Once again, I can’t help but be reminded of how much better The Valley was compared to Vanderpump Rules. The newest Bravo series was far superior to the 2013 show, which was a bit of a kick in the teeth for die-hard fans who expected more. The spinoff embraced the idea of a reality TV star aging, even though Jax Taylor will never admit he has aged. The cast was a mix of old and new; it somehow worked.
So, while Vanderpump Rules is on its last legs, fans are dying to see what comes next for The Valley. Because, frankly, it can’t get any worse than Season 11. VPR is stale, and now that a new king is in town, no one is looking back. Even though Bravo has yet to confirm the end of an era, most fans secretly hope Season 11 was VPR’s last, giving way to a new show.
It’s all about Jax
I am still utterly in shock that Jax was pretty much all that was needed to placate former Vanderpump Rules viewers. The man is a legend. And while he isn’t the number one guy in the group, he is still one hell of a villain. Singlehandedly, Jax reminded us that he is now a father, business owner, influencer, and a heap of other titles, but still, he somehow remained the unloveable/loveable idiot we all needed for the drama. In simple terms, Jax is something.
What we used to hate about the OG, like being up in everyone’s business or gossiping, seems to work for his spot on The Valley. His interactions with former lover/best friend Kristen Doute were intense. At times I couldn’t tell if they liked or hated one another especially when he was dissecting her desire for a baby. Both Jax and Kristen know the assignment – they deliver.
The Valley is fun
Vanderpump Rules used to be top-tier for many seasons, but this season felt so off. Every cast member is miserable and not having any fun. I am also pretty positive most of the cast were just performing in hopes of keeping their paychecks. The drama isn’t even entertaining, either, because no one can stand each other. But The Valley is fresh. And the group is actually fun!
The new series has a levity fans haven’t seen in some time. Yes, there is still a bit of drama, but I’d almost argue the drama is organic. I understand this feels like an oxymoron, but there is some truth to it. Between the pool parties, Daddy Day Care, Mom’s nights out, and pantsing, the laughs just keep coming. I can’t remember the last time I laughed out loud while watching Vanderpump Rules, and that’s a major red flag.
There is no Toms
This might be a weird reason to put The Valley ahead of Vanderpump Rules, but here we go: There are no Toms. I can’t say how grateful I am for a break from Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, aka Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz. I no longer have to watch the weird co-dependent relationship. The new group are friends with deep relationships, and most of the time, it feels like they are just giving one another advice.
When it came to the Toms it felt extremely forced with Schwartz just following Sandy’s lead. The Valley cast doesn’t seem to have a real leader, even though Jax probably thinks he is. Most importantly no one is under the thumb of the other, allowing for more freedom of expression. Instead of watching two former men flounder and worry about wallpaper, I can watch a group navigate the next chapter of their lives.
There isn’t a question in my mind that the older seasons of VPR are greater than The Valley, but The Valley is greater than the newer seasons of VPR. Hopefully, Bravo can keep up with the popularity wave and admit that a Vanderpump Rules Season 12 wouldn’t be the best idea. The Valley has been granted a second season, and I truly hope the cast and producers don’t blow it!
TELL US – WOULD YOU RATHER ANOTHER SEASON OF VANDERPUMP RULES OR THE VALLEY? DID YOU WATCH BOTH?
