In the April 15 premiere of the show, Jax attempts to rationalize his explosive behavior during a confessional interview, stating, “I lost all control. I saw red. I had an out-of-body experience.” He poses a thought-provoking question to the camera: “But show me a man that wouldn’t handle the situation the way I did.” This reflection reveals not only his struggle to cope with the situation but also hints at a deeper issue regarding his emotional stability.

According to Taylor himself — as discussed on “The Valley” and various podcasts following the conclusion of Season 2 in mid-September — his downward spiral began after Cartwright’s departure. He resorted to partying, drinking excessively, using cocaine, and engaging in fleeting sexual encounters with women who reached out to him via direct messages. Taylor’s unpredictable volatility has been a hallmark of his personality, making him a notorious instigator on “Vanderpump Rules,” the predecessor of “The Valley,” where his relationship with Cartwright initially blossomed. However, when compared to the infamous “Scandoval” — a captivating cheating scandal that captivated audiences in spring 2023 — Taylor’s violent outburst and its aftermath present a starkly different narrative, one that is deeply troubling and unsettling.

At the conclusion of the second episode, Taylor checks into a nearby mental health facility after being urged to seek help by Cartwright, his sister, his team, and even the producers of the show along with Bravo. He remains in treatment for 30 days, yet even during his time away, he continues to send Cartwright threatening messages, such as “trust me I gave my friends your address. They’re going to stop by.” Meanwhile, Cartwright consults with a divorce attorney regarding her estranged husband’s alarming behavior; at one point, the lawyer, visibly concerned, states, “This isn’t normal.” Upon Taylor’s return home in the June 17 episode, rather than attempting to reconnect with Cruz, he opts for superficial changes like getting Botox and a haircut. The episode culminates with the shocking revelation that Cartwright has filed for divorce and is seeking sole legal custody of their son.

While reality television often faces criticism for being mere entertainment, it undeniably serves as a powerful mirror reflecting real-life issues. This phenomenon has roots dating back to when Pedro Zamora, battling AIDS, starred in “The Real World: San Francisco” in 1994. Bravo has consistently showcased cast members grappling with profound challenges, including divorce, bankruptcy, illness, legal troubles, abuse, and even suicide.

What distinguishes “The Valley” is its willingness to delve into the more troubling aspects of its cast’s lives, particularly beyond the “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?”-esque drama surrounding Taylor and Cartwright’s crumbling marriage. The narratives presented are not only captivating but also complex and unprecedented. For instance, the divorcing real estate agents Jesse Lally and Michelle Saniei appear to harbor intense animosity toward one another; Saniei has accused Lally of squandering their finances, while Lally has labeled her a “lying, cheating whore.” Voice actor Daniel Booko and former Miss USA Nia Sanchez Booko, who are trying to manage their lives in a cramped apartment with their three young children, present a united front, even as Daniel’s drinking becomes a central storyline, particularly after he drunkenly inappropriately touched castmate Jasmine Goode and her now-fiancée Melissa Marie. Meanwhile, married couple Janet and Jason Caperna have added to the group’s drama, particularly surrounding Booko’s alcoholism. (In contrast, the sweet love story of Luke Broderick and “Vanderpump Rules” alum Kristen Doute, who become engaged during the season and welcomed their daughter on June 11, offers a refreshing respite.)

Following the sensational Scandoval that propelled “Vanderpump Rules” into a ratings phenomenon and made it an Emmy nominee, executive producer Alex Baskin revived a pitch he had previously presented to Bravo pre-pandemic. This show was envisioned as a platform for original cast members to transition into their next life stages as they married, raised children, and navigated homeownership, stepping away from their previous roles at Lisa Vanderpump’s West Hollywood restaurants. However, this plan was temporarily shelved after Taylor, Cartwright, and Doute were let go from “Vanderpump Rules” in 2020 under various circumstances. Yet, with the Scandoval reigniting public interest in the trio, most viewers welcomed their return with enthusiasm. “There was an opportunity at that time, given the overwhelming curiosity surrounding the franchise,” Baskin explains. Erica Forstadt, NBCUniversal’s SVP of unscripted show production, concurs, stating, “It was a slam dunk, really. I think the audience wanted to see what was happening with these three during that time.”

