Episode 4 of The Valley Season 2 brings another drama-filled episode as the group heads to Santa Barbara for a weekend that promised relaxation, but delivered a hefty dose of drama, reconciliation, and vulnerability instead (and we’re only on day 1).

What started as a hopeful “leave the drama at the door” trip quickly unraveled into classic Valley chaos, peppered with emotional breakthroughs, awkward confrontations, and some surprising moments of tenderness.

 Here’s a full breakdown of everything that went down.

White Flags and High Stakes

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The episode kicks off with the group en route to Santa Barbara, the air thick with tension over unresolved drama, specifically between Jesse Lally and Michelle Saniei. Their rocky relationship is the main topic of conversation as everyone mentally braces for impact.

Upon arrival, the stunning house, complete with jaw-dropping ocean views, momentarily distracts from the tension. Jesse greets the group at the door with “white flags,” literally handing them out as a symbol of a temporary truce. The idea? Everyone agrees to leave their drama at the door. Kristen Doute, ever candid, confesses that this trip couldn’t have come at a better time – she’s right in the middle of her ovulation window, and her mind is on much more than group squabbles.

The Race Track Surprise

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The group’s first outing takes them to what they believe is a racetrack for some adrenaline-fueled fun. In true Jesse form, he quickly icks everyone out by stripping down to nearly nothing.

The twist? Instead of real cars, it’s a remote-controlled car racetrack, leaving everyone hilariously underwhelmed but making the best of it. While the group tries to enjoy themselves, Jax Taylor texts Brittany Cartwright from his rehab center, asking to talk. Brittany sees through his timing, feeling like he’s trying to control the narrative because he knows the whole group is together, especially since all he did was torment her in the days leading up. The manipulation, she claims, is classic Jax.

Things take a sharp turn when Jesse confronts Janet Caperna and Brittany over rumors. He accuses Janet of telling people to block his now ex-girlfriend on social media, following threats of legal action. The conversation escalates fast, with Jesse accusing Janet of being manipulative. It ends with Janet and Brittany walking away, dropping the savage line: “If I was married to you, I would have cheated too.”

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Zack and Janet’s Tense Talk

While the group preps dinner, Zack Wickham pulls Janet aside to hash out their fractured friendship. He starts by taking some accountability but makes it clear he also expects Janet to own her part. He’s especially hurt that, after his apology last year, she seemed to drop him completely.

Zack tries to explain that he was “blacked out” when he shared things in confidence with Brittany, and now feels betrayed that Brittany told Janet. Emotions run high, and Zack calls Nia Sanchez over for support as he gets choked up. Ultimately, Janet seems ready to move forward, holding hands with Zack in a symbolic gesture of reconciliation. She later shares with the girls that they’re officially moving on, leaving Brittany thrilled.

Brittany later finds Zack crying and confronts him about his accusations. Zack doubles down, calling her out for telling Janet what he’d confided. Brittany defends herself, saying she would have been upfront if the tables were turned. Despite the tension, the two manage to end the conversation on good terms.

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Kristen’s Fertility 

Meanwhile, Kristen has her own emotional arc. After taking an ovulation test, she realizes her timing was off again and breaks down, venting her frustration to Luke Broderick. Luke responds with vulnerability, assuring Kristen that their time will come and reinforcing their shared hope for a baby. It’s a heartfelt, quiet moment in an otherwise chaotic weekend. The two are very emotional and are pretty quiet for the remainder of the episode. 

Spiritual Cleansing 

After dinner, the group gathers for a spiritual cleansing session, a chance to release negativity and set intentions. Each person shares what they want to release and accept, but emotions are raw. Jesse, unable to bring himself to call out issues with Michelle in front of everyone, tears up and decides to pass. Luke, gets emotional talking about accepting family in his new life in California. and Jason bravely acknowledges Jax’s absence and says he’s sending good vibes his way. Brittany commends Jason for saying that and says she wanted to as well. 

Jax filmed a video from his rehab facility and opens up about feeling lonely and neglected, especially now that Brittany is out enjoying life and not checking in on him as much as he’d like. While he takes a bit of accountability, he as always, places blame on Brittany for his current emotional state. 

The Gratitude Circle

To close the night, the group passes around a “gratitude ball,” each sharing something they’re thankful for. But true to form, drama creeps back in. Jesse drops a bomb, saying he’s in a toxic situation but is grateful for his daughter Isabella. He then throws shade at Zack for rolling his eyes. Michelle closes out the session with a poignant note, saying she’s grateful for the moments when she and Jesse decided to have a child together, prompting Jesse to cry and storm out of the room. Jason tries to comfort Jesse afterward, but Jesse isn’t having it, snapping at him to leave.

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Fan of View: 

Bravoholics were live commenting in full force during last night's episode, and the fandom is torn. Some believe the group should completely ignore Jax while he's in treatment: "You don't respond to rage texts, you block the person and call the facility," one fan wrote. Others defended Jesse for telling Jax about the Santa Barbara trip, saying, "Jax is an adult. Jesse can tell him whatever he wants – it's on Jax how he handles it." 

A conversation also emerges around who is more toxic, Jax or Jesse. With many saying they would rather date Jax over Jesse because Jesse seems incredibly manipulative, whereas Jax is more transparent with his emotions and antics. 

Despite the drama, fans are calling The Valley the best show on Bravo right now, applauding the cast's authenticity and raw openness. "They're messy, but real," one viewer said, and honestly, that's the magic of this season. How do you feel about the latest epsiode? Let us know your Fan Of View below or by sending us a message @fandomdaily_.