Jane the Virgin Recap: "Chapter Thirty-Eight" (2x18)

This was a pretty sweet episode. Allow me to explain. Also, as a warning, Jane the Virgin may have some mature content.

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We start with a flashback of Abuela and older Mateo first buying their house in Miami, raising a family, etc. So it's a bit sad that the burst leak showed all the damage done to the house. The Villanueva family is staying at the Marabella until then, living the life. Guess who else is living the life? Pablo and Abuela.

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Anyway, the Villanueva women still have to figure out all the damage that was done to the house, and they come to find out it's falling apart. Jane was planning on having her wedding there, but now she must rely on Rogelio for all the wedding planning. He wants to invite way more people than Jane does and make a big celebration of the entire thing. Meanwhile, Michael is interrogating Rafael's brother, and Rafael storms in, demanding his brother needs a lawyer. Later, Michael goes to visit Jane at the hotel, where Mateo is screaming and can't fall asleep. Jane tries walking him around in a stroller, and encounters Petra dazedly walking the halls.

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She's a bit worried about her, and also worried the next day when she and Michael go house hunting and can't seem to find anything to their liking. Until they do find something, but the house is forty minutes away. Rafael is not happy about that, and asks if he could pay the difference in a better place that's closer. Jane decides to think about it. Petra is also thinking about things. Jane suggests to Petra that they should attend her old mommy class, which might make her feel better.

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Michael meets up with Jane later and she brings up what Rafael said about the house and his offer to pay the difference. Michael, of course, doesn't want him to, and offers a different solution about commuting. Jane brings that up to Rafael, and he says he'll have to think about it. Later, Abuela is spending time with Pablo, and it's clear they want to have sex, but Abuela has her vow of chastity, so Pablo proposes.

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She accepts, and when she tells Jane and Xo they aren't completely on board, but they try to be happy for her. Later, Jane and Petra go to the mommy class, and though she's slow to warm up, Petra eventually enjoys herself. Also enjoying himself is Rogelio who is planning the wedding. He stops by the hotel with Charro (famous Latin superstar) to see if Jane is there, but finds Xo instead. He doesn't really want to talk to her and reveals he's still heart-broken.

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Back at the mommy class, Petra reveals she's not really connecting with the babies. The other mothers think she might be having postpartum depression, which angers her, so she storms off. Jane goes to talk to her and suggests she go to see a doctor. Petra agrees to think about it. Rafael is also thinking about things. He has decided to tell Jane she can't move away that far when Petra walks in. He reveals what's going on, but Petra snaps and tells him how Jane has done so much for him and that the least he could do is make things work.

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Rafael then concedes, much to the joy of Jane who is visiting Rogelio on the telenovela set. She talks to him about the guest roll and the wedding planning, and frustrated, she decides to pay for the wedding herself. She goes to Abuela and Xo to rant about life, then later meets with Michael to sign the lease for the house. But then Mateo starts cruising, and Jane rethinks her decision. Meanwhile, Petra talks to the doctor about her postpartum depression and they ask if it runs in the family. She's not sure, but the doctor advises her to ask her mother.

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Later, Rafael's brother decides to leave for New York, but Rafael asks him to stay. Also, Michael was listening in on the entire conversation. Meanwhile, Jane went with Xo to check out cheaper churches now that she's paying for the wedding, but Xo convinces her she should compromise with Rogelio and let him pay. Also, as they're walking they find Pablo, wooing another woman with a flower. They eventually tell Abuela, and Abuela unleashes her fury and forces him to leave.

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Meanwhile, Petra goes to talk to Magda about her possible depression, and Magda thinks she should have never been a mother, and neither should Petra. Later, Jane goes to Rogelio and apologizes, then lets him take the reins, though they do have a hard time deciding where they want the reception. Rogelio decides to ask Xo for help, finally taking a step forward. But taking a step backward is Rafael, who turns out to be the one who bugged the conversation with his brother and had Michael on the other line. I guess he doesn't trust him after all.

