#ok but a really cute thing is his affection for Gina. he really cares about her like shes his own

[sunflowers-and-sweetviolets]

he's literally so perfect

[williamaltman]

Ok so I've finally finished "Aristotle & Dante Dive into the Waters of the World" (a few days ago now).

I'm gonna start with: I got so fucking scared towards the end when they "broke up" and Dante didn't talk to him for weeks and left. God I think not many stories have ever made me feel like that. I think I actually have a bit of a trauma with one in particular that went like that and, actually followed up on not giving me a happy ending.

I was tired but I wasn't sure how I was gonna sleep with that in my mind, until Ari said he was going to Paris and so I knew I could have some hope.

Tbh I had a few more issues with this one than the first. I talked about it before but I didn't really like how it sort of pushed the idea that you HAD to come out to your friends even if you don't feel ready. I also felt like sometimes there wasn't enough Dante? I like Ari's friends and all, but these books are called Aristotle AND DANTE.

I also feel like, in a way, all the characters are a bit too articulate? Maybe too mature even? In the first book I didn't mind it as much cause it was just Ari and Dante themselves, plus their moms I guess, but here Gina and Susie are more relevant and there's Cassandra and Ari's father talks a lot more and there's more stuff like his mom arguing with other people, and it was just like... Well I guess it would be nice if most people were like that in real life, but they're really not...

That aside though, it was obviously still amazing. One thing I liked was Ari actually being gay and that term being used throughout? I usually don't mind when certain characters are mlm without their specific sexuality being stated, and ofc bi/gay couples are nice too, but I feel like sometimes in fiction it ends up being a bit more rare to have couples with two gay guys even though that's what's more common in real life.

I also love how fucking horny he was at the beginning lol. Like this actually felt realistic, and even though there's no smut or anything, it's not something that's just ignored or pushed aside.

I felt like Dante felt a bit more realistic in this book. He's moody so many times and I think his flaws are more visible and so it feel less like he's just there to be Ari's perfect manic pixie dream girl (though I'll say he's still one, affectionately).

Something I thought when I finished the first book was how cool it would probably be to see their parents reacting to their relationship. And that was indeed really cute. I think Dante's mom is my favorite of them all. And on the topic of the parents, Ari's dad's death? That was a complete shock to me. I wasn't expecting it at all. It came out of nowhere but it was honestly really interesting to have Ari and his mom deal with that grief, and that whole section is probably, in a weird way, one of my favorite parts of the book.

Another interesting thing was how much the AIDS crisis in the backdrop affected the book. I remembered when they flashed to that in the movie and I was confused at how random it seemed, but now I can kinda get why. I thought it was the best they could do by making it matter to the characters even though they probably wouldn't and shouldn't be actually affected. It's kinda funny to me how I decided to read this sometime close to when I watched Fellow Travelers that also featured that into the story, cause it's honestly not something I've thought about as much before.

Something that was really important was the closure between Ari and his brother. I'm not gonna say it bothered me exactly, because it was understandable, but it was just always kind of an ick for me that Ari cared so much about him knowing he was there because he killed someone in a hate crime. So the way their reunion went down was actually perfect for me and gave me a much needed relief just like it did for Ari. I feel like the writer probably felt the need to address it too because of the stuff people were saying about the first book due to this plot point, but even if that was why I still felt like the way things were handled felt natural. Their parents had already given up on him, he was never gonna accept Ari and I didn't want for Ari to stay caring about him by just not telling him or something.

I know the ending is a bit vague and doesn't like reeally explain every little thing, but the message felt clear enough to me, in that it was meant to tell us that things will be alright and that they're not just gonna let their love slip through their fingers or run away from it. Ari coming in with the wedding and honeymoon talk? Got me.

It still feels kinda weird that it's really over because it had honestly become so much of a habit to read these almost every day in bed. These books were probably the easiest thing for me to read and just flowed so naturally. I know people have already said that, but they really do feel like a way to celebrate life despite all the hardships in it and you can feel that love through the pages.

