It's been quite a rocky road for Jane Villanueva (Gina Rodriguez) in "Jane the Virgin" season 3, which saw the untimely death of her husband, Michael (Brett Dier). Fans the world over were shocked when the series decided to kill off the much-beloved character and take a three-year time jump in the middle of its third season, a feat usually reserved for season finales. The time jump, however, successfully allowed the show to deal with some emotionally difficult events from a distance, including Rafael's prison sentence, and the dark path that is the aftermath of Michael's death.

In the last episode of "Jane the Virgin" season 3 that aired before the show took a short break, viewers found Jane in a very good place. She was slowly but surely healing from Michael's tragic death and was even dipping her toes back into the dating pool. Despite her futile attempts, she was able to finally get herself out there, with the help of her BFFs, Rafael (Justin Baldoni) and Petra (Yael Grobglas).

Jane gets an unexpected visit from the past

When "Jane the Virgin" season 3 returns this April 24 to the CW, viewers will be introduced to "Teen Wolf" star Tyler Posey's character, who is reportedly someone from Jane's past. Production has kept mum on what role he will play in Jane's life post-Michael, but he will appear in the finale and will recur in season 4.

Speaking of Michael, viewers may get to see him one last time on "Jane the Virgin" season 3, as he was recently spotted in a photo that Gina Rodriguez posted on Twitter. The photo showed the cast, including Brett Dier, celebrating the wrap of the season finale.

Showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman promises 'light and joy'

Deadline recently held "The Contenders Emmys" panel at the CBS TV Studios, where Gina Rodriguez and "Jane the Virgin" showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman were on hand to talk about the second half of season 3.

Urman stressed that the show now is really about how one moves on from such tragic or shocking events in one's life.

When the show returns this April 24, viewers can expect a more lighthearted and fun "Jane the Virgin," as Jane begins to pick up the pieces of her life after Michael.

"There is a lot of light and joy that are coming back," Urman promised. "There are love interests, but it’s all, ‘how does she move on from all of this?' For this character who is such a planner, these curveballs are really important to keep her growing and changing and moving and keep the storytelling not stale."

"Jane the Virgin" season 3 returns to The CW on April 24.
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