The most recent season of Vanderpump Rules was tough, and I know a lot of us were just watching out of obligation, holding out hope that maybe, maybe it would get better. There were some bright spots this season, though: the Brock Davies engagement Scheanaigans (a play on words, thank you very much), and the foreshadowing of the demise of several main cast members' relationships – Raquel Leviss and James Kennedy, Lala Kent and Randall Emmett – was fun and dramatic. But other than that, we had Charli Burnett eat foods for the first time, and infomercials for Schwartz & Sandy's.

So brace yourself for what I'm about to say. We might need Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright Cauchi back in the mix. We might, and it pains me to admit it. I think it's possible that we jumped the gun with wanting them gone, much like we did with wanting Tamra Judge off of the Real Housewives of Orange County, so it's time to look back and re-evaluate.

After Vanderpump Rules Season 8, in June of 2020, it was announced that Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute were fired from the show amid their resurfaced racist tweets and remarks toward former costar Faith Stowers. Bravo issued a statement saying, "Bravo and Evolution Media confirmed today that Stassi Schroeder, Kristen Doute, Max Boyens and Brett Caprioni will not be returning to Vanderpump Rules."

So, after that fall out, everyone was kind of left wondering what was next for the show. Then in December 2020, Jax and Brittany announced on their respective Instagrams that they wouldn't be returning (Jax has since taken his post down). Following the news, Andy Cohen said on his radio show, Radio Andy, "I gotta talk about Jax and Brittany, I just have to say, I have to give it up to them... That's quite a run that he [Jax] had. He will go down as one of the biggest, you know, reality stars in their moment, don't you think?"

Neither the network nor Jax and Brittany themselves provided a direct reason for their departure, but of course there was speculation they were fired because of Jax's problematic, disgusting, and erratic behavior. Which I understand.

But, when it comes to reality television, I think there is fine line between who is good for the show and who is a good person. I do think Jax and Brittany are good for the show; I do not think they are good people.

So does that mean they should return to the series? Let's weigh the pros and cons.

No, They Shouldn't Return

Jax Is a Terrible Person Who Doesn't Deserve a Platform

During the summer of 2020 when Stassi and Kristen's old tweets were being uncovered, so were Jax's. He had tweeted out about Faith, the girl he cheated on Brittany with next to an old lady, making the accusation that she is wanted for grand theft auto and went "AWOL." Now those are serious accusations to make about somebody, and since this tweet was discovered, Jax has never issued an apology, and it's rich coming from someone who was jailed in Hawaii for stealing sunglasses.

Brittany did have a response, though, writing on Instagram: "I had nothing to do with any cops. [Faith] knows that I have NEVER once spoken publicly about her. It's a shame I'm getting dragged into this whenever I have finally been able to move on with my life."

More On Jax Being A Monster Who Doesn't Deserve a Platform

Let's recount just some of Jax's past behavior:

• Cheated on his girlfriend and got a girl pregnant in Vegas
• Had sex with his best friend's girlfriend while his best friend was in the other room
• Felt no remorse for having sex with his best friend's girlfriend
• Broke up with a girl right after they attended her Alcoholics Anonymous meeting where she opened up about her past and was extremely vulnerable
• Stole a pair of sunglasses in Hawaii, making his friends spend the remaining hours of their vacation trying to get him out of jail
• Was controlling of Brittany's boob job, saying "I want them how I want them" when discussing what size she should get
• Made everyone hate Lala for lying saying he never made any moves on her, when in fact, he did
• Cheated on Brittany (she thinks more than once)
• Had an inappropriate emotional relationship with a Reiki healer
• Lies repeatedly to his therapists
• Tried to make it Tom Sandoval's problem for bringing up the fact he was going to have a homophobic pastor for his wedding

And you guys, that is just scratching the surface.

Jax And Brittany Haven't Shown Any Real Growth (And Therefore Do Not Deserve A Platform)

It's hard to watch people for nine years and not see any growth. Sure, they got married, had a kid, and are "growing up," but I mean it in the sense of emotional growth. The way they both acted their last two seasons was exhausting because they were on this high horse of "we are getting married," basically forcing everyone to walk on egg shells and forcing the viewers to think these two really are meant to be.

