Bravo Is Desperate for Another Scandal, But Jax Taylor Isn’t the Answer

Bravo's attempts to recreate the magic of Scandoval are starting to look desperate. After the success of Scandoval, the network seems fixated on duplicating its high-profile scandals with another dramatic storyline. However, Jax Taylor's latest romantic entanglement with publicist Lori Krebs falls far short of the drama and intrigue that made Scandoval so memorable.

Unlike Scandoval, which came out of nowhere, Jax's relationship with Lori isn't exactly surprising. It's been a long-standing rumor, and fans have seen this behavior before from Taylor. His history of problematic behavior on Vanderpump Rules has raised concerns among viewers, including his ex-girlfriend Stassi Schroeder, who called out VPR producers for consistently protecting men like Taylor. This isn't about creating a new narrative; it's just more of the same tired drama we've grown accustomed to seeing on our screens.

The Summer House post-season bonus episode is a prime example of Bravo trying too hard to recapture the essence of Scandoval. While Ciara Miller's betrayal did generate some buzz, it pales in comparison to the complex web of relationships and deceitful behaviors that characterized Scandoval. Viewers dismissed the extra content, signaling that the show is no longer a priority for fans.

In fact, the lack of interest in shows like In The City reinforces the idea that Bravo's attempt to relive past glories will ultimately fall flat. By constantly reviving old storylines or bringing back familiar faces, the network risks alienating viewers who crave fresh narratives. West Wilson and Amanda Batula simply don't hold the same appeal as Tom Sandoval and Rachel Leviss, whose twisted love affair remains one of reality TV's most enduring tales.

There's still a possibility that Bravo might bring Jax Taylor back onto The Valley set. If they do, producers would undoubtedly try to force him and his ex-girlfriend Brittany Cartwright to film together, rehashing the toxic dynamic that made Season 2 such an uncomfortable watch. With every passing day, however, it becomes increasingly clear that rewarding troubled cast members like Jax doesn't serve anyone well – least of all the women he's wronged throughout the years.

Brittany has already spoken out against her treatment at the hands of Jax, but if he returns to The Valley, producers should prioritize respecting her boundaries rather than exploiting their complicated history for ratings' sake. Given what happened when Ariana Madix was pressured into filming alongside Sandoval after the Scandoval revelation, repeating that mistake wouldn't be wise.

Ultimately, while a small part of us may salivate at the prospect of watching these characters navigate further conflicts, let's acknowledge that Bravo's real desperation lies not in conjuring up another big scandal, but in finally recognizing its own shortcomings and learning from them. Only then can the network truly redeem itself and deliver something genuinely compelling to audiences once more.