I've Changed My Mind, I Think Below Deck Down Under Needs Aesha Scott To Continue (Season 3 Will Likely Fail)

Below Deck Down Under is returning for season 3, and I've changed my mind-- the show can't survive without Aesha Scott. The Kiwi Chief Stew was the biggest star on the Bravo spinoff for its first two seasons before switching over to Below Deck Mediterranean with Captain Sandy Yawn. It's become clear she's there to stay, as the Below Deck Down Under season 3 cast was announced, and she wasn't part of it. However, I think this is a giant franchise mistake that will spell trouble for the upcoming season.

Lara Rigby won't be a great replacement for Aesha in Below Deck Down Under season 3. Based on the trailer, she's not nearly as fun, nor is she an effective leader. In fact, her job could be on the line, as the trailer left her fate on a cliffhanger. Captain Jason Chambers sat Lara, Bosun Wihen Du Toit, and Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph down, saying one of them had to go. While it's unclear who, Aesha never had these problems with Captain Jason. Here's why I've changed my mind on Below Deck Down Under.

Aesha Was The Face Of The Show For The First Two Seasons

Captain Jason Can't Carry The Show Alone

Below Deck Down Under will struggle because Aesha was the face of the show for two seasons. While Captain Jason was also a prominent player, much of his fan-favorite status derived from his camaraderie with Aesha. Aesha and Captain Jason were so close they even sparked relationship rumors, but Aesha insisted the pair had a "sibling" relationship. She's dedicated to Scott Dobson, and Captain Jason is focused on co-parenting with his ex, since he has a young daughter. It would be unusual in the Below Deck franchise for a Captain to get involved with one of their crew members.

Aside from Captain Jason, Deckhand Harry Van Vliet, and Chef Tzarina, the rest of the Below Deck Down Under season 3 crew is new. Harry probably wants to fly under the radar after the terrible sexual harassment incident surrounding Bosun Luke Jones and Margot Sisson in season 2. He wasn't involved and likely wants to lay low and do his job. Chef Tzarina was involved in a potential love triangle situation with Culver Bradbury, but it became clear that wouldn't to happen. Aesha really carried the storylines on the show, and someone will have to fill her big shoes.

Viewers Might Not Tune Into Below Deck Down Under Because Aesha Isn't On It

It Won't Be As Compelling Without Her

Viewership throughout the Below Deck franchise isn't always consistent, and just because folks are tuning in to Below Deck Sailing Yacht doesn't mean they'll continue watching Below Deck Down Under. Last season was a bit of a disaster after Captain Jason had to deal with an especially blatant sexual harassment case. Luke entered Margot's cabin naked and without her consent. After Captain Jason let him go, Laura Bileskalne defended Luke, leading to her termination.

Because of the drama of last season, Aesha's presence could've been a positive throughline for the cast, but instead, they're forced to start over. It's clear from the trailer Below Deck Down Under producers are trying to lean into Captain Jason as the main character. He opens the trailer and appears throughout, ending the teaser on the couch in a robe. However, it's unclear if he'll be able to carry the cast without playing off of Aesha. He needs someone as fun and professional as she is to make his persona work.

The New Chief Stew Seems Much Different From Aesha

Lara Isn't Nearly As Fun

Lara seems to be laying down the law in the Below Deck Down Under trailer in a way that's much different than Aesha's leadership. It's not that Aesha is a loose and unorganized Chief Stew; rather, she is confident in her abilities as a leader and doesn't need to be strict, rude, or frazzled with her Stews. Aesha knows she's ultimately in control and effectively balances entertaining the guests with managing a team of Stews. This skill was tested by Elena "Ellie" Dubaich in Below Deck Mediterranean season 9, but Aesha ultimately came out on top.

"You're so disorganized!"

Lara is demanding and direct with her Stews in a voiceover from the trailer, but she also seems aggressive. She called Chef Tzarina a "d***head" in the trailer, with Chef Tzarina spitting back, "You're so disorganized!" Chef Tzarina and Aesha were good friends, and butting heads this early spells trouble for Aesha's replacement. While I'm open to a great season, I am not convinced Below Deck Down Under won't do well without Aesha.