Podcast Summary: "Watch What Crappens" Episode #2927 – The Valley S2E14 Part One: Jax On, Jax Off with Dylan Hafer
Overview
In episode #2927 of "Watch What Crappens," hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam delve into the latest happenings of Bravo's hotly debated show, "The Valley." With Ronnie absent, the dynamic shifts as guest Dylan Hafer joins Ben to dissect recent developments, notably the shocking announcement of Jax Taylor stepping away from the series. This detailed summary captures the essence of their conversation, highlighting key discussions, insights, and notable quotes from the episode.
Introduction and Setting the Stage
The episode begins with Ben Mandelker recounting a recent visit to the dentist, where he observes the impeccably clean scrubs reminiscent of "Below Deck" captain Jason. This anecdote segues into a brief promotional segment for scrub brand Figs, setting a casual and relatable tone for the listeners.
Breaking News: Jax Taylor's Departure
The main thrust of the episode revolves around the unexpected news that Jax Taylor is leaving "The Valley." The hosts react with disbelief and curiosity about the reasons behind his departure.
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Ben Mandelker initiates the discussion:
"According to me, Jax Taylor is stepping away from the Valley. Can you even believe it, Dylan? This news just broke right before we started recording. How are you processing?" (03:15)
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Kristen Doute (interjecting as Dylan Hafer's character):
"I wish him well. I, you know, I love that really, he got to make this decision for himself that he needs to step away to focus on his recovery. And I'm, I hope that he feels good about this decision and I won't miss him." (03:44)
Ben emphasizes that Jax's decision appears voluntary:
"This is definitely his decision, 100% he chose. This is definitely a JAX TAYLOR Decision." (04:05)
Analyzing Jax's Role and Future
The hosts delve into Jax's trajectory on the show, questioning his continued necessity and potential future within the Bravo ecosystem.
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Ben Mandelker comments on Jax's declining suitability:
"What do you think? Do you think this was the right move? I mean, I'm a very big proponent of Villains on Bravo, and I don't think that we should fire our villains just because they're villains. However, I think Jax did cross a line." (05:37)
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Kristen Doute agrees, highlighting Jax's deteriorating character arc:
"With him, just this whole season has just felt so depressing, and watching him go to rehab and be, you know, more or less away for half the season and then come back and if anything, show the opposite of growth, the opposite of progress." (06:19)
Ben predicts a bleak future for Jax:
"He's going to complain about people being woke. I think we're going to see him doing the Rob Schneider route, and it's going to be so annoying." (09:12)
Comparing Cast Members
The conversation shifts to comparing Jax with other cast members from "Vanderpump Rules," such as Tom Sandoval and Katie, illustrating the varied trajectories of reality stars.
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Kristen Doute points out the positive strides of other cast members:
"Tom Sandoval has been able to sort of steer the ship a little bit in the last couple of years. He's still doing the music thing." (10:38)
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In contrast, Ben criticizes Jax’s inability to find a productive path:
"Jax isn't even really needed as a villain anymore here." (07:29)
Discussion on "The Valley" and Its Dynamics
Ben and Dylan (as Kristen) explore the success and intricate dynamics of "The Valley," praising its layered character interactions and robust cast chemistry.
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Kristen Doute remarks on the show's depth:
"This cast has so many layered dynamics to it, and it really felt like watching the first season of the Valley like, this was a cast with history and these people actually know each other and there's lore to be discovered between all of them." (14:35)
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Ben Mandelker adds:
"They have a deep roster of people that are interesting that you want to watch. They do have a lore." (16:20)
The hosts commend the show's ability to maintain viewer interest through complex relationships and evolving storylines, comparing it favorably to other Bravo staples like "Vanderpump Rules."
Scene Breakdowns and Character Analysis
The episode includes detailed dissections of specific scenes from "The Valley," highlighting tensions and character developments.
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Jax and Kristen's Interaction:
"Jax walks in with a giant orchid that he gives to Kristen, and she's like, yeah, I can't keep an orchid alive for the life of me." (53:31)
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Danny’s Drinking Habits:
"I don't know, nor could I diagnose whether or not he's an alcoholic, but it sounds like he's a bad drunk at the very least." (31:57)
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Janet's Aggressive Behavior:
"She really is deliberately missing the point here. She's trying to have her cake and eat it too." (34:47)
These analyses provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of character motivations and plot progressions within the show.
Future Predictions and Expectations
Ben and Kristen share their anticipations for future seasons, contemplating how cast changes might influence "The Valley."
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Kristen Doute expresses optimism for Season Three:
"It really has, that season two makes me more excited for season three, not less." (08:31)
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Ben Mandelker forecasts challenges for the "Vanderpump Rules" reboot in light of "The Valley's" popularity:
"They have Southern hospitality being really good gives 'Vanderpump Rules' a really tall order." (18:53)
Emotional Storylines and Personal Struggles
The hosts touch upon personal storylines, such as Kristen's experience with fertility issues, emphasizing the show's balance between drama and genuine emotional narratives.
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Ben Mandelker discusses Kristen's challenges:
"She's feeling a little blue because they had another fertility meeting with a doctor, and his sperm are good. So it really just comes down to her body, and she's really coming down so hard on herself." (50:12)
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Kristen Doute reacts positively to the show's portrayal:
"I'm very happy for her." (51:21)
Light-Hearted Moments and Humor
Despite the heavy topics, Ben and Kristen infuse humor into their discussion, particularly when dissecting minor plot points and character quirks.
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Ben Mandelker jokes about the "Love Sack" sofa:
"I've never heard of this sofa until this show started to air. And then they're talking about it now today on the show.' (46:43)
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Kristen Doute shares her frustration with Jax's orchid cultivation attempts:
"She's probably throwing away a live plant every week, being like, flower fell off. Now this is dead." (54:19)
Conclusion and Teasers for Part Two
As the conversation wraps up, Ben hints at continuing the discussion in the next episode, teasing listeners with ongoing storylines and unresolved tensions within "The Valley."
"So this the end of part one. So thank you so much for listening to this. Just come back a little later for part two." (56:02)
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Ben on Jax’s Decision:
"This is definitely his decision, 100% he chose. This is definitely a JAX TAYLOR Decision." (04:05)
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Kristen on Jax’s Lack of Progress:
"It feels like he's more reactive and more angry, and he's nothing that Britney is saying to him is clicking." (07:29)
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Ben Predicting Jax’s Future:
"I think we're going to see him doing the Rob Schneider route, and it's going to be so annoying." (09:12)
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Kristen on Kristen and Janet Dynamics:
"There has to be some give and take with somebody's dynamic in a cast." (06:19)
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Ben on the Show's Success:
"They have a deep roster of people that are interesting that you want to watch." (16:20)
Final Thoughts
Episode #2927 of "Watch What Crappens" offers a comprehensive and engaging analysis of "The Valley," with a particular focus on Jax Taylor's departure and its implications for the show’s future. Ben Mandelker and guest Dylan Hafer, embodying Kristen Doute, provide listeners with insightful commentary, blending humor with critical examination. Notable quotes with precise timestamps enrich the discussion, making the summary both informative and relatable for those who haven't yet tuned into the episode.