[zaine-m]

July 17th - I'm gonna ignore that it's technically the 18th. In this episode we start the love triangle between Rina and Rini which will be interesting. It's a couple episodes of Gina being really sad before she finds EJ

Previous -- next

Season 2 Episode 3: "Valentine's Day" thoughts:

Why would Ashlyn not be allowed to say devil?

Did Ricky not tell her he moved?

Also image some teenage girl coming and singing a love song on at your window when you're just like some adult

oof that YAC girl bringing Ricky back to reality

Kourtney maybe you should see if Big Red find it weird that you're his boss at his parent's restaurant. I feel like if he is that probably has a lot of underlying feelings of his parents not trusting him and choosing someone else over their own son which you might want to care about if you like care about your friends

I hate the whole "don't care about others" type movement

I hate the whole antagonistic meet cute thing where they fight as soon as they meet

It's just over-used

If the managers keep changing maybe it would be a good idea for their son to do it

Wait Ricky sounds like he's about to try to talk to her about the move, how it affected him and she's just like "don't worry I'm not mad at you"

Aww, Ricky not getting any sleep because he was trying too meet up with Nini. He puts so much work into their relationship

OK, why do they all have such valentines day centered outfits, like unless there's a spirit day no teenager is gonna dress up for valentines day

EJ calling Ricky "Bowen"

"You're dressed in all back" "Oh. Yeah, just happened, I guess"

EJ suppressing his emotions

"It's not just because of Stockholm syndrome" remember when there was that whole beauty and the beast is Stockholm syndrome but then people actually looked into it more and in most modern versions she doesn't have Stockholm syndrome

Why does Seb still have to do the piano. I guess now he's playing a smaller part so it's not as big of an issue

The little look Kourtney gives herself after she makes a mistake

EJ's look of concern when Ashlyn leaves. Give us more Caswell cousins

"that feels complicated"

Ashlyn finding the word Red is looking for is so sweet

I love how Carlos' gift to Seb isn't just expensive, it's also thoughtful

"something happened inside of me. Then I had to use the restroom" "You don't have to say every part out loud" Autistic mood pt 2

Why did Ricky leave his there. Red could've given him the pass code

Red's gotten himself stuck in lockers before?

Ricky hating some random child who was almost steamrolled

Aughh, Nini constantly changing plans with Ricky when he has issues with change

but he's trying to cope, but he can't

"You're her everything" The way Gina is constantly uplifting Ashlyn, like kiss already

"It's from my mom but you know 'love is love'" This is personally my favourite type of use of the phrase "love is love". I really love the idea that all kinds of love like platonic and familial love should be values just as much as romantic

Gina just standing there shocked at what happened with Big Red

not the throb again. Ashlyn should tell him to stop wearing it

Kourtney being a church singer is... something. It definitely fits into some kind of black stereotype about church

"I like to do my brain storming through improvisational music

Ricky getting super excited for Nini to come then finding out it's Gina and just being like "hey"

Her little smile when he opens the door

He so clearly does not want to talk about their conversation after the opening night

The look on his face os just "whoo boy I don't want to do this"

Wtf are "cherry Os"

After she makes the "nothing" joke he gives this "let's please continue to ignore the opening night incident"

I might be reading into his facial expressions too much

"You did?"

Gina going to Ricky for help then basically comforting herself through it

HIM SHUSHING HER WHEN NINI COMES ON THE PHONE

I love how she goes to him for help but then she just ends uo helping him/j

"You are quite as a mouse" "only when I have to be" I fucking love how evil and ominous she is

Miss Jenn seems to scared for the entirety of the conversation

Why did Miss Jenn tell her the whole story about her blankets in her car

Okay I love Lily but rhe "when they write a story about my life" part was cringe. Keep that shit in your head

Her just disappearing mid conversation

Wait grading midterms in February. For me valentines is like the start of the new semester

Ashlyn's "Hi...." when Red points her out in the crowd

"Could we actually just talk for a second" is quite possibly the worst response to a big public gesture

Big Red having no idea why Ashlyn is insecure 😭

Big Red adding "No offense" incase he made a social mistak

The end of the conversation is sweet and all but I feel like it doesn't have the Redlyn charm