But Maybe They Should Return?

Jax and Brittany Are Still At Odds With Sandoval and Ariana

Except for Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix, Jax and Brit seem to still be very close with the rest of cast, often spending holidays together and just hanging out. Brittany seems close to Scheana Shay and Lala Kent, so I can see how they would still fit seamlessly into the group dynamic.

That said, it's their past with Sandoval and Ariana that would cause really interesting drama and conversation, because you know Sandoval and Ariana would hold Jax the fuck accountable.

The more Jax is brought down a peg or two, the more entertaining and satisfying for the rest of us. I'd love to see this, especially after a Jax-less season. Sandoval would have such higher ground to stand on.

Household Dynamics Would Be Insane To Watch

God, what I would fucking give to watch the dynamic between Jax and Brittany, post-baby. Jax is probably a nightmare and not helpful when it comes to building baby toys and furniture, and he's constantly mowing the lawn. On the flip side, I'd love to see Brit handle being a new mom and navigating this world with her besties.

I wasn't all for seeing this group grow up and have babies, but since half the cast has given birth, why not just fully lean into it, instead of forcing Lala and Scheana to act like they give a shit about theme parties while they have two month old babies back home. Having Brittany there could make for more interesting parenting scenes. Say what you will about her, but she brings some humor to the table that others certainly do not.

We Need A Hooters Sit Down

I hate, and I mean HATE that we didn't really get any definitive conclusion to the end of Jax and Sandoval's friendship. I guess you could say we did in Season 8, when Jax kicked Tom out of his wedding and invited him back only out of guilt, but I want to see the fallout. I want to hear each of them tell their version of the story over absinthe shots in separate bars with James and Schwartz, respectively.

Then, I'd love for a producer to look at the two of them and force them to sit down at Hooters and hash things out.

And selfishly, if they don't get along, I wouldn't mind seeing them argue and create awkward tension and rifts within group. Like I said, the more Sandoval holds Jax's feet to the fire, the better we'd all feel.

Most Of Us Love To Hate Him

Let's be real you guys, Jax was the person on Vanderpump Rules that you loved to hate. For almost 10 years I watched this man make terrible decision after terrible decision, tell grandiose tales, and make promises he never planned on keeping. And I need that back on my screen. The mess, the volatility, the hypocrisy! I'd take that over food parties and contractor meetings.

I'm also struggling with the fact that in Jax's absence, I am turning on Sandoval. Without Jax as the go-to person to hate, I am kind of nit-picking the rest of the cast whom I have been loyal to for nine seasons! And I just can't take it anymore! I need a focal point for my ire.

Andy Cohen told Variety: “I think that people love watching outspoken, funny, shocking people on television,” Cohen said. “That’s been the backbone of Bravo, the people who are in it. Sometimes you love ’em and sometimes you love to hate ’em."

And Jax, we do hate.

At The End Of The Day, They May Not Want To Return

Sure, Brit just got a sponsorship deal with Jenny Craig, but honestly, what else do they have going on? Jax has written a children's book that is set to come out in Summer 2022, but when they spoke with Access Hollywood back in November, you could feel some tension between the two of them when talking about their future after the show.

Jax hinted he wants to move out of California and closer to their families, and Brit talked about how there are opportunities in California saying, "We have a couple projects in works, I have some stuff coming out soon but I don't have launch dates yet... We would definitely love to be on TV again... We are definitely open to it."

Brittany certainly seems open to it, but Jax? Not so much.

If Vanderpump is renewed for a tenth season, I think we can all agree that it can't go on as is. There needs to be some change up. And if that means bringing back Jax and Brittany so that we can a) see Sandoval and Ariana say everything we at home would be thinking and b) project all of our currently misdirected ill will onto Jax, then we may have a path forward.

Lemme know what you guys think – should they return or not??