#MUFFApproved: Jane the Virgin
Jane the Virgin (2014-)
Creator: Jennie Snyder Urman
Starring: Gina Rodriguez, Andrea Navedo, Ivonne Coll, Yael Grobglas
Jane the Virgin is a refreshing, fun, and quirky television show about a young woman who had planned her life accordingly until she is accidentally inseminated. Jane is played by the dynamic Gina Rodriguez, and she plays at every emotion so well that I am always left in awe after each episode.
The way virginity is viewed in society today remains controversial and controlled by patriarchal ideals, so I am impressed as to how Jane the Virgin challenges the subject matter. What also grabbed my attention is the vast amount of well developed female characters from different walks of life; her mother had Jane as a teenager, her grandmother (who raised her as well as her mother) is extremely religious, and yet, Jane is still carving out her own path.
The women in this show are such complex beings from different generations and backgrounds and are so strong-willed and bad ass in their own ways. Jane is a great and strong independent character, that is also kind-hearted, honest, and straight-forward. As Jane becomes more caught up with her pregnancy, it's clear that she is not going to be defined exclusively by her virginity, or her role as a mother.
Jane is also guided by her mother, Xiomara Villanueva (Andrea Navedo) and grandmother Alba Villanueva (Ivonne Coll) who both play a huge role in Jane’s life. Although Xiomara and Alba are opposites as Xiomara is more of a rebel, it's clear how both of them have shaped Jane over the years. It is heart-warming to see a generation of women with different views, struggles, and strengths who value each other and get through the obstacles of life together. It’s a female powerhouse over here! With grilled cheese!
Even the main villainess Petra Solano received some sympathy from me, as she tries to save her own marriage with Jane’s boss Rafael Solano. (There's more conflict than I should spoil between these three, and you'll just have to watch to find out!) The Jane-Rafael-Petra dilemma plays a major plot point in the show, and exposes the characters’ true colours, which are super interesting, no matter how shady they may be.
A telenovela with a charming narrating voice and extreme plot twists, Jane the Virgin deals with themes such as womanhood, impact of culture, immigration, and family but does so in a way that can touch people’s hearts as these issues are experienced by many in reality.
I leave you with one of the most groundbreaking quotes from this show:
STEFANIE MARTIN is a film and television junkie who is usually wearing stripes. She is currently in her 4th year of her undergraduate degree in Sociology and focuses on the representation of women in the media. You can find her on Instagram.
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