There’s no other way to explain it.
Every once in a while,Jane the Virginwriters craft a story that punches you straight in the gut.
They all cant be wacky antics of the Villanueva clan, right?
Credit: Michael Desmond/The CW
Sometimes you have to get real and the real takes you to a very depressing place.
Dont get me started on Michael.
Im still processing my emotions.
It may take some time before I can talk about it.
Which brings me to our current reality check.
As the doctor discusses surgery and all of Xos options, Jane takes meticulous notes.
Before diving deep into cancer research, Jane asks Rafael to break the news to Petra for her.
Rafael has no idea Petra is talking about JR Jane.
When she enters the room, Petra senses something weird is up with Rafael.
She quickly dismisses the intuition when Rafael shares that Xo has breast cancer.
Petra gives him a duh look and he asks Petra to give Jane some space.
Rogelio encourages Jane to give Xo some space as well.
Perhaps she shouldnt bombard her mom with color-coded spreadsheets and lists.
Xo demands they stop tiptoeing around the issue.
Its time to take a vote.
What should she do?
Rogelio, Alba, and Jane all concur that preventative surgery is the answer.
A double mastectomy is the safest solution for ensuring the highest likelihood that the cancer wont come back.
When the phrase reconstruct your nipples escapes the doctors mouth, Xo calls for a time out.
She just needs to think.
Jane suggests a spa day and Rogelio looks sad that he cant tag along.
But he offers to help Alba pick up all the materials for Xos post-surgery needs.
Back at the house, Jane tells Rafael that Petra is coming over any minute.
While Petra takes the dish to the kitchen, Rafael lets the cat out of the bag.
Jane is a catch!
Rafael and Jane give her props because JR is smokin hot in their eyes.
You go, Rosario Dawson.
The problem is that Petra has no idea how to communicate with JR.
So she trusts the one person who traditionally knows how to handle women.
That would be her baby daddy Rafael.
Players gotta play.
Think: What would Rafael do?
Petra responds with a private dinner at the Marbella, complete with long-stemmed red roses.
She proudly professes to JR that she likes her and wants to prove it with seduction techniques.
What does Petra do?
She follows JR, of course.
Petra flies off the handle, irritated at herself for being so needy and wishy-washy.
Shes been kidnapped twice, for heavens sake.
Petra isnt the pursuer.
Shes the one who is pursued.
She leaves a bewildered JR in the middle of the street with her bumper dragging on the asphalt.
As it turns out, JR likes vulnerable Petra and shows up at her door later.
JR prefers Petra in yoga pants with a messy bun, reeking of pickles.
Did anyone else get an Anezka vibe?
Hes met with a bunch of pent-up anger.
It was like a boob parade.
This does not happen in real life.
I feel its my duty to report this fact.
Marching back into the topless locker room, Xo declares she wants a lumpectomy.
Jane retorts with a list of reasons this is a bad idea.
Her mom remains firm.
She doesnt want to have elective surgery for her daughters peace of mind.
Jane understands and takes to her computer to get all of her feelings out.
Speaking of peace of mind, Rogelio decides to trick Alba into seeing a therapist.
He positions Marisol as a friend who came over to eat lunch.
Alba isnt buying it.
Especially when Marisol uses its important to express your feelings as idle chitchat.
Alba lays into Rogelio.
Shes not mad at everyone else.
Shes mad at him.
He ditches people when the going gets tough.
Will he ditch Xo, too?
Someone get the VapoRub for Rogelios heart.
The staff guy knows all about Xos diagnosis and mentions that everyone is wishing Xo well.
Alba apologizes to Rogelio for her behavior.
A strong, sturdy, handsome punching bag.
I love vulnerable Rogelio!
During Ro and Albas reunion, Xo and Rafael have a sweet moment of their own.
We all forget that Rafael had cancer back in the day.
His words of empathy, because hes been there, seem to hit Xo squarely in the chest.
Make room for your own feelings.
Processing is hard work.
Especially when youre a little kid who doesnt understand cancer.
Poor Mateo thinks that praying really hard will help Xo not have cancer.
Its up to Rafael to explain thats not how it works.
So the little boy invites his father to kneel beside him.
Rafael is really showing up this episode.
So much good advice!
Also, cancer sucks.
Jane returns to her room to continue writing about her mom.
We are treated to a sweet Xo montage, showcasing her fierce, confident, and sexy attitude.
Then Xo talks to the one person who matters.
No, its not Jane.
Xo explains that her entire life shes leaned on Jane, but things are different.
In this case, she needs to lean on her husband because this decision affects his life as well.
Thats how she attracted men.
Now, because of Rogelio, and because shes a wife, that no longer defines her.
Rogelio smiles and assures her that sexiness is a state of mind.
Andrea Navedo and Jaime Camil nail the scene.
As partners, Xo and Ro announce to the family that she will get a single mastectomy.
Rogelio bids Lefty adieu and thanks the boob for adorning the chest of a magnificent woman.
He may love the boob, but he loves Xo more.
The three generations of Villanueva women sit on the swing and contemplate the next days surgery.
Can we VapoRub this guy out of the picture?