The production commenced without delay, and “The Valley” — featuring members from Taylor and Cartwright’s social circle — premiered in March 2024, right after Season 11 of “Vanderpump Rules.” It quickly became Bravo’s most-watched new series in a decade, maintaining strong ratings in its second season. According to Nielsen and NBCUniversal, the premiere episode attracted 3.1 million cross-platform viewers on Bravo and Peacock, with viewership remaining robust despite the fragmentation of television audiences. “The Valley” consistently draws as many viewers as Season 2 of “Vanderpump Rules” did back in 2013-14.

Beyond the impressive ratings, the most significant aspect is perhaps the tremendous conversations sparked within the “Bravosphere,” a term that encapsulates the vibrant world of fan podcasts, social media discussions, and subreddits that analyze every move made by the network’s cast members and every twist in the shows themselves. In this tightly-knit universe, “The Valley” has emerged as the zeitgeist topic, captivating audiences in a way that few shows have achieved. (Additionally, Bravo is gearing up to launch an Emmy campaign for “The Valley.”)

However, not all discussions surrounding the cast have been positive; critiques aimed at Cartwright—some within the Bravo community assert that she should have known Taylor’s true nature before marrying him—trouble Baskin. In a lengthy interview at his office in the Valley, Baskin, whose production company 32 Flavors is behind the show, reflects on the season’s explosive incident, stating it was impossible to ignore once Cartwright revealed that Taylor had done “something unacceptable.”

“It was truly scary,” he confesses. Baskin describes the current version of Cartwright as “a different person” compared to her time on “Vanderpump Rules,” and wishes that audiences would acknowledge “her growth and assertiveness.” He emphasizes, “This is all Brittany’s real life.”

This season’s tone has required a delicate balancing act, according to Baskin, who remains in constant dialogue with Bravo about achieving the right equilibrium. Taylor and Cartwright, being the central couple of “The Valley,” are well-known to Bravo fans. The tumultuous end of their marriage presents a significant challenge for both the series and the network. Forstadt describes the approach of the “Valley” team as coming from a documentary perspective, stating, “In my mind, it’s real. This is what’s happening.” She further adds, “If we hadn’t covered it, we wouldn’t be telling an honest story. And I think that’s much more problematic.”

“Remind me again what you want to watch?” Baskin questions rhetorically. “We’re all trying to figure out how to tell the story responsibly and fairly, in a way that’s entertaining and true to life. But that doesn’t gloss over what is really happening. This material is dark!”

The Meeting of Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor: A Reality TV Love Story unfolded in Las Vegas in 2015 when she was just 26 and living in Kentucky, while he was 36 and already a recognized figure from “Vanderpump Rules.” Taylor, self-proclaimed as the “No. 1 man in this group,” became the pivotal force in shaping the show’s narrative, drawing viewers in with his charismatic yet challenging persona. After charming Cartwright into moving from Kentucky to Los Angeles, he seemed to smooth out some of his rough edges, but as “Vanderpump Rules” progressed, Taylor’s allure faded and his behavior became increasingly toxic. His absence after Season 8 — the same season featuring their lavish 2019 wedding at a Kentucky castle — left Cartwright’s future uncertain.

Despite their divergent paths, Cartwright and Taylor still share the same manager and publicist. Following an interview with Baskin, their publicist canceled a scheduled interview with Cartwright, while Taylor opted not to participate in any interviews.

Nevertheless, a wealth of material surrounding their tumultuous relationship exists, as everyone seems to have a podcast these days. In March, Taylor appeared on Baskin’s “Bravo’s Hot Mic” podcast, revealing that he had battled cocaine addiction for over 20 years and had recently quit, alongside his struggles with alcohol. He mentioned that he sought help once again during Thanksgiving after another incident prompted Cartwright to rally their support network and production team to get Taylor back into treatment. During the podcast, he openly addressed his addiction and expressed his desire to share his journey. However, Baskin clarifies that entering treatment is not something that Taylor’s employers can legally mandate — “we can’t. That’s a step that someone has to take on their own.”

