Welcome to the recap for The Valley Season 2 Episode 2. Last episode, fans watched as Jax and Brittany both had a come-to-Jesus moment. Our sweet Kentucky muffin was finally realizing she had married a cad. And the former SUR bartender had a breakthrough about his anger issues. Meanwhile, Janet couldn’t apologize to save her life when it came to Kristen. But perhaps the most interesting storyline was between Jesse and Michelle, who just refused to work together when it came to co-parenting. So here’s exactly what went down in The Valley Season 2, Episode 2: “Checking In.”
The girls check in
It’s the morning after the White Party, and who knew a breakfast casserole was what was needed for a California-sized hangover? Brittany, Jasmine, and Janet all rehash the evening on the couch with the new mother, sharing that her talk didn’t go well with Kristen. Janet doesn’t make it to the pancake layer of her casserole before she is in tears. Evidently, she is still struggling with Zack’s mean words and choosing to hold Kristen to blame as well.
Bless Brittany, who wants to be a good friend but notes she has her own stress dealing with Jax. As she pointed out, everyone is an adult. “We can figure it out.” The good news is that Janet has now unblocked Zack, so that’s a start.
Jax is crying wolf
Speaking of Jax, he is a mess. Kristen, however, has the good sense to check in on her former SUR co-worker. And she comes to find that there is a broken stool and a riled-up Jax to contend with. Once again, the father of one is trying to justify why he flew off the handle. Jax is clearly hurt that he snooped/found all the messages to Julian. And while his feelings might be valid, especially if he thought they could work on their marriage, his reaction was uncalled for. And Kristen holds his feet to the fire. Love her for that.
Kristen unloads, and viewers are definitely not pleased with Jax. She reveals that she has sat with Brittany as she cried over rage texts that included calling her fat and ugly. In her confessional, Kristen reveals, “I’ve heard Jax say these things to Brittany, especially over the last three years. Even when she was pregnant with Cruz.” God, it is really, really hard to see a redeeming quality in Jax right now. He then has the audacity to note, “I love women that look like her.” Jax, you’re not going to win here.
The Royal Rumble
I need a new hobby, but currently it’s watching Jesse and Michelle torture one another. Michelle starts the good vibes off strong by telling cameras “I wish I could tell Jesse to go f*ck himself.” Yikes, girl! This fight breaks out over a visitation schedule, and it is feisty. Intelligences are insulted. Jesse claims that Michelle’s narrative is that he is an “absentee father” who is off partying. Jesse gets candid in his confessional and almost cries as he notes he is struggling every single day with his work life, personal life, and being a single dad. Honestly, both parties are hurt, and neither one is willing to put a band-aid to stop the bleeding.
It doesn’t look like anything will be fixed anytime soon. Then it is revealed that Isabella told Michelle, “Daddy had a sleepover.” And it turns out Scheana Shay knows the bed buddy. The tea comes in piping hot thanks to the Good as Gold singer, who confirms Jesse’s new friend is sleeping with “the guy from Baywatch.” For now, Michelle is vindicated.
The intervention
Jason has some thoughts. The new dad feels like Jax is anxious and blows off steam by partying. Danny agrees, and both men show up for an intervention. Currently, Jax can’t be alone with Cruz, and the guys are questioning why this isn’t rock bottom for him. Jax finally reveals he is checking into rehab. For Jax, it is all about breaking the cycle of yelling. During the intervention, the doctor calls to chat, and it is evident Jax was not prepared to be told he should go for 30 days, and the cost would be $30,000.
To be honest, even I was jolted at the price. Jax quickly asks what would happen if he didn’t do the full time, which seems odd from a man who claims he wants to get help. The agitation is palpable, and Jax looks as if he is itching to get out of his own skin.
Jax’s departure is toxic
Finally, the day has come, and Jax is going to rehab. But he is fighting it every step of the way. Brittany is at the house, finding lipstick-riddled cups in the fridge and rotten fruit. The entire scene is something out of a horror novel. Upon Jax walking through the front door, she tells Jax not to kiss Cruz on the face. He is being punished for inviting his friend, Paige, over and admits it’s a rule he wasn’t supposed to break.
Things get heated as Jax says, “I’m not talking to you. You destroyed my life.” The fight gets real ugly with Brittany crying, “I don’t even recognize who you are anymore. Jax, you scared me. And you hurt me!” This moment was almost too real for reality TV. But good for Brittany for standing up for herself as she reminded Jax, “I didn’t make you throw a chair and punch holes in the wall.” Brittany makes her stance clear: if Jax doesn’t stay for the 30 days, she will file for divorce, she will take Cruz, and she will get a restraining order. And then it happens. Brittany stops protecting Jax and tells him, “You have the coke problem. Everybody knows it. Own up to it. Be real with the doctors.”
The Valley is available to stream on Peacock and Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF EPISODE TWO OF THE VALLEY? DID BRITTANY DO THE RIGHT THING BY OUTING JAX’S ADDICTION?
