What “Jane the Virgin” Means to Me
“Jane the Virgin” has been a masterclass in storytelling — and what a wonderful, powerful and most importantly, joyful finale we were given.
This series seamlessly wove, only with the rare hiccup, stories about the fundamental commonalities of human existence: depression, loneliness, jealousy, aging, desire, anger, pressure. All against a fantastical, surreal, sometimes magical backdrop. It understood that life can feel hard — no matter your circumstances.
The plotlines could be unbelievably over-the-top, such as:
“I swore to uphold my virginity, and then I was artificially inseminated?”
“My baby’s been kidnapped by my baby’s daddy’s sister’s evil lesbian lover??”
“My dead husband isn’t dead after all???”
As the show’s trusty narrator told us countless times during the show’s five season run, “Straight out of a telenovela…right?”
Would any of this happen in real life? Absolutely not. But, because of the cast’s nuanced, honest performances, we thought, “Well, of course that’s how I would react if my evil twin reappears!”
But, you know what can happen in real life AND in Jane’s world? Learning to cope with a disability. Living with a constant fear of deportation. Or, experiencing overwhelming grief after a family death. These moments felt just as important as the big, show-stopping cliffhangers. The characters’ emotions were grounded and relatable, no matter how outlandish the dramatic crusade or how menial the everyday issue.
Shock is shock whether it’s seeing your ex-husband literally come back from the dead, or not being able to pay your bills for the first time. Fear is fear whether it’s being stalked by a crime lord, or learning about a cancer diagnosis.
Life can be hard. But, life can be joyous, and precious and fun. And I’ll be forever grateful to the crew and cast who reminded me of this every Wednesday night.
After all, if Jane can make it to the series finale overflowing with happiness, after everything she’s been through — well, can’t we all? Or can’t we at least try a little harder to find the joy around us?
Whether you’re an egotistical TV star, a devout Venezuelan immigrant, a cowboy recovering from amnesia, or just a girl confused about life, this series reminded us that we’re all more alike than we think.
It reminded us to be good and to be brave, even in the most horrific of circumstances.
It reminded us to always make extra room for whoever needs it on the porch swing.
It reminded us that the unexpected can be a good thing.
And it reminded us that when you’re feeling lost, pause and take a breath. You’ll find your way. Inhala. Exhala.
#thanksjane
