The Valley Season 2 Episode 4 Recap: The Circle of Strife

Welcome to the recap for The Valley Season 2 Episode 4. Last episode, Michelle found out how low Jesse would sink to get back at her. This week, Jesse and Kriten’s Santa Barbara group trip finally takes off, and it all but crashes and burns as soon as the group moves into the home. Demon-possessed Zack finally gets a chance to have a heart-to-heart with Janet. Jax is still in a glass case of emotion but makes sure his presence is felt even when he isn’t there. So here’s exactly what happened in The Valley Season 2, Episode 4: “The Circle of Strife.” 

When the gang is away Jax will play

As the group heads out, in separate cars, of course, Brittany is inundated with texts from Jax. Immediately, Janet and Michelle tell her not to open them, but curiosity kills the cat. Or in this case, our Kentucky muffin. B explains that she found out Jax is in therapy seven hours a day with no phone, but on his 15-minute breaks, he gets his phone privileges back. It’s an ugly cycle of therapy, rage texting, therapy, rage texting, and Brittany is always on the receiving end. One of the main reasons Jax is in this mental health facility is due to his anger issues.

Bless Brittany, who genuinely believed she would have peace for 30 days. However, the texts are keeping her up at night. I’d argue Jax possibly needs eight or nine hours of therapy if he is able to get these texts out. A few read, “Can you talk to me?”, “Please don’t lie to me,” and “I want this place to work for me, and I will crumble if I find out you’re doing that.” It reeks of desperation, and Brittany has the infinite ick. 

The Fast and the Furious … and the more furious 

 As the group gets ready to enjoy the NASCAR track, Janet jokes that she isn’t that “white trash” to enjoy the sport. Ugh, I really dislike her sometimes. But I do appreciate how the entire cast commits to a theme. But the joke’s on them because they aren’t vying for the Indy 500; they are controlling remote-controlled cars. Literally hilarious. But the texts persist as Jax clearly will be today’s party pooper. The screenshots show him trying to prevent Brittany by asking her to call, claiming he has stuff to say. I feel for the mother of one. She wants out, and he is trying his damndest to pull her back in. Run, girl!

Only Jax would rage text from rehab. And it turns out he didn’t just stop at Brit. He also messaged Kristen, singing a different tune about his love of rehab. But Brittany seems right through him and knows he’s trying to manipulate the situation. He continues to light B up by claiming, “You took my son from me. Disgusting.” It’s like Jax is the one possessed. Quick someone should call a priest for a “f*ck boy exorcist” as our friend JT Thomas would say.  

Messy Jesse strikes again

Zack and Janet finally have their long-put-off chat. LONG story short, both agree to move on. However, Zack is upset that Brittany hasn’t had his back. Instead, it was confirmed she ran back to Janet to divulge everything he said over their lunch. And he wasn’t exactly nice. I actually feel bad for the guy. A 17-year friendship in question isn’t what you want to be dealing with. But you know who doesn’t feel bad for him? Jesse. During a healing ritual, there was an eye roll that lit emotions up.

Michelle has just called in peace with the shaman, and Jesse is on edge. Clearly, he isn’t accepting peace. Instead, he caught Zack rolling his eyes and stated to Jason, “I will go over there and bury that guy off the cliff.” But maybe there is hope for peace between Jesse and Michelle, as the mother of one reminds everyone that a great moment for them was when they decided to have their child. But let’s be honest, tears and a round table can only heal so much.  

The Valley is available to stream on Peacock and Hayu in the UK and Ireland.

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF EPISODE FOUR OF THE VALLEY? DO YOU THINK MICHELLE AND JESSE CAN EVER BE FRIENDS?