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Michael later meets up with Jane and she says the perfect house just showed up on the market, but Michael thinks the only reason it's in their price range is because Rafael might be subsidizing it. They both decide it doesn't really matter and go to check out the house, but find the place riddled with other people putting in applications. The only way to win over the owners is with a letter saying why they are the perfect people to live there. Michael and Jane slave over the letter all night and finally come to a consensus. The next day, Rogelio reveals where he decided to have their wedding, on a set made to look like their house. (Which I'm guessing is the actual set from the show.)

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Also, Michael gets a call from the realtor and says they got the house. But guess who turned out to be the owner? Petra. Of course, Michael and Jane don't know that. The Villanueva women later sit on the porch (of the set) and talk about Jane moving. Charro plays some guitar music, it's all very sweet. That is until we cut to Petra, packing her bags.

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What did you guys think of this week's episode?

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Friends, Waffles, Work: Our Favorite Parks and Recreation Episodes

On this day, March 31st, April Ludgate mistakenly scheduled 93 meetings for Ron Swanson.

Unfortunately for April and Ron, March 31st does exist. But that doesn't have to be a bad thing. To celebrate, we've decided to highlight our favorite Parks and Rec episodes ever. Spoilers will be included throughout this post.

Anna Gensimore

Season 5, Episode 14: "Leslie and Ben"

"I'm perfectly calm, I feel like every crazy thing Leslie has ever had me do has been a drill and this is the real thing. I'm ready because I had the best teacher in the world. Leslie. Who is crazy." - Ann Perkins

This is the episode that Ben and Leslie get married, and it's one of my favorites of the series if not of any television show ever. (I am that person who loves wedding episodes more than a reasonable amount.) Just spontaneously throwing their plans to the wind and getting married is totally them. Parks and Rec is a special show in the way that it emphasizes the importance of a person's tribe.We don't watch Parks and Rec simply because it's funny, but also for the people in the show and the bond that they share. This episode in particular shows everyone coming together to support Leslie, the person who is usually out there fighting in the trenches with anyone who needs it.

So, at the gala celebrating Pawnee Commons, Ben suggests that they find a way to get married that night. I love that the next scene shows everyone just dropping everything to formulate a plan to (in the words of Tim Gunn who Leslie later quotes) "make it work." It is heart warming. Though plans keep on getting derailed through the night, Leslie and Ben are never discouraged. Especially upon seeing a Li'l Sebastian impersonator through the beautifully falling snow. (His name is Bucky, haha.) But everything works out in the end because for people like Leslie and Ben it does and should. When people have that level of commitment and determination to make something work, it does. The wedding itself is absolutely perfect for the two of them; it even leaves Tom almost speechless and strips him of pretense. (I thought that was impossible.) Even in the celebration, there are moments that focus on the other characters and their journeys, such as April and Andy as he deals with the news that he's been rejected from the Police Academy. I love the variety and special attention that each relationship is given throughout the series. The importance of supporting one's partner is always emphasized as well as simply healthy relationships. This episode is a monument to the series commitment to those portrayals.

As Leslie says, "There were a lot of signs that Ben and I should get married tonight. But, truth be told, we just really wanted to get married. When you're in love, everything seems like a sign. I love my husband. I love my job. And I love my friends. Even though they really can't handle their booze."

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Sky Destrian

Season 3, Episode 2: "Flu Season"

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One of my very favorite episodes of Parks and Recreation is "Flu Season," and the reason for this is solely that it's downright hilarious. Every part of the episode is on point, and no scene is boring. There are so many plot lines. The first is obviously Leslie getting sick (despite her vehement protests that it's just allergies) with the flu, which spreads to both Chris and April. Ann spends her time taking care of both of them--in April's case, they take out their feelings of hatred on each other, and in Chris' case, Ann gets to see that Chris is human like the rest of us. But there's also the subplot of Tom winning his way into the hearts of some men through a spa date... and the subplot of Ron and Andy's new friendship. And at the very end, Andy and April share one of my very favorite scenes with each other where they begin to reconcile and become the couple we know and love today.

