There are many villains inBelow Deck Down Underseason 3, but I’m most disappointed in Captain Jason Chambers. Captain Jason was one of the bestBelow Deckcaptains for the first two seasons ofBelow Deck Down Under. He didn’t micromanage but knew when to step in and be firm. Captain Jason’s leadership kept the ship in line while also granting his crew the space they needed to grow in their roles.
One of the crucial elements to Captain Jason’s success was his relationship withChief Stew Aesha Scott.Aesha is a bright, energetic yachtie whose positivity is infectious. The two struck up an immediate rapport, and their working relationship reflected their fondness for one another. Together, Captain Jason and Aesha were able to work through even the most challenging scenarios. However, Aesha departed the series after season 2, and her absence is palpable as Captain Jason trudges on without her. He’s not the same, which convinces me Aesha was essential to his success.

They Were The Keys To BDDU’s Success
Captain Jason and Aesha had a lively banter that contributed toBelow Deck Down Under’slighthearted feel.Aesha is incredibly charismatic, and even though she’s a fierce leader, she’s never above making jokes, even at her own expense. She and Captain Jason maintained mutual respect while also never taking themselves too seriously. One of my favorite moments was Aesha’s fondness for helping the captain put in his contact lenses, which exemplified the level of comfort they had with each other.
Aesha and Jason seemed to have a great time working together, with a positive effect rippling throughout the entire crew.It’s now clear that Aesha brought out Captain Jason’s fun side. After her departure, he hasn’t seemed nearly as playful, nor does he have a friendly relationship with any of his crew. Captain Jason’s somber demeanor inBelow Deck Down Underseason 3suggests that his fun personality was dependent on Aesha, and without her, I don’t find him very entertaining.
Jason Came Off As A Villain Right After Aesha Left
He’s Struggled To Control His Crew In Season 3
Below Deck Down Underseason 3 has been challenging for Captain Jason.He’s been uncharacteristically stern with his crew, bringing Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph to tears and having multiple clashes with Stew Marina Marcondes de Barros. Jason’s short fuse led me to view him as a villain, which is a role I never expected to see him in.
While he was always able to solve problems as a team with Aesha, Captain Jason now has a much more hands-off approach, which is having a detrimental effect on crew relations.
Clashing department heads continued to challenge Jason’s leadership.When faced with aconflict between Chief Stew Lara Rigby and Bosun WihanDu Toit, the captain told them to work out their problems on their own. This is another example of how much has changed since Aesha left. While he was always able to solve problems as a team with Aesha, Captain Jason now has a much more hands-off approach, which is having a detrimental effect on crew relations.
Is Jason Boring Without Aesha?
Aesha Brought Out The Best In The Captain
It’s become clear that Captain Jason is simply not very entertaining without his original sidekick.Aesha had such a lively personality that she could make anything fun, and working alongside Captain Jason was no exception. While the pair appeared to be a bright light that madeBDDUseasons 1 and 2 among the best in the entire franchise, it now seems like that was all Aesha’s doing.
Captain Jason is still a fair and thoughtful leader. However, I can’t deny thatBelow Deck Down Underis suffering in Aesha’s absence. While there’s plenty of drama to keep things interesting, Captain Jason is merely a background character this season. He seems lost and disheartened, which I believe proves Aesha’s radiant energy was essential to the positivity on board.
Below Deck Down Underairs Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on Bravo.