The Virgin Mary surely didn’t have as much trouble as our heroine; Jane Villanueva (Gina Rodriguez), whose story is something like the telenovela’s (soap operas) that she loves. Engaged to Mr Perfect, life is looking pretty good, but in one wrong gynae appointment Jane finds herself accidently impregnated – which is made more difficult by the fact that she’s a virgin. Cue love triangles, murders, mastermind criminals, soap stars, back-stabbing and falling petals. This comedy-drama laced with romance starts with a bang and never loses it, you’ll love all the characters but fall head over hills for the show’s narrator.
For once upon a time there was a sexy funny insightful witty narrator who was everything a voice-over should be; from calling the characters out on their lies (if only to the audience), rewinding scenes for us to check: Did they actually do that? – oh yeah they did! While at the beginning of each episode the narrator also updates the audience on where the characters’ lives are at, and more importantly where the protagonist, Jane, is at that moment, each episode a chapter in her story – for Jane aspires to be a writer.
I just wish there’d been more chapters, however the series has now come to an end and with it they gave the fans everything they could want – you won’t be disappointed in starting this series. I know I’ve gushed a lot about the narrator (voiced by the amazing Anthony Mendez), but it’s like watching the TV show with a brutally honest friend, who’s become as invested in the characters as the audience is, he even has “team” t-shirts for Jane’s love triangle. One for her fiancé and detective Michael (Brett Dier), and another for the accidental father of her baby and multi-millionaire Rafael (Justin Baldoni), who comes complete with his crazy-ass and controlling wife Petra (Yael Grobglas)
If this isn’t enough to grab you, then why the hell not? But maybe this will sway it, for in amongst the chaos walks the star of telenovelas – Rogelio De La Vega (Jaime Camil), who knows everyone, is beloved by all the celebrities, while being frenemies to many of them (there are some brilliant special guest appearances inc Britany Spears). But what may you ask is his connection to the show? Why his …(sorry no spoiler will be given here). His over-exuberance in being involved with the group is utterly engrossing, just as his whole personality is – think a room with puppies, kittens, unicorns, anything that sparkles and everything purple (it’s the colour that accentuates his striking features). Most of all he can’t let his fans downs – they need Rogelio time, myself included. Jaime Camil perfectly captures this ridiculously loveable diva, his vanity hilarious, and you’ll soon find yourself shouting in union You can’t do this to the Rogelio De La Vega! (going full James bond with the name).
Apart from the show bringing the heat of telenovelas to a larger audience, and having fun with ludicrous plotlines, it also pays homage to these soaps while updating its format for new generations to fall in love with. What’s also lovely is that they purposefully have Jane’s abuela Alba (Ivonne Coll) only talk in Spanish (subtitles are provided) and by doing this it shows great respect to the Latino culture, whilst her character adds to the show’s overarching warmth of family – a theme represented in large through the three generations of the Villanueva women, who all live in the same household. There’s the very catholic abuela, who’s more of a mother to Jane than her actual mum, Xiomara (Andrea Navedo), a passionate lady, who’s full of colour and life. The two women presenting a contrast of characters and a representation of changing times, with Jane being the bridge that holds her grandmother and mother together.
The actors are superbly cast, and so much so that you might think their characters are really living these lives, and that the casting director just had the good fortune of finding them. Starting this amazing ensemble is the very talented Gina Rodriguez who plays Jane, and is deservedly getting more roles across various platforms, her delivery here being honest, funny, and at times heart breaking. Other fan favourites have to include Petra, her character undergoing one of the largest changes in the series. Her monstrous inner strength and underhanded deceitfulness actually hiding the heart of a Grinch, who only needs a hug or two, her development well-captured by Grobglas.
You’d think by my praising that there’s nothing to moan-about, which is almost true, however the series unfortunately cuts the respectful portrayal of mental health difficulties in Rafael’s character too soon. For although it’s treated with delicacy and truth, a deeper exploration in the effect depression has on the character and those around him feels warranted. Just as I would have liked more scenes with the show’s child actors, their delivery of lines being superb, especially the twin girls (I won’t say who their parents are) but their jibes really cut the adults down to their small size of 3ft somethings.
If you want a series that oozes with love, great humour, lots of drama and all the feels of a family, you couldn’t do better than Jane the Virgin.
Creator: Jennie Snyder Urman
Other notable works:
- Gilmore Girls 2000-2007
