u/GroovyYaYa

Gen is walking around talking about how much more experienced she is - and TIL she's only 22. I thought she had more years of experience than four years.

I was googling to find out how old Kayley is - no indication but she graduated in Australia in 2017, so I'm assuming she's definitely older than Gen.

I found out because it directed me to French LinkedIn, and let me sign in under my account! It is her - but she doesn't list the Below Deck or even her one year of yacht experience (that I can see)

HOWEVER, she's been a manager AND event coordinator at two large venues (I've definitely heard of the one in Vancouver, BC... I can't recall if I've been there though (some Vancouver memories are hazy for obvious reasons LOL)

She mentioned being a wedding coordinator - which in MY book gives her worlds more experience than Gen, ESPECIALLY in "customer relations" and maintaining an upbeat attitude with the most difficult of personalities in customers (Bridezillas! Mothers of the Bride! Mothers of the Groom!) and why she is excellent with the themed stuff.

She could have thrown all of this in Gen's face - but instead looked to make sure Gen felt valued and heard. (It isn't her fault that Gen isn't picking up on that)

She 100% has more experience in customer facing/hospitality work.

IF Aesha does decide to hang up her chief stew epaulettes now that she's married, etc. - Kayley would be a great fit with Sandy. (I haven't enjoyed Sandy much until Aesha came on board as chief stew - this week's episode where she dressed up as a pirate to surprise the crew? Won me over. That was fun.

Just finished the episode - when Roy comes on to the field to be coach, he goes to stand next to Nate. Obviously Nate is disturbed, worried, perhaps angry (internalized anger and self hatred is obviously an issue).

I swear when they zoomed in on him, there was the faint tones of a discordant violin. The sawing, sqeaking sound that every beginning violinist and their parents and teacher are familiar with. Very faint. I have no idea if that is part of the original song or not.

So wondering if I just came across another Easter egg!

Vastly disappointed that there were only 20 episodes this series, instead of the 25 like last time. I was really hoping for 30 like Chateau DIY!

I am watching now (catching up) and if we don't get at least ONE of these women back next season I'll be upset. Just really nice, politic, but firm boundaries with their answers about Luke and Gen especially. I don't dare hope that we'd get Aesha, Chef Joy, and Kayley all back. (With 4 stews, I think a team of Joe as bosun, and those three would be an interesting season)

Of note - Joe may have genuinely learned from his last season appearance and had some self reflection, because Kayley said she didn't know his reputation as an "f-boy" because they filmed this season before they aired last season. I'm tentatively warming up to Joe this season.

Side note - Luke fumbled the bag. Joy's makeup and dress are FLAWLESS.

As much as Kate irritated me in the After Show, I really appreciated that for Below Deck Down Under they had 18 episodes, and 18 corresponding episodes with the After Show.

If we aren't going to have a reunion, at LEAST give us that!

Vastly disappointed that there wasn't one for Med - anyone hear anything on whether or not we'll actually get one? Google is no help, at least with the search words I'm using.

Full caveat - I really enjoyed this season. It was a lovely mix of seasoned cast (but an interesting mix of "we've not worked together, only know through Bravo) and chaos from the underlings and guests.

What and who I'd like to see next season:

Jason, Daisy, and MAYBE Ben. I say this knowing Joao is probably not available because of his full time job and has a girlfriend, so no sweet PG boatmance. If he was available and single - I'd include him. Some of the best years is when there is banter and SOME conflict between the chef and chief stew. What I like about Ben and Daisy is that when sober and asked - they genuinely like each other.

BETUL. She 100% needs to be back. I was genuinely touched when she thanked Jason and Joao (and so were they). She's a slow burner as a cast member - she had good thoughts in the After Show.

BARBIE - yes, Barbie. She's very skilled, but can bring some drama just by talking to a deckie. The other stews can't get too pissed because she knows her shit and is a hard worker. I love it when the CS and 2nd stew are good at their jobs.

What I don't want to see:

Whomever edited that last episode. It was rushed. FFS, that dinner with Jason looked like it could have been an on the spot reunion type of interview!

Entire cast of Housewives. I don't watch Salt Lake, so that special 2 parter was a nothing burger for me. I don't even mind the "show me the guests at home" stuff because it lets us know some insight of who they are and at least in the case of that mom, we know Ben wasn't living up to their preferences (thank goodness she told him to make pasta). We can have individual or former ones - that would be fun. But no crossover episodes.

Jenna and Alecia. They whined too much. If Barbie is hired, I want the rest of interior to be new.

Eddie. I didn't get the appeal. I'm sure he's nice enough, but geezus... too cringe

This is the big shocker - I don't want to see Kate on the After Show. She was a f-ing downer, and I'm the biggest Kate fan usually. She used to call Ben out on his shit, and she didn't do that once. She was phoning it in. If an outsider must come in and Ben is the chef, put him with Jason , and put Daisy with Aesha or Fraser (Fraser esp. if Barbie is back!). Ben and Jason could wear their robes and have a drink or two while commenting.