The revelation of Taylor’s cocaine addiction did not shock viewers; the online response was primarily one of acknowledgment, with many sharing images of a visibly distressed Jax throughout the years. However, what unfolded with Cartwright has taken both the audience and the cast by surprise. “You need to be very careful, Brittany,” Saniei warns Cartwright in the Season 2 premiere. “If he’s escalating, it takes one moment for something to happen. And once something happens, there’s no going back.”

Similarly, Sanchez Booko expressed concern when Cartwright shared details about her altercation with Taylor. “I was like, ‘It’s not safe. You definitely can’t be around him,’” she told Variety during an interview at the Roosevelt Hotel. “It made me really fearful for my friend.”

At the time, Cartwright and Taylor had security cameras installed in their home for reasons unrelated to filming. Cartwright even shared video footage of Taylor’s explosive behavior with Sanchez Booko. “When I saw the video, my first question to Brittany was, ‘What was he on?’” Sanchez Booko recalls. “And she said, ‘No, he was sober, just so angry.’ From a woman’s perspective, he looked frightening.”

While reality stars have previously sought rehab during filming, Taylor’s drug use had remained unpublicized until now. Although excessive drinking is often depicted on reality television, hard drug use has always been a sensitive subject, typically concealed from production. However, as he packs for the treatment facility in the second episode, visibly anxious, Taylor finds himself in another argument with Cartwright. During this confrontation, she ultimately confronts him, exclaiming, “Jax, you have a coke problem!” She challenges him, saying, “Everyone knows it! Be real with the doctors.”

Jax, you have a coke problem. Did Baskin anticipate that Cartwright would finally reach her breaking point?

“She was going to voice everything she had experienced — that’s her story,” Baskin reflects. “She felt the issue was that he had been enabled for too long. And she’s like, ‘Forget that. I’m not doing that. I’m going to say it out loud.’ She was done. She was prepared to share everything.”

However, expressing oneself can have its consequences. In an interview at his home above the Sunset Strip (which he points out is not in the Valley), Lally expresses regret about the harsh statements he has made on camera about Saniei. “I mean, clearly I regret calling Michelle a hooker,” he admits. “I’m trying to raise a little girl. Like, do you know what a guy like me from Boston would do if anyone called my daughter a whore? Whatever is to blame for that, it’s just irresponsible and shameful.” He adds, “We’re doing this to create a great show, but we’re still real families with real careers and children.”

Booko’s controversial action — when he drunkenly touched Goode and Marie during a Halloween party — occurred off-camera. Although Booko felt that he had already issued sufficient apologies prior to filming, he claims he heard that Taylor was “talking to people to bring it back up for the show.” In response, Booko confronted Taylor, stating that after some stammering, Taylor exploded, saying, “You guys got off easy in the first season, and in the second season, I’m coming after you and putting a target on your back! You and Nia are fake!”

Booko mentions that Taylor did apologize during the reunion, which was filmed in early May. However, at that moment, he felt betrayed: “I’m trying to have your back, and all you’re doing is stabbing mine.”

“It was a tough summer,” he adds, expressing feelings of betrayal, particularly toward the Capernas, whom he believes escalated the drama at his expense. “Lies — just malicious, vindictive behavior from some people that I genuinely cared about, and thought were my friends. Whether they’re doing it for the show or a storyline or attention, it’s like: You don’t do that. This is real life.”

Despite these challenges, both Bookos express their willingness to return for Season 3, which is expected to begin production after the final reunion episode of Season 2 airs in August. “I just hate feeling like things are left unsettled,” Booko says. As for Sanchez Booko, who welcomed their fourth child in early June, she wishes to share this “new season of life” alongside Doute and Broderick. “It makes me emotional,” she admits.

