asking her best friend about it. She didn't have all the answers to Jane's numerous questions. She didn't come prepared. But the audience and Jane may easily believe that because we haven't seen Lina struggling to get pregnant. Jane didn't even know that Lina and Danny were trying to conceive a child. That's what makes it so powerful when that turn happens and Lina details just how difficult it has been over the past year. She came to town in order to celebrate Jane and help her find her new wedding dress. And now, things are tense because Jane may not be willing to let go. It takes awhile but she realizes that the root cause of all her fears come from not knowing her father until she was an adult. She and Rogelio have formed such happy memories in the years since they've known each other. But that wasn't always the case. He ruined the first time she went shopping for a wedding dress. He disrupts it this time as well because the stress over his pilot not getting picked up to series yet sends him to the hospital with a heart-related problem. That is scary. It shows how Jane doesn't want to live in the ambiguity of not knowing. She doesn't want that for her child even though the biological connection will be all that she has with him or her. But she doesn't want to deprive Lina of this joy either. Of course, that makes it fascinating when Lina rescinds the offer by recognizing just how dominant Jane's judgment on her decisions has always been in her life. They are such close friends who rely on each other. But this could cross a boundary that could truly disrupt everything between them. Neither of them want to risk that. Jane is willing and able to help Lina. It's just not something she needs to do at this moment in time. It also stirs up questions about Jane expanding her own family with Rafael. She will fight passionately for him because she knows just how committed and supportive he is of their family. It means so much to her. Nothing will stop them from being together. And yet, the question of adoption could become a huge source of tension. Jane is willing to make that sacrifice for Rafael because he does a great job at explaining his point of view. He also understands how he was in the wrong when it came to Petra exerting her executive decisions over the hotel after inviting him back into the fold. This is a family that loves each other but pushes each other as well. That will always be apparent. It remains very grounded throughout as well - even though Petra's fate is left up-in-the-air after she gets into a car accident because her mother shockingly returns while a storm has hit Miami. That is the more broad moment that closes the hour. It's much better to celebrate the joy that comes from Xo getting into nursing school, Rogelio's health being fine at the moment and Alba becoming the officiant for Jane and Rafael's wedding.