I have so many favorite lines from this episode. Leslie is hilarious when she's sick...

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...and so is Chris. My ultimate favorite line from this episode is when Chris tells himself to stop pooping.

I love when Andy decides Leslie has network connectivity problems (a line improvised by Chris Pratt himself!) and Leslie's love for waffles over Ben's homemade soup.

"Flu Season," while not the most profound Parks and Recreation episode ever, is my favorite because it makes me laugh. And thankfully, Parks and Recreation has so many other episodes that make me laugh as well. It's a show I'm grateful I have in my life, and I will never fall out of love with Parks and Rec.

Amanda Horn

Season 3, Episode 9: "Andy and April's Fancy Party"

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There are practically no words for how much I love this episode. Not only is this the first episode of Parks and Recreation with a wedding (there are quite a few of those), but Andy and April are probably my favorite Parks and Rec couple, and this episode is just super hilarious.

One of my favorite things about this show is just how many weddings there are. April and Andy start off a tradition of them being spontaneous and in the moment. They invite people for a “fancy party” at Andy’s house, and by the end of the night, they’re married. They didn’t wait because they knew. They didn’t care what anyone said (not even Leslie) because they were sure, and even years later, it was one of the best decisions they’d ever made.

One of my favorite quotes from the episode is when April says that she usually hates people, but she could never seem to hate Andy, and I think that is one of the purest forms of love. Loving someone for who they are just because you like them more than the rest of the world is beautiful and uncomplicated and what love should be. Along with their feelings of love came a choice, and Andy and April’s choice was to love each other forever, even when things got hard. They have something special.

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Everything about this episode is so well-crafted. It’s funny ,and it really showcases what wonderful friendships all of the characters have with each other. (I mean, Andy asked every guy in the Parks department to be his best man. He really cares about these people.) Even though Leslie is really concerned when she learns that Andy and April have decided to get married without planning it out, she eventually accepts it and realizes that it worked. The people who work in the Parks department are special and they all look out for each other like family, and that’s what I think this show is all about.

Jaime Heller

Season 7, Episode 13: "One Last Ride"

For me, a series finale can make or break a TV show for me. I've witnessed the end to a lot of TV shows, and some have been sad, bittersweet, or frankly disappointing. I like endings that make me smile and cry at the same time; the ones that bid farewell with a peaceful sorrow. I want to know that the show had a good run and that the writers, the actors, and the producers deserved all that they'd worked hard toward creating. For me, the series finale of Park and Recreation is one of the best finale episodes to a TV show I've ever watched.

First, we get a wonderful conclusion to the current characters we've come to love and befriend over the seven seasons. It pulls together all the characters who have been scattered apart the past three years by various career and life changes. They come together one last time to fix a parks problem, just like they would when they worked together in the parks and rec office. (I'm not crying, you're crying.)

Second, we get to see the future of every single character--and it's all perfectly matched up. Donna, of course, would be successful and gorgeous as ever. Andy and April would have a kid on Halloween and give him a ridiculous name--or Jack for short. (Which is in of itself adorable since that's Chris Pratt's son's name in real life.) Tom would become successful only to lose it all and then become successful off his failure. Garry/Gerry/Barry/Larry would live to be 100 and have his name spelled wrong on his grave. Ron would get to work in an actual park as a ranger. Ben and Leslie would end up in D.C. doing bigger things in the government. (Like possibly President?) I felt that the writers did an exceptional job giving these characters their stereotypical, yet absolutely perfectly matched, futures. It was unique and fun to see; not many stories show the "what happens next," which just Parks and Recreation another edge to being a fantastic show.

Third, the flash forwards are all perfectly written scenes. There's humor, there's nostalgia, and there's just a perfection that can't be matched. The episode does really well to wrap up the lives of these Pawnee citizens, which satisfies me as a fan of Parks and Recreation. I felt everything matched the characters and their personalities well.

