Below Deck Mediterranean Season 10 is almost over. In many ways, this season was far better than Season 9.
Yes, a toxic love triangle occurred in both seasons, each anchored by the same yachtie. However, numerous other storylines unfolded in Season 10 that helped move each episode along. Meanwhile, in Season 9, the drama either focused on failed boatmances or, equally frustrating to watch, personality clashes in the interior. Not helping matters, during Season 9, no one received an early plane ticket home, whereas in Season 10, two firings took place almost straight away.
Overall, this season of Below Deck Med made a sharp, corrective U-turn, bringing us back to the original point of this entire franchise. And for that, our hats go off to the Season 10 crew, Captain Sandy Yawn, and the producers, who banded together to make Below Deck Med highly watchable once again.
The Below Deck Med Season 10 cast is mostly enjoyable
As fans know, the yachties on each cast can either make or break the season. So, when comparing all recent casts of Below Deck Med with that of Season 10, hands down, Season 10’s cast wins.
Yes, all previous casts contained many great hires. However, not every hired hand was equipped to do their job. In certain seasons, it even felt like production plants signed on. And their main job was to create drama before their eventual firing.
This season was no different, but only at the start. When Nathan Gallagher realized that he had two ill-fitting crew members on his team, he went to Captain Sandy. Captain Sandy offered Nathan advice, but her eyes were already on these two deckhands. Thankfully, unlike last season, they decided to cut these yachties, and in their place, competent deckhands arrived.
After these shifts took place, fans finally got what they’ve been asking for for a very long time: a yacht where every single human onboard is highly experienced in their craft. Not only that, but they are also fun to watch. Yes, Joe Bradley and Kizzi Kitchener are creating a few waves. I hear you.
But when you have a chef comically singing odes about every mess, a chief stew who can make a joke out of anything, plus competent, easy-going crew members on both sides of the aisle, it’s a win.
Below Deck Mediterranean Season 10 has work-related dramas
Since every yachtie onboard Season 10 is highly experienced in their position, we are actually getting to see actual work-related dramas instead of numerous she-said, he-said messes. While yes, again, Season 10 does offer a few tit for tats, the work-related storylines while on charter are helping to balance matters out.
For example, in Episode 13, Kizzi discovered an entire poo log mashed down one of the guests’ shower drains. It was gross. But watching Aesha Scott pivot from service to help Kizzi solve this work-related problem was definitely better than watching two stews arguing over whose turn it was to take on the laundry.
As for the galley, everything Josh Bingham creates has been perfect. So, instead of storylines centered around his lack of skill, we get to see him busting his tail, learning how to pivot from family-style to synchronized dinners.
Meanwhile, we have Nathan working as a new bosun. He’s already improving. But watching his growth from the start of this season to now has been interesting. I would far rather watch a green bosun growing