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In the latest installment of The Valley, significant changes unfold as Jesse and Michelle finalize their divorce, marking the end of their marital journey. Meanwhile, Kristen and Luke begin to explore a new phase in their relationship. Additionally, Lala experiences a pivotal breakthrough with Kristen concerning Janet, as Brittany gears up for an exciting Halloween celebration.
Zack and his partner, Benji, find themselves entangled in discussions about visa challenges. With Benji uncertain about their next steps, delays in securing work make everything else increasingly complicated. Although Zack brings up the option of marriage for a green card, apprehensions about their future bring tears, especially when the topic of children arises. While Benji insists on setting a firm deadline to pursue surrogacy, his decision clashes with Zack’s ambivalence, prompting Zack to rethink his readiness for parenthood, which is crucial for Benji.
Returning from her stint as a Miss USA judge, Nia steps back into the hustle of family life, juggling her energetic kids and supporting Danny as he recovers from surgery. Reflecting on the positive atmosphere of the pageant, Nia finds herself contrasting it with recent tensions within her friend group, especially concerning Lala and Brittany. Despite these feelings, the impending Halloween party hosted by Brittany puts her in a dilemma—attend and mend, or skip it entirely.
Michelle makes her way to Jesse’s home as they prepare to finalize their divorce. Despite the circumstances, the two show a surprising camaraderie as they conclude this chapter of their lives. The finalization of their divorce not only symbolizes closure but also a lifelong bond, as Jesse acknowledges their continued connection through their daughter. Emotions swell as Michelle and Jesse seal this turning point. In a bittersweet moment, Jesse opens a bottle of champagne, hoping that their daughter remembers the joys of their shared history, with memories flooding back, tugging at heartstrings.
It’s a magical tiki boat ride and Schwartz is hosting a day on the water with Michelle, Lala, and Kiana, his girlfriend. Michelle talks how the divorce is in motion, they can’t go back, and shares about her upcoming date with a famous comedian. Michelle is thrilled to move on with her life and she is truly beaming.
Schwartz begins chatting about Danny and shares that Jesse was empathizing with Janet…which might’ve rubbed Danny and Luke the wrong way. Schwartz goes on to say that Kristen was also rather dismissive about Janet’s past issues and trauma. Kristen claimed that Janet is always busy trying to take someone down, but Lala and Michelle are aghast upon hearing this. Lala wishes she would not be so disappointed in Kristen right now.
Luke and Kristen pay a visit to the psychologist and begin couples’ therapy. Kristen talks about her expectations and the mental and emotional things that occur with pregnancy. She thought Luke would want to be around more and feels as though Luke is always trying to escape.
The issues that they are having as a couple stem from communication and Kristen shares that she has been protective of her body and baby based on the history they have had of loss. Luke goes on to say that all built up frustration has forced him to question an upcoming wedding. Luke then tells Kristen that “pregnant Kristen is someone I hadn’t met yet” which…is a big “zinger,” leaving even the psychologist shocked.
Luke admits that things have been hard and he wonders aloud if he “f*cked up.” He immediately apologizes to Kristen because it sounded bad, but things that have been said and now they need to be absorbed, as hard as they are to hear.
Brittany thinks back to a year ago when she had to move around to different Air B&B’s, but now that she has her home, she is set on making it a safe place for her son, Cruz. Janet comes over to discuss Brittany’s upcoming Victorian Vampire Masquerade party. Janet wants to do a lunch or happy hour with the girls and Zack at Chili’s before the party. Janet has opted not to invite Nia and Kristen, because she thinks stuff has been weird, and Lala is happy to hear that Kristen did not make the guest list, particularly because of what she has heard recently.
Chili’s is popping off with the crew and Michelle is a newbie to the chain restaurant lifestyle. They giggle about seeing Lacy roll up to Chili’s and get right into what’s been happening lately. Lacy is happy that Janet is now accountable and they discuss Brittany’s big Halloween party.
Zack shares what went down after her picked Danny up from his vasectomy and claims that Danny is now slowly recognizing. Janet feels like they are giving Danny too much grace and Zack wonders why they have not moved past what went down. Zack admits that there might be missteps for Danny, but Brittany points out how everyone acted as though Janet can’t do anything right. Zack feels like the conversation has gone sideways and Brittany wonders why she is fighting with Zack, her long-time friend (who, btw, had to excuse himself to use the restroom and went on to toss his underwear out…woopsie-thanks, Chili’s).
Brittany prepares for a photo shoot to show the progress of her mommy makeover. Brittany wants to do this to put herself first for a change and it is bringing her a lot of power and confidence. Lala and Kristen are there to cheer her on and Brittany talks to Kristen about Janet, once again. Kristen is not open to seeing something positive with Janet and Kristen points out that Lacy was on the phone with her having a meltdown about seeing Janet until she walked into Chili’s. Kristen also shares that she does not lay guilt trips on Zack about Janet, but Nia sure does. Lala feels like Nia’s hands are always clean.
According to Kristen, Zack comes to Nia and Kristen in group chats running his mouth about Janet. Clearly something is changing Zack’s mind depending on who he is with and Kristen is unintentionally throwing her other friends under the bus right now. Nia seems like she has a problem, but is not saying it.
Later, Lala comes over to talk to Kristen about what Schwartz told her on the boat regarding easing off of Janet. Kristen does not like the way people are shoving Janet down her throat, but Lala explains that Janet’s story has traumatized her life. Lala asks Kristen to look at Janet separately with this whole “Janet and Danny” situation, but Kristen points out that Janet having trauma has nothing to do with why they are not friends. Kristen does not feel comfortable enough discussing this with Janet, but talks about “empathy from afar.” There is a bit of a break-through and at this point, Lala will take any forward motion for the once-friends.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE VALLEY EPISODE?