"Oh. Dirt"

The gift is organic

"I thought we could have something that grows with us"

I love how organic the transitions are

This is the first time we see Mr. Mazzara laugh

But also you can do better than that Mr.M

"Your biggest crush" oh no, his dreams are bring crushed

But also "biggest" implies there are others

"I've heard good things about conversation

Okay the bug chocolates moment

The person who dropped then off was wearing dark blue and that's all we know

Why did he only send her the mildly happy emoji like this 🙂 instead of a happier one like 😀 or 😊 or 😃

The Kowie scene was fun but the shipping just feels like it was put on there so everyone would have a partner

Okay yeah idk how I feel about this whole mother son Kourtney and Seb relationship cause it feels so based on harmful stereotypes about black women being motherly and with gay guys are often infantilezed

Aww, they're dancing

"I hope nothing changes between us, ever" my boy, please get some therapy

I'm sorry but I just can't take someone who's playing a ukulele seriously

Aughh the whole love triangle, honestly they're kinda boring now

"We'll paint the town red, with our name in lights" No paint it red with blood

[justkimberley]

HSMTMTS Thoughts Episode 6

Episode 1 Episode 2  Episode 3   Episode 4  Episode 5

Oof this is a long one, sorry, I just had a lot to say

I swear that principal looks so familiar

I looked it up I think I know him from McFarland USA

Ricky in that wig is hilarious, the way he keeps flipping it is great

Big Red was in photography club, “click!”

“I’m home,” *big grin*

Gina and Ricky both look so happy when they’re together

Nini looks very confused about that, but also I just kind of realized, it means Ricky’s getting along with Nini’s “enemy” of sorts

The whole on 3 or after 3 thing is so real, and also Ricky’s “Nah man, you need some new words,” hilarious

“I can’t look at Ricky is that a problem?” *innocent trying not to laugh face*

I’m glad that she can make that joke now without it being actual - she started the whole series being like “I just won’t look at him,” and now we have this!

“It’s more like I felt like I had to get it,”  → yes! Gina character growth

“So do you care about Ricky?” “So what if I do?”

Carlos has the weight of the world (show) on his shoulders

Big Red with Courtney and Gina looking at the photos, I’m really glad that he’s found himself a place in the theater too!

“Should I just live vicariously through someone else?” - amazing

“Everything’s fine, why would you guys even ask that?” - oh Carlos… he needs a hug or something.

Carlos is so sure about his “boy forest” idea, but everyone is very against it (and rightfully so)

“Do you know what a forest of trees looks like?” “I do,” “Ok, but with boys,”

Cue incredibly confused faces

I like how everyone is shouting out their ideas to try and make it better, I especially like how Ricky is taking this seriously and has an idea that he wants to share and he ACTUALLY shares it! He feels comfortable with these people!

“She’s not here and I don’t know if she’s ever coming back,” *cue slapped in the face faces*

Ricky’s world is falling apart, once again

“You know you could’ve told me,” “Miss Jenn asked me not to,”

Very cute little interaction between our bois right there

“Wow Carlos what else are you not telling us?” alright EJ, chill out bud. Just because you have a closet full of secrets doesn’t mean everybody does too

Gina and Ricky both trying to keep people there and make it work because this is their place to go after school, and also both of them staying the longest.

“Nothing fell apart, it’s all gonna be okay,” “She’s Miss Jenn, she’s unstoppable, the whole show’s unstoppable,” Ricky’s go-to way of dealing with things is denial, he can’t deal with another thing in his life falling apart. This poor boy needs some sense of certainty in his life.

“But what if it does stop?” “Let’s not go there? I can’t stop, we still have too much work to do,” Gina can see how much Ricky needs the show to go on, how much he needs this distraction to keep himself going. If he stops he’ll break down, and he doesn’t want to do that, and I think that she can tell. She also immediately asks him to hear his song idea afterwards and I think it might just be her way of trying to distract him and keep him busy so he doesn’t get stuck in his head/feelings.

