TheBelow Deck Down Underseason 3 trailer introduced Chief Stew Lara Rigby as the series’ newest villain, but it turns out she’s the best thing to happen to Captain Jason Chambers’ crew. Lara replaced former Chief Stew Aesha Scott, who worked seamlessly alongside Captain Jason forBelow Deck Down Under’s first two seasons. Lara’s leadership style, which was presented as impossibly meticulous and inflexible, immediately seemed at odds with the charismatic and jovial precedent set by Aesha.
The new chief stew isn’t the only change forBelow Deck Down Underseason 3.The location moved from its Australian namesake across the Indian Ocean to the Seychelles. Furthermore, the once-tight leadership of Captain Jason has been called into question as his crew spirals out of control. Bosun Wihan Du Toit’s careless decisions drew the ire of both Lara and the deck crew, and Captain Jason’s response was surprisingly hands-off. Amid a chaotic season, Lara is the only thing holding the team together.
Lara’s Rigidity Is Her Biggest Asset
She’s Able To Maintain Control Of The Biggest Yacht In Below Deck History
While previews forBelow Deck Down Underseason 3 led viewersto believe Lara would be the source of chaosaboard the Katina, she’s proven to be the opposite. Lara manages to enforce order and hold the crew to high standards, which is especially necessary with Captain Jason’s hands-off approach. She’s sometimes inflexible regarding the impeccable service she expects from her team, but rather than causing friction, the interior team seems to be grateful for Lara’s leadership.
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The Katina is the largest ship inBelow Deckhistory, which presents unique challenges.Meals must be transported up several flights of steps, and cleaning such an enormous vessel is a daunting task. This alone makes a fastidious chief stew vital to smooth operation. Lara has proven herself capable of handling an intimidating situation, and while she’s often inflexible when she knows what’s best, she has a deliberate approach that avoids being rude or condescending.
Lara’s Holding Wihan Accountable
She Brought His Incompetence To Captain Jason’s Attention
Lara’s greatest challenge has come not from her team but from the head of a different department. Wihan and Lara clashed almost instantly with their contrasting leadership styles.Wihan is often unclear in his ordersand seems unwilling to take accountability for his team’s lack of direction.
Although Captain Jason was aware of the rising tension, he ordered the department heads to work out their conflict on their own.
Lara’s frustration with Wihan boiled over when his bad choices impacted her ability to provide seamless service.His failure to account for travel time nearly derailed a guest beach excursion, and he later failed to ensure the deck was cleaned properly after a late-night foam party. Although Captain Jason was aware of the rising tension, he ordered the department heads to work out their conflict on their own.
Lara should be praised for being the only person willing to hold Wihan accountable. Captain Jason seemed to brush off the responsibility, placing an unfair burden on Lara. Lara tried to talk sense into Wihan, and even though she grew increasingly frustrated, she remained admirably professional in her attempt to prevent him from sabotaging the entire charter season.
Lara And Tzarina Struck Up A Friendship
Can They Maintain Peace For the Rest Of The Season?
Lara and Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph have a complicated relationship. They had worked together previously, and Tzarina was ecstatic to see Lara aboard the Katina. However, Lara’s confessionals alluded to past conflicts, and she even referred to Tzarina as “weird Barbie.” It seemed like the two were destined for drama.
However, Lara and Tzarina have established an unexpectedly sweet rapport. Lara sat on the galley floor to comfort Tzarina after the chef argued with Captain Jason, and later, Tzarina lent a sympathetic ear amid Lara’s frustration with Wihan. Although previews suggest some tension remains between Lara and Tzarina, the evolution of their friendship throughoutBelow Deck Down Undershows the women’s ability to put their personal feelings aside. Lara’s relationship with Tzarina created a net of stability for the rest of the crew, which is otherwise sorely lacking.
Below Deck Down Underairs Mondays at 8 p.m. EST on Bravo.
