If Ms. Higley wanted to bring back the utterly vile Ava, it should have been for her to finally stand trial for causing the crash of the Black jet and the death of beloved Dad Brady. This would have been loaded with plot possibilities: 1) Marlena worrying that there's a trace of RoboJohn left in the real John, who has feelings for Ava; 2) Steve worrying that if all the dirt about his past relationship with Ava came out, it would embarrass his family; 3) Justin rushing about demanding that the Salem P.D. come up with even more evidence against Ava; 4) angry Dad-Brady-loving Salemites (led by Philip who was on the Black Jet) plotting to storm the jail; and 5) Lani, JJ, Rafe, and Roman doing their best to keep Ava from facing mob justice.I think it's a tie with Kristen's 2014 return when all she did was have scenes with Daniel. But I think the reason Ava is back is because she is one of Dena Higley's favorites.