Ricky looks so happy that she wants to hear his idea too!

Carlos trying to find out who told on Miss Jenn and going immediately to Mr. Mazarra

I think Mr. Mazarra actually didn’t want Miss Jenn to be fired after he saw the whole “stick to the status quo” bit. He saw what it meant to these kids

Mr. Mazarra’s also got a point, she really shouldn’t have lied on her resume

Ashlyn trying to stop EJ and then Courtney and Ashlyn immediately noping on out of there

Acoustic “When there was me and you” is fantastic

Gina is starting to see Ricky’s talent/commitment and is really enjoying it

“I don’t hate you EJ, I just don’t trust you,” oof that’s like one step removed from “I’m not mad, just disappointed,”

EJ’s rushed confession list is very funny

I don’t understand how GPA’s work? Like, what does it mean?

That was a pretty sweet moment at the end “The audience doesn’t know what they’re missing, but I do,”

“Oh, I also wrote you a really weird song once,” - yes, yes he did

Nini is really enjoying Ricky’s singing and then she’s like oh… Gina

Ricky’s little guitar riff, amazing - side note Joshua Bassett is so talented

“Acting, dancing, throwing drinks in peoples faces…” 

“I kind of can’t forget about anything that happened at homecoming”  *calculating faces* - they’re both like how do we feel about each other??

“Should we be doing something” - Gina’s like ??? is that his way of asking me out?

I like that Ricky’s the one who mentions saving Miss Jenn first

Finally seeing the real side of Miss Jenn is great, but it’s sad that she can’t see how much she’s affected these kids

Carlos thinking that she wants him to direct the show

“I just hope she loves you guys half as much as I love you,”

My favourite dancer has a name!! Kaden!

I like that Big Red texted three people and got the entire cast

The only people sitting normally, in chairs are Ricky, EJ, and Courtney

Also the set up with Gina right beside Ricky, you can tell that he’s the one she trusts the most.

Nini set up between Ricky and Courtney shows that they’re the two people she cares about the most

“This is a terrible party, there aren’t even pretzels,” Natalie you weren’t even invited also whose go to snack is pretzels? Nothing against pretzels I just… usually there are other snacks that are prefered

“She was the first teacher to not see me as a punchline,” I just -- Carlos should not have had to deal with that

“So why are we all here then,” “Yeah good question, this is a waste of time,” okay Edgelord Joykiller, can you be positive for once?

“Honestly? Because she gave me a shot, and it’s been a long time since someone gave me a shot,” I just, these kids are finally getting to live and be heard, it’s beautiful. Also that reassuring knee touch from Seb? Beautifully executed.

“She put our show in jeopardy, and now we’re all here, maybe for the last time, together, and for some of us, this has become, umm I don’t know… ” “Family.” “What team?” “Wildcats!” “Ok wildcats, so what are we doing about it?”

This speech is very Troy-esque and I’m very proud of Ricky for doing it and also Nini for jumping in when she knew what Ricky wanted to say.

Oh finally, Mike and Miss Jenn are figuring out that they know each other. I like that he doesn’t immediately write her off for being kind of a liar, it would be hypocritical

“Personally I always chalked it up to the well known fact that people in the dramatic arts are insane,” ok so the principal should definitely not be saying that, that’s incredibly disrespectful. He’s supposed to be a role model??? He’s in a position of power?? That is a really messed up thing to say.

Ricky looks so surprised when his dad stands up

Nini’s mom standing up for Ricky’s dad! Yes!

EJ is starting to realize just how much the musical actually means to Ricky

I’m glad Ricky’s dad stood up and focused it on how it’s helping Ricky, not some weird way of being like I want to date you

Mr. Mazara watching them, once again, I think he has seen just how important theater is to these kids.

FLASH MOB OF PROTEST

This song gives me Hairspray vibes (I don’t really know why)

I love all of the quick points on beat

Ashlyn and Ricky should always sing together - their voices were just *chef’s kiss*

Ricky and Red dancing together! (Also Larry Saperstein filling in and learning the dance because Dara Renee hurt her knee? He is so good!)

