Bravo’s The Valley came in like a wrecking ball when it premiered in 2024. Viewers had no idea just how good the series would be, especially with OGs Jax Taylor and Kristen Doute. The former SUR bartender has been up to his old tricks, which include angry explosions when he doesn’t get his way. And while watching multiple divorces and rage texts play out is pure entertainment, I wonder what harmful effect it is having on the series’ stars.
Jax Taylor rage texts Brittany Cartwright on The Valley Season 2
On the most recent episode of The Valley, fans watched as Jax bombarded his soon-to-be ex-wife with multiple angry texts. He was sitting in rehab while Brittany Cartwright was on a cast trip. My first question was why a mental health facility was allowing him to have his phone with that type of behavior. But the messages took a toll on the mother of one, who kept breaking down. Rage texting is problematic because it helps to escalate fights. Texting in general can be too impulsive, as Jax shows a clear example of his lack of control. Jax’s outburst shows just how bad his anger is and hints that he has emotional dysregulation.
The term describes “an emotional response that is poorly regulated and does not fall within the traditionally accepted range of emotional reaction.” The episode highlighted how the use of digital platforms can harm the ones you love. Jax showed no mercy as he inundated Brittany with mean messages after mean messages. This particular scene showed how the former Hooters girl was being emotionally targeted. And it was eye-opening. Brittany told cameras, “I actually thought that whenever he was in there for 30 days, that I would be able to have some kind of peace. How dumb was I?”
Jesse Lally is playing mind games amid his divorce from Michelle Saniei
Jesse Lally is good TV. However, I am aware that he is launching psychological warfare against Michelle Saniei. In Season 1, their relationship seemed to be all about keeping up with the Joneses. Jesse clearly wanted the perfect marriage, kid, and house. But in reality, things were falling apart. Now, as Season 2 begins to air its episodes, fans are seeing that Jesse is prepared to fight dirty. The realtor is well aware of what will trigger Michelle, and he is using it to his advantage, not to fight fairly. Jesse has come across as controlling, especially when it comes to emotions and finances. The father of one has a dark side, and he is very honest about it. The Valley editing has viewers watching a specific scene and then cutting to him giving a full explanation about his ulterior motives.
I mean, that’s diabolical. As Jesse navigates his divorce, he has shown that he has tendencies toward narcissism. Duke Health explains that a person who suffers from a narcissistic personality will have “a strong sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, a lack of empathy, and a sense of entitlement.”
The Valley Season 2 could teach couples watching a few things
Who knew watching your favorite Bravo show could teach you a bit about how to be a better partner? Valley Season 2 is doing just that. The episodes show that the group needs to hold one another accountable. For example, while it is nice for the guy to check in on Jax, it is important to remember that Brittany is a victim and should also be given the same courtesy. Even though Jax loves blaming Brittany, the fact is that none of this is her fault. Fans and the cast need to remember that it is not okay to victim-blame.
The group as a whole needs to have zero tolerance for those like Jax or Jesse who mean to disrupt the status quo. Episode 4 showed Jesse having a very uncomfortable chat with Janet Caperna that even left me feeling uncomfortable. Jason Caperna and Brittany just stood by as he tried to dominate the chat and make Janet feel small. This behavior should be called out immediately. Jax is already in line for cancellation due to his aggressive behavior, and it will be very interesting to see where Jesse lands after the finale.
The Valley is available to stream on Peacock and on Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
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