The time for Jason to return is now.

Monica and Michael need him.
ELQ needs him.

Liz is about to be shot and it has nothing to do with the mob.
So, clearly, Liz needs him.
Remember, how crazy he got the last time she was shot in the arm?

Ric is back in PC and buzzing around Elizabeth.
Jason hates that more than anything else.

Nik and Liz.
Jason has not forgiven Nik for what happened to Emily.

Sonny possibly going down for AJ.
Corinthos/Morgan is in big trouble.
However, I am guessing that is what the Jerome family were hoping would happen.
The Jerome family taking over the territory.

I want Liz to say a word or two to Sam regarding Jake.
However, I believe Sam needs to be dirtied up a bit.
Also, Jake needs to be alive and maybe Sam having a hand in his "death."

However, considering what they have done with the character of Sam in recent years...
I don't know if RC would write her as a baddie.
I will always believe she was/is and always will be a bad girl.
Ric could be involved too.