Seb! That voice!

This choreography is fantastic

Ricky and Gina singing together, also great!

Natalie getting a solo!

Mr. Mazara is so impressed (and I am too)

Ricky jumping on that table! And then just continuing to dance on it 

Jazz squares! - Sharpay and Ryan would approve - lol

MISS JENN sign in the background

Standing ovation - the parents all look so proud of their kids for standing up for what they believe in!

Kaycee Stroh! With her original dance! “I love to pop, and lock, and jam, and break,”

“How did you do this?” “We stayed up all night” - these kids care so much about Miss Jenn and the musical and I love them for their hearts

Nini and Seb friendship, we stan

Ricky and Gina’s hug is adorable and now I really want a hug where someone picks me up.

Nini is not sure how to feel about them being together

Ej looks at Ricky and Gina first and then at Nini, what are they trying to tell us?

Text from Gina is interesting, she is definitely interested in him

Mike and Miss Jenn - Ricky seems happy about it?

I don’t know if he’s just happy that his dad is getting along with Miss Jenn or if he wants his dad to be with Miss Jenn?

[wikipedia-enthusiast]

Of babies and binders

My fic for the @b99fandomevents summer fic exchange is ready! It’s for @acanoftrash , with the prompt domestic Peraltiago. I decided to go for talk of babies, because I’m trash for peraltiago babies. I hope you enjoy!

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Jake lay on his back, breathing heavily. One arm was wrapped around Amy, who was curled into him. Earlier that night, they had talked for the first time about having kids, and decided to start trying casually. They’d started that night, saying that it didn’t matter if Amy got pregnant right away, but Jake was secretly hoping that she did.

“What do you think, Santiago-are you in a fertile mood?” Jake teased, looking over at her.

“Ok I know you’re just teasing me, but that’s NOT how that works.” Amy laughed. “And I’m not sure my birth control has worn off anyways.”

“Whatever.” Jake said. “I’m sure you’ll get pregnant soon. Santaigos are known for having lots of babies.”he said, thinking of her seven brothers. He didn’t want to seem too eager for her to get pregnant, but he was so excited to imagine having a human that was half him, half his amazing wife.

“Do you have any more ideas for names? And don’t you dare say Holly for a girl.” Amy asked.

“What’s wrong with Holly? If you were pregnant now, the baby would come around Christmas. It would be a cute Christmas name!”

“You just want to have a baby named after Die Hard.” Amy laughed.

“Maybe. What would you think about the name Anna for a girl? We could the A thing going. Amy, Anna…”

Amy considered it. “Hmm… It’s cute, but maybe a little plain? I want her to stick out.” 

“Well, we don’t have to decide anything now. We could always wait till the baby’s born” Jake said.

“Are you kidding me?” Amy exclaimed. “We have to plan this right away! My pregnancy binder is barely even thirty pages long-you totally sprung the conversation on me tonight. I don’t have any name ideas!” 

“Thirty pages?” Jake laughed. “Tell me honestly-when did you start that binder?”

“When I was ten…” Amy admitted sheepishly. “I got my period for the first time and thought I’d be better safe than sorry.”

“Of course you did.” Jake pulled her closer into his chest. “I actually thought about naming my baby Holly the first time I watched Die Hard. She was just so cool and strong, and I wanted any kid of mine to be like that.”

“Awww, that’s really sweet. I just figured it was because of your almost stalker-like obsession with Holly Genero.”

Jake laughed and started tracing circles on Amy’s shoulder. “Do you think we’ll be good parents?” He asked tentatively. 

Amy smiled. “Of course. You’re so sweet and caring and loving. And I’ve been babysitting my nieces and nephews for forever. We can always practice more on Sarge’s girls, or little Enigma. If Gina would ever let us spend more than ten minutes alone with her…”

Jake smiled a little, his mind put at ease. “I guess. I’m more worried about me-look at my family. What if I end up like my dad?”

Amy paused for a second. “If anything, I think because you have your dad, you’re more likely to be committed to your family. You know how he affected you, and you don’t want to be like that. Most of parenting is just wanting the best for your child and being willing to fight for it.”

