by Catherine Wignall
Based on the Venezuelan telenovela Juana la Virgen, it’s fair to be sceptical of how successful Jane the Virgin could be. The word ‘telenovela’ inevitably carries baggage with it and the premise itself takes a bit of believing: Jane, a devout, strictly virginal young woman, is accidentally artificially inseminated with her boss’ sperm.
Based on the Venezuelan telenovela Juana la Virgen, it’s fair to be sceptical of how successful Jane the Virgin could be. The word ‘telenovela’ inevitably carries baggage with it and the premise itself takes a bit of believing: Jane, a devout, strictly virginal young woman, is accidentally artificially inseminated with her boss’ sperm.
However, Jane the Virgin has proven the doubters wrong and is the first show in The CW’s history not only to be nominated but also to win a Golden Globe. Finally making its way to British shores it’s time to see if the show can emulate the success it has achieved in America. It’s too soon to say, but if the pilot is anything to go by it’s on to a sure thing.
The show doesn’t abandon its telenovela roots, but is stronger for it and helps contextualise the more ludicrous aspects of the plot. Jane herself, played by the inimitable Gina Rodriguez, prevents the more ludicrous elements from running too far by remaining grounded and charming throughout. Her behaviour errs toward the side of realism amidst the chaos, and is amply supported by her mother and grandmother. In fact, it’s the strong female relationships that really helped the pilot fly and with any luck this is something that will continue and be built upon throughout the rest of the season.
Jane the Virgin knows it’s melodramatic. It knows the plot is unbelievable. It knows the voiceover guy is a cheeseball. It knows these things and chooses to embrace them, and so the audience embraces them too. (Well, most of the audience probably does. If you’re tuning in looking for a straight up drama or family sitcom then you’ll quickly find you’re in the wrong place.) Don’t fixate on the premise. This is a show that knows what it’s doing and is confident in where it’s going. Just sit back and enjoy.
Jane the Virgin knows it’s melodramatic. It knows the plot is unbelievable. It knows the voiceover guy is a cheeseball. It knows these things and chooses to embrace them, and so the audience embraces them too. (Well, most of the audience probably does. If you’re tuning in looking for a straight up drama or family sitcom then you’ll quickly find you’re in the wrong place.) Don’t fixate on the premise. This is a show that knows what it’s doing and is confident in where it’s going. Just sit back and enjoy.
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