Overall, the season finale brought back the lovable cast and gave us a glimpse into the future of the lovable characters. Since the show was ending, we don't get to see the next 50 years of the Pawnee crew, but with this episode, we're able to see the possibilities of this future. And for me, that seals the deal on why this series finale was one of the best episodes of the series and one of the best TV show finales ever.

(Parks and Rec first and last lines--source)

What are your favorite Parks and Rec episodes? How will you be celebrating March 31st? 

(Don't forget to treat yo' self!)

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Arrow Recap: "Broken Hearts" (4x16)

The last episode of Arrow saw the end of Oliver and Felicity's engagement. Now, Team Arrow has to deal with another dose of heartbreak. Cupid is back in town, and she's out for revenge... on love.

Spoilers for Arrow.

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Cupid is back--and she's terrorizing couples again by her singing, er, I mean, by tying them up and torturing them. After questioning the currently abducted couple, she shoots them both in the heart with arrows.

"Love is a bullet to the brain... or an arrow to the heart." 

Meanwhile, Damien Darhk is on trial. His lawyer hopes to get his case dismissed, so he claims Darhk is someone else from somewhere else and that there is no proof he is--or goes by the name of--Damien Darhk. Flustered, Laurel claims she has proof Darhk is... well, Darhk.

In other news, Felicity and Oliver are officially broken up, and Felicity is moving out. Oliver comes into the apartment to find her loading up boxes and going over her genius plan to transport everything out. Then, they briefly discuss what needs to be done to cancel the wedding plans. Oliver sadly reassures Felicity that she is still a part of Team Arrow--forever and always.

Team Arrow regroups in HQ despite the night being unusually quiet. They help Laurel with her case, and Felicity spills the beans on her and Oliver's break-up. Diggle talks it over with Oliver. (Good job, Diggle.) Just then, Lance calls about an "old friend." When Oliver arrives--as the Green Arrow--on scene, he learns that Cupid is back in town. She lovingly left her latest victims in a heart shape with a note that reads: "Love is dead."

(Thea is nailing the dialogue this episode.--source)

They return to HQ to bring the rest of the team up to speed. Thea immediately recognizes the couple as a high-profile couple who had the "wedding of the decade." They get to work investigating. Diggle gives his testimony at Darhk's trial. He tells them about Darhk attacking Oliver's holiday party and kidnapping him and two others. However, Darhk's lawyers have their own dirt on Diggle, and it doesn't go well. Lance volunteers to witness about Darhk and his involvement with HIVE, but Laurel is worried that will incriminate him. She agrees only if he tells them Darhk threatened her, which made Lance act under duress. (Lots of fun lawyer talk in this episode. Good thing I've been watching Daredevil to understand it all.)

Felicity locates Cupid, who has kidnapped another celebrity couple. (Oh, I see how this episode will play out. Cupid targets celebrity couples like... oh, I don't know... Oliver and Felicity? During her interrogation, they realize they love each other once more and decide to get back together and save the day? Never seen that before, Smallville.) They track Cupid, who has the newlyweds handcuffed in a getaway car. Thea hops on the back of the car, but Cupid drives into a warehouse and knocks her off. Diggle comes to Thea's aid while Oliver chases down Cupid. They fight. Cupid escapes, leaving behind a piece of her jacket sleeve. They rescue the newlyweds.

Thea: "Really brings a whole new meaning to crazy ex-girlfriend."

Diggle remembers that Cupid fell for Deadshot right before he died. (I'm still angry about this.) Felicity determines that Cupid believes love betrayed her and it only makes sense for her to seek out revenge on love. Thea and Diggle once more confront Oliver about Felicity. They think he needs to tell Felicity how he truly feels--that he wants to marry her still. Felicity uses the jacket sleeve to track down Cupid's hideout--a wedding dress shop. (Very fitting.) Team Arrow finds a shrine of the targeted couples. However, Oliver doesn't want to risk the lives of another innocent couple just to find Cupid. He thinks that he and Felicity should pretend to have a private, secret wedding for Cupid to bust. (Oh, this is even better than I thought!) This also leads to Oliver admitting he didn't cancel any of the wedding plans yet because when he does, it's over. Felicity, somewhat coldly, tells him, "It is over." (Ouch.)