Jake relaxed. “Yeah. Thanks, babe.” he said. He kissed the top of her head and settled in to fall asleep.

“Wait, no, what are you doing? Did you think I was kidding about the binder? It’s in desperate need of attention! We have so much work to do tonight.” Amy poked him awake and ran off to get the binder.

Jake smiled as he watched her go, ready for whatever the pregnancy test he bought earlier would reveal.

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Thanks to @elsaclack for organizing this, and to @sandylovesfandoms for the amazing fic they wrote me!

[sueboohscorner]

Jane the Hot Mess Mama: Chapter 58 #JaneTheVirgin

Jane the Hot Mess Mama Chapter 58

Rating: 6.5

Can we stop and praise the goddess that is Yael Grobglas? More and more, Grobglas’s Petra does the heavy lifting on JTV, breaking our hearts with her vulnerability and blowing our minds with her bad but hella entertaining choices.  Even when the Solano-Villanueva clan seems like the most chill extended family ever, Petra and Jane are in a tug-o-war for our affections and Chapter 58 was a win for Petra, imho.

Jane and Rafael drop Mateo off with his new aide, Alex, who doesn’t want to know anything about Mateo’s history lest he have preconceived notions about the causes for Mateo’s behavior. Jane stops by the bulletin board to sign up for Room Mom, because the night before,  Mateo stopped being DAMIEN FROM THE OMEN long enough to ask his mom to spend more time with him. Petra (my heart cheers whenever she is on screen!), who has been the BEST ROOM MOTHER IN THE HISTORY OF SCHOOLS for the past two years, assures Jane she doesn’t need any help. The head of the school suggests Jane and Petra be Co-Room Moms. Stevie Wonder can see this is not going to work, but they try.

On her way back to the Marbella, Petra stops at the Fairwick to see if Chuck’s forgiven her for pushing Scott’s bones on his property. He hasn’t.

Alex tells Jane that Mateo craves attention and the key to correcting his behavioral issues is rewarding his positive behaviors and ignoring the negative ones. He also tells Jane there’s a lice outbreak at the school. That night after Jane finishes checking Mateo for nits (ew, is that a thing you have to do when you have kids?  I would literally shave my children bald to avoid that) Mateo grabs the scissors and cuts a huge chunk of Jane’s hair, so that Jane’s bob matches the undercut Gina Rodriguez is growing out in real life. (When did Jane cut her long hair? I want to see that story.)  Jane screams on the inside, but she doesn’t reward Mateo’s negative behavior.

The next day at school the Seed of Rafael draw pictures of their moms.  Mateo draws the lopsided hair cut he gave his mom, while the twins draw a dragon. Petra is stung.

Dennis the Cute Cop and his new partner who interrogates like Pee Wee Herman (Petra: Do I need a lawyer? Detective: I don’t know, do you? Gahhh!) confront Petra with Scott’s Burn Book. Petra manages to not incriminate herself, but the book is a missing page. Petra swears she doesn’t have it.

Xiomara seems to be having second thoughts about her engagement to Bruce and I really don’t care.  Ok, Xiomara figures she’s never been in a stable relationship long enough to get to the boring part and that must be the case since she and Bruce are a healthy, boring couple.  She invites Bruce out to play drunk pool, and even though they stay in to have drunk sex, Xiomara is still not happy. In fact, she looks like she has a bad case of gas for most of the episode. Remember when Petra’s mother threw Alba down the stairs and Xo promised God she wouldn’t have sex if Alba recovered and then every time Xo was in bed with Rogelio she saw Alba’s face?  I want Xo to have that kind of madcap fun again! It’s like they’ve gotten rid of the superfluous characters—Darci, Magda, Anezka and Scott, and, now Bruce—but the ball’s still not rolling.

Rogelio takes Mateo out for matching Thai-silk lined bespoke suits for Ro’s defamation suit testimony. Ro asks Mateo if Xo is happy with Bruce, because, you know, four-year-olds know these things.

