When it debuted last fall, Jane the Virgin became the biggest critical hit to premiere on the CW. Series star Gina Rodriguez won the Golden Globe for Best Actress – Television Series, Musical or Comedy. A loose adaptation of the Venezuelan telenovela Juana la Virgen, Jane the Virgin is occasionally serious, but is far more concerned with doing whatever it takes to get a laugh.
For those unfamiliar with the series, 23-year-old Jane Villanueva (Rodriguez) has lived her life trying to do the right thing. In keeping with family tradition, she has promised her grandmother (Ivonne Coll) she will save herself for marriage. Jane is engaged to the love her life, cop Michael Cordero, Jr. (Bret Dier), but that dream is dashed when a hungover doctor mistakenly artificially inseminates her during a checkup. If that’s not bad enough, the procedure was actually meant for the wife of Jane’s boss.
Yes, the scenario is ridiculous, but those involved are in on the joke. They celebrate the ludicrousness of accidental inseminations, evil step-sisters, crazy twins and any number of storylines we’ve seen play out on daytime soap operas over the years. All of this is balanced out by Gina Rodriguez natural, friendly appeal. She adds a touch of sanity to the proceedings, even as the plot spins entertainingly out of control. Mad props to the series narrator Anthony Mendez, who delivers his lines with dry humor. You’ll likely find it hard not to laugh at much of what he says.
Jane The Virgin: The Complete First Season five DVD set contains unaired scenes, a gag reel and two featurettes: “Jane the Virgin: Immaculate Creation” and “Getting to Know the Cast of Jane the Virgin.”