Lance gives his testimony. He spills on everything he's done for Darhk, and he tells them why he did it: because Darhk threatened Laurel. (Go, Lance!) While the judge moves Darhk's case to a full trial, Lance is suspended and has to give up his gun and badge. Laurel promises it will only be temporary.

(Seriously: Go Lance!--source)

Diggle and Thea keep watch while the private, fake wedding takes place. Felicity walks in, wedding dress and all, and Oliver is stunned by her appearance. (Poor Ollie.) Together, they go to the altar. They supposedly were planning to write their own vows, so Felicity gives hers. It's short and to the point since she wants to get this over with. Oliver, however, takes his time, spelling out his true feelings toward her. (The terrible sounds you hear are Olicity fans sobbing.)

(Oh, Ollie.--source)

Then, Cupid shows up, right on cue. (She's sooo predictable.) Cupid gives a sassy speech about loving making Oliver soft. She shoots him in the chest with an arrow and pulls out a bomb detonator. She continues her spiel about love being a bullet to the brain. But Oliver stands up; he was wearing a vest. He tries to talk Cupid out of it, but she won't. Until Felicity stands up and says Cupid is wrong about love. Love is not death; love is real. And if she dies, it would be worth it because she experienced love.

(Seriously, Felicity?!?!--source)

Diggle and Thea (finally) show up and help fight Cupid. They stop her, and the police take her away. Oliver asks Felicity if they can talk about what she said back there, but Felicity doesn't give an answer. She just wants to change out of the dress. Later, Oliver is in HQ watching news reports about Darhk's trial and the ruined wedding. Felicity comes in to grab something. Oliver tells her that what he said at the altar was all true. Felicity says she loves him, but she can't marry him. (I don't... I don't understand.) He tells her she can--that he could be different, that there would be no more lies. But she tells him no matter what he'll always default to the man he was on the island--alone. Then, she gives him back the ring. She says she can't stay here and do this--any of this--any more. She's leaving, and they need to let each other go.

Oliver: "I don't want to let you go."
Felicity: "I don't want to let you go, but I'm already gone."

Darhk is escorted to a cell and is locked up. The lights oddly flicker. He opens his mouth where he has a ring between his teeth. He takes it out and slips it on to his finger. Then, he just smiles.

On the Island, Reiter leads Oliver and Taiana to a chamber where an idol sits on a pedestal. Reiter gives a speech about his past and his village being annihilated. He won't allow that to ever happen again. Then, he shoots one of the men in order to show them what the idol does. As the man dies, a weird ghostly light floats out of him and attaches to the idol. Reiter holds up his arm to the idol and weird symbols show up on his skin. (I'm actually really confused!) Reiter orders his men to start killing prisoners, but Oliver and Taiana knock out the men. They steal the idol and run. Taiana tries to destroy the idol, but it doesn't work. Reiter contacts them using a walkie-talkie, threatening they will never find their way out of the tunnels. Oliver and Taiana use the idol to set a trap for Reiter's men. When they find the idol, they attack and take their guns.

Concluding Thoughts

Personally, I didn't find this episode very exciting or moving. I wanted to feel something about Oliver's speech to Felicity or feel victorious that Darhk was being acquitted for his crimes, but I didn't. Felicity has been one of my favorite characters of the show, but recently she has started to bother me. I understand she's hurt, but I feel like she's being super dramatic about everything and very... not-Felicity. I feel bad for Oliver, but he's not doing much to win Felicity back except moping. I hope they don't drag out the break-up further, but I know Felicity isn't gone forever because of the "mysterious end scenes of doom." (Also, I am never going to take relationship advice from either of them.)

Cupid's revenge on love was so-so. It could have been better. The events on the Island have started to bore me. I feel like they're just dragging it out. The high points of the episode were Laurel and Lance finally locking up Darhk and Thea's dialogue. Diggle is still cool, but he's been continually thrust into the background.

What did you think of "Broken Hearts"?

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