"Jane the Virgin" season 3 episode 8 may feature Xiomara and Jane in a mother-daughter conflict and a surprise team-up of both Rafael and Michael in a mission to unravel Rafael's parentage. Moreover, as fans await the next episode airing next year, a look into the animated sex scene may reveal why animation is more effective than a realistic simulation.

"Jane the Virgin" season 3, episode 8 was scheduled for a Dec. 5 airing, but was postponed due to the mid-season break of the cast and crew. However, rumors are circulating that the postponement may have something to do with Brett Dier's leaving the show.

Dier plays Michael Cordeno Jr., husband to Jane (Gina Rodriguez), which explains why the show's storyline will be severely affected if Dier plans to have an untimely exit. This rumor may have started with Michael being shot and almost dying, leading fans to believe that the show may be replacing the character.

However, Michael survived and will soon be seen in "Jane the Virgin" season 3, episode 8, teaming up with Rafael (Justin Baldoni) in the latter's quest to unravel his parentage. Last episode has revealed that Rafael is an adopted child of Emilio Solano and he was actually born in Italy according to TV Line.

Moreover, Jane is not too happy about her mother Xiomara who confessed to her about being involved in an affair with a married man, Bruce (Ricardo Chavira). For sure, "Jane the Virgin" season 3 may explore of the mother-daughter conflict in future episodes.

While fans are busy speculating and waiting for the next installment of "Jane the Virgin," a look into the animated sex scene will reveal why showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman chose animation over realistic simulation. Urman was interviewed by EW where she revealed why animation was the most representational and effective way to highlight and, at the same time, to downplay the long-awaited sex scene of Jane and Michael.

Urman with her writers knew that Jane will soon lose her virginity and the right time to do this is after she gets married to Michael. The animated sex scene was whimsical and fairy tale-like, a striking contrast to the short almost anti-climactic coupling that Jane experienced with Michael.

Urman and writers Micah Schraft and Carolina Rivera made it so to bring back the story's focus on Jane as she embarks on a new chapter in her life as mother and wife. "Jane the Virgin" season 3, episode 8 will air on January 23, 2017 with the title "Chapter Fifty-Two."