Looking ahead to Season 3, Baskin describes it as a puzzle, particularly regarding how much to incorporate former “Vanderpump Rules” stars Scheana Shay, Lala Kent, and Tom Schwartz, who have all made appearances this season due to their friendships with various cast members. “We’re figuring out all of it,” Baskin states. “It’s very likely that the show will look different next season, but I don’t know what different means.”

After the first season, it was relatively straightforward to bring the entire cast back, promoting Zack Wickham and Goode from “friends” to series regulars. However, significant rifts now exist within the group, and there’s also the question of how to handle Taylor, who has caused considerable harm but has also sought help. The events captured this season took place 10 months ago, and in a statement from his personal representative, Taylor claims: “I just celebrated my two hundredth day of sobriety from both alcohol and cocaine. It’s been a long road and I’m still working through my mental health issues.”

Although Taylor played a crucial role in the show’s development, Baskin emphasizes that “no one is guaranteed a job indefinitely.” He mentions that changes have often been necessary based on someone’s behavior. “But seeking help is the opposite of that. Seeking help is something we completely support,” he adds.

Baskin has spent years working behind the scenes as an executive producer on shows like “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” and “The Real Housewives of Orange County.” However, his profile notably rose during the Scandoval era as his role in shaping “Vanderpump Rules” gained attention. This recognition has led to some content creators in the Bravosphere criticizing him by name — and regarding Reddit, he humorously acknowledges, “You know I can’t look!”

Yet Baskin is eager to address the common accusation that featuring Taylor on television equates to platforming an abuser.

“Our job is to tell the entire story,” he asserts. “If we didn’t present the story in its entirety, we would be covering up something that truly happened and denying Brittany the opportunity to share what she has gone through. I don’t believe that’s really ‘platforming an abuser’ as much as it is platforming the story — which includes both Brittany’s experiences and Jax’s.”

Upon his return in the June 17 episode, Taylor expresses several realizations he describes as “eye-opening” and “humbling.” However, he also feels aggrieved and justified in his decision to stop paying the mortgage on the Valley Village home. At the episode’s conclusion, Taylor is seen giving his old friend Tom Schwartz, who has moved in next to him, a tour of his new rental home when a process server arrives to hand him divorce papers. Dressed in a perhaps poorly chosen Violent Gents Hockey Club hoodie, Taylor looks perplexed as he examines the paperwork. Schwartz, ever the optimist, tries to spin the situation positively, suggesting that Cartwright’s desire to resolve matters “amicably” and “out of court” is a “love letter.” Taylor appears stunned as they discuss the implications, both concluding that while it may be for the best, it is undeniably sad. In a confessional interview, Taylor reflects on the situation, quoting the iconic “Vanderpump Rules” theme song “Raise Your Glass” to emphasize his drastic decline. “Receiving these divorce papers — it’s devastating. We’re both so hurt,” Taylor states, looking directly into the camera. “We don’t really have anything left. It’s safe to say that these are no longer the best days of our lives.” The scene shifts to him in the kitchen with Schwartz, appearing lost and overwhelmed.

When asked again about the potential direction of Season 3, Baskin elaborates, “We don’t want to end up in a situation where we’re forcing together people who wouldn’t spend time together in real life.” This could become taxing and challenging for viewers. Given the large size of the ensemble, Baskin hopes that at least some members can share the same space. “But at this point, I don’t know what form that will take going forward,” he admits.

For his part, Lally believes that “The Valley” will eventually evolve. “I don’t think the audience will want it to remain this way,” he asserts. “I’m already hearing comments like, ‘Are Jesse and Michelle ever going to stop talking about each other and discuss something else?’ This show was meant to showcase young families navigating their lives, dealing with marriage and raising young children. We’ll return to that. There’s a glimmer of light at the end of this dark tunnel, I think.”

Regardless of how Season 3 unfolds, Baskin chuckles at the memory of initial concerns that “The Valley,” focusing on fortysomethings with children, might become dull.

“There were people involved who were like, ‘Is everyone too settled and are their lives too grounded?’” he recalls. “I’m like, ‘Um, there’s a lot there!’”