The Valley season 2’s premiere brought Tom Schwartz into the mix as a support to Jax Taylor, and though I’ve tried to rationalize his behavior for years, I think I’ve finally given up on Schwartz for good. Okay, listen, I understand that I’m probably being boo-ed right now for even admitting to being a Schwartz enjoyer, and I understand that I deserve it. For years on Vanderpump Rules, I ignored all of the red flags of Schwartz’s behavior because of his charming air sign energy. Not to go full Ally Lewber, but Tom’s Libra placements make a lot of sense.
Really, my point here is that I’ve spent a long time feeling like Schwartz wasn’t as bad as he seemed. Yes, okay, fine – he struggled with fidelity, he refused to propose to Katie Maloney after being together for what felt like twenty years and instead offered her a ring on a string, he let Tom Sandoval stomp all over him to open a mediocre now-defunct bar, and he did it all with a vaguely removed sense of responsibility that made it seem like he couldn’t be blamed for anything. Somehow, supporting Jax is worse than all of it combined.
[Schwartz’s] loyalty may be unfailing, but unfortunately for him, mine has reached its limit.
Unfortunately, I Have Always Been A Tom Schwartz Apologist
I Don’t Need To Be Told About My Inherently Bad Taste
I understand that this isn’t a popular opinion, but I’ve always felt like Schwartz was the kind of guy who just wound up in the wrong place at the wrong time, even when he was obviously at fault. Let me explain – I started watching Vanderpump Rules around the time it premiered in 2013 and quickly became a fan of the dynamics at SUR. As a woman in my 20s, I was also navigating messy life moments, so seeing the SURvers on VPR was a nice reprieve from my own life. Enter Schwartz, the missing piece of the Vanderpump puzzle.
When Schwartz burst onto the scene as Katie’s model-esque boyfriend who Lisa Vanderpump refused to employ, I was immediately charmed by his lackadaisical attitude. Was I supposed to like him? No, and that’s probably why I did. Schwartz was an attractive guy who, from the jump, was very messy in his personal life. Playing fast and loose with his jobs, his relationships, and seemingly everything else, he was exactly the kind of person I enjoyed watching, and his genuine affection for Katie was endearing to me. Even as Schwartz frequently messed up, I developed a soft spot for him.
Tom Schwartz’s Unabashed Support Of Tom Sandoval Rubbed Me The Wrong Way
He Wasn’t Hard Enough On Tom Sandoval
As Vanderpump Rules bounded into its biggest scandal, I began to understand that I was going to start to feel some strong negativity. When Scandoval, the scandal involving Tom Sandoval cheating on Ariana Madix with their close friend Raquel Leviss, broke and I learned that Schwartz not only knew about it, but stood by as Sandoval cheated on Ariana on a trip with him, I began to feel a little bit of disdain. Obviously, Schwartz had done some terrible things, but something about his unabashed support of Sandoval’s behavior really got me thinking about what type of person he was.
Tom Finally Crossed The Line With His Jax Support On The Valley
Even If He Wasn’t Outwardly Supportive, Being There Was Enough
During The Valley season 2’s premiere, I found myself feeling some more disdain towards Schwartz, pushing me into an unrecognizable space. While Schwartz didn’t condone Jax’s behavior on the show, he did make it clear that Jax was someone he was going to remain friends with no matter what. Much like the way Schwartz had yet to disown or distance himself from Sandoval, he learned about Jax’s violent behavior toward Brittany Cartwright and reacted in a way I couldn’t fathom. Offering Jax comfort when he’d been violent toward his wife, Schwartz did something I can’t comprehend, let alone try defending.
While I’ve never been someone who has looked to defend Schwartz in his behavior, I’ve also always been willing to look past it and write it off. Schwartz did something stupid in his relationship with Katie? He’s bad with commitment and will unfortunately find a way to make it up to her. Schwartz tried to insert himself into the drama between Sandoval and Ariana? He’s probably just trying to help them communicate. But Schwartz offering comfort to a man who threw a coffee table at his wife? I’m not willing to overlook that for the sake of reality TV charm.
Tom’s Loyalty To The Wrong People Has Followed Him From Show To Show
He’s Always On The Wrong Side Of History
As I’ve thought this through, I’ve realized a few things about Schwartz’s behavior. While he does seem to have the best of intentions in a lot of moments, Schwartz doesn’t appear to have the ability to judge those closest to him as harshly as they may need him to. From supporting Sandoval after the regrettable choices he made during his cheating scandal to offering Jax some emotional support on The Valley, I don’t think Schwartz has the strength to be mad at the people he loves. His loyalty may be unfailing, but unfortunately for him, mine has reached its limit.
The Valley airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. EDT on Bravo.