What I’m Watching: Jane the Virgin

Jane the Virgin: Season 3, Episode 11 “Chapter Fifty-Five” (B+)

We’re officially in the first chapter of “Jane the Widow,” which could be a truly depressing story, but instead we’re on to much more normal problems than the dramatic death of a beloved partner for our likeable protagonist. It was sweet to see Michael’s face in their photo booth roll talking to Jane and providing her with encouragement the way other inanimate objects have frequently spoken to her in the past, and for her to have changed her first novel to be about true love - albeit with a happier ending - based on her life with Michael. What was most impressive about this episode was that, thanks in large part to the affable and energetic narrator, it managed to reveal all of its surprise twists about who’s doing what now without seeming inauthentic and kitschy. Rogelio marrying Darcy was a nice fake-out since they don’t get along at all but are instead just doing it for the cameras, and Rogelio was sweet enough to turn down the third season of the reality show even though it would have meant the greenlighting of “The Passions of Steve” to spare Xiomara’s feelings. It was entertaining seeing her reaction to watching the show, and obviously she and Bruce have worked out. Petra’s affair with her competitor Chuck is interesting, and she’s become quite the queen bee of the PTA. I like relaxed Rafael and his beard, and he and Jane make a great co-parenting team with Mateo’s frequent tantrums and three claps of thunder behavior chart. I’m looking forward to seeing more of this future.