ThroughoutBelow Deck Down Under’sshort history, there’s been several yachties who have found themselves on the wrong end of a firing, andI think Johnny Arvanitis shouldn’t have been fired. ThroughoutBelow Deck Down Underseason 3, Johnny has been doing a decent job at showing that he has nearly a decade’s worth of experience under his belt. The deckhand has been showing up throughout the season to ensure the safety of the crew and provide his level of expertise wherever possible. While Johnny has a lot of experience, his time onBelow Deck Down Underwasn’t always easy.
As a deckhand, Johnny had to deal with the leadership of Captain Jason Chambers and Wihan Du Toit. Throughout the charter season, he struggled to have his voice heard when he came to Wihan with issues, but didn’t know how to move forward without involving the Captain regularly.Wihan and Johnny got close throughout the season, but it was clear that Johnny knew a lot more about yachting and management than Wihan did, which became an issue as they continued to work together. While Wihan’s stunt with Johnny’s boatmance Alesia Harris got him fired,it cost Johnny his job unfairly.
Johnny’s actions were a direct reaction to Wihan, and while unacceptable, they were a bit understandable.
Johnny’s Behavior Was In Reaction To Wihan’s Deception
He Didn’t Punch A Wall For No Reason
AlthoughJohnny was quick to reactin a way that didn’t feel acceptable, the drama onBravo’sBelow Deck Down Underthat led to his firing was Wihan’s fault. Throughout the season, Wihan and Johnny developed a bond that many considered one of the closest aboard. Operating as colleagues and friends,Johnny had spoken to Wihan about the flirtatious way he was with womenand shared that his own attraction to Alesia was something he wanted to pursue. He asked Wihan to be respectful, and Wihan agreed at the time, though the sentiment seemed to leave his mind quickly thereafter.
Wihan and Johnny’s difficulties grew unmanageable when the bosun got into Johnny’s bunk at the end of the night instead of his own, but didn’t tell Alesia when she got up into the bunk to cuddle with Johnny.Wihan didn’t share that he wasn’t Johnny, so when Johnny walked in on the pair, things looked strange. Johnny was quick to react, punching a wall and growing angry before he could understand the situation, but it was clear that the damage had already been done.Johnny’s actions were a direct reaction to Wihan, and while unacceptable, they were a bit understandable.
Johnny Knew He’d Reacted Poorly Right Away
He Was Apologetic Quickly
As Johnny came down from his anger with Wihan and began to understand the situation a bit more clearly,it became obvious that he’d overreacted. Johnny himself seemed to know that punching the wall was an overreactionand made it clear that he felt bad for what he’d done. ThroughoutBelow Deck Down Underseason 3’s most recent episode,Johnny tried to be apologetic for his actionsand make it clear that he didn’t stand by his moment of violence. Taking accountability for himself, Johnny was open about the fact that he wasn’t looking to continue that sort of behavior.
Captain Jason Letting Go Of Wihan Would’ve Been Enough
Wihan Was Really The Problem
Although it madesense that Captain Jason wasn’t happywith either Johnny or Wihan for the incident, if he’d simply let go of Wihan alone, that would’ve been enough. Throughout the charter season, Captain Jason has heard about issues with Wihan and understood that he wasn’t a good bosun. Moving into the most recent episode, Wihan had been making his life more difficult as captain for ages. Johnny, on the other hand, wasn’t much of a problem on Katina until this situation arose. While Wihan had a lot against him,Johnny didn’t, which made his firing more complicated.
Captain Jason chose to fire Johnnyfor his actions outright, and while it was clear that Johnny didn’t like the decision, he understood it. Wihan, on the other hand, wasn’t fired until after Johnny had been terminated and other crew members had gotten involved. The entire situation could’ve been resolvedhad Captain Jason talked to people first and fired Wihan, leaving Johnny with a warning and a job.
Johnny’s Firing Was Undeserved After The Drama
He Reacted Poorly, But He Didn’t Deserve To Be Punished
Although he was a major part of the drama onBelow Deck Down Underseason 3,Johnny didn’t deserve to be firedfor having a poor reaction to something he found unsettling. Johnny’s inability to move through the season without incident is an issue of its own, but the fact that he acted in reaction to something that was profoundly difficult to see makes his behavior at least understandable. Captain Jason choosing to fire Johnny first and, after recollection, firing Wihan as well was a bit of a stinger.Below Deck Down Underdeserves competent crew members like Johnny aboard.
Below Deck Down Underairs Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on Bravo.