Jorge, the previously nameless guy at the Marbella gift shop that Alba has the hots for, is newly single.  Xo helps Alba get her milkshake ready to bring all the boys to the yard.  Ivonne Coll, who plays Alba, is a former Miss Puerto Rico and has legs for days, and I love that JTV gussied her up and let us see how beautiful she is. Alba pours herself into a skintight blue dress and is giving sultry realness when she walks into the Marbella gift shop to “pick up her check.” She’s slo-mo slinking in the place, but her false eyelash becomes unglued and she slips on spilled coffee and it’s hilarious! Alba’s humiliated and angry at Xo, but it works, Jorge asks her out.

Jane and Petra try Co-Room Momming, but it’s really Petra giving orders and Jane doing the grunt work. They have fundamental differences: Petra wants to hire help (like the Hair Bears to keep lice in check—Hair Bears, get it? hahah) and Jane wants more down to earth solutions.  They tell the head of the school the Co-Room Mom idea is a bust, and suggest a run-off to teach the children about the democratic process, only “without Russian interference” Jane says. (I laughed, but, child, that ain’t funny. You know I’m right.)

Xo finds out Ro asked Matelio if she was happy with Bruce and chews Ro out. Oh, but there’s nothing to worry about. When Xo practices her testimony, it’s clear to Bruce and Rogelio she still in love with Ro. Xo and Bruce break up and, boom, reset.

Jane catches Petra plying the moms with chardonnay to win their votes. Petra and Jane begin picking at each other—Jane says if Petra weren’t such a perfectionist her daughters wouldn’t draw her as a dragon and Petra, WHO IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT, tells Jane if she disciplined Mateo for five minutes he wouldn’t be such a holy terror. They have a debate fantasy, Jane’s sand vs Petra’s rubber mulch (#teamRubberMulch) and wine-guzzling mothers stare.

Ro assures Jane that Mateo could not care less if she’s room mom and a REALLY THRISTY RAFAEL tells Petra the whole dragon lady thing is a good because she protects everybody she loves. Jane and Petra realize they only wanted to be Room Mom because of their insecurities about parenting. They withdraw from the race and let Rafael be Room Dad. It’s not like he has anything else to do.

Jane works her new haircut (men like lopsided haircuts, trust me) and flirts with a barista. She doesn’t think she’s ready to date though because her grief group says she won’t be done grieving until she can tell the story of Michael’s death without crying.  At a parent conference meeting with Alex, when she’s giving Alex the background on Mateo he didn’t want earlier, Jane TELLS THE STORY OF MICHAEL’S DEATH WITHOUT CRYING. How could you Jane? How. Could. You. Raf also tells Alex that he went to jail and Alex assures both of them that Mateo is in no way damaged by trauma, he’s just A BAD-ASS CHILD WHO NEEDS A SPANKING. (Ok, Alex said “normal childhood hyperactivity,” but you know what I mean.) Sooo, I guess Jane is ready to date.

I hope she finds somebody new because RAFAEL IS BUSY BONING PETRA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Petra had indeed ripped out the missing page from Scott’s burn book because it had some hurtful things Rafael’s dad said about him.  Rafael gets misty-eyed at Petra’s thoughtfulness and then THEY GET NAKED!

I GIVE THIS EPISODE A 6.5.  The .5 is for Ivonne Coll in that blue dress and then her eyelash-slapstick-pratfall. That was the zaniness I was looking for.  The episode was also above average because PETRA AND RAFAEL BONED. I like how the JTV writers crushed #TeamRafael’s hopes.  What kept this eppy from being great is NOTHING HAPPENED. The story didn’t move forward. Yeah, Jane is in a position to date, and Ro and Xo are free and clear to get together, but it still feel s like a set up and not a journey.

How many episodes are left? I take Salsa dancing lessons on Monday nights and I have to leave early to see JTV. Remember when Jane took Salsa lessons? Remember when…I won’t give up on JTV, but I miss the umph and zing I remember. Who is J.P.? WHY IS MATEO SO BAD? And can we have more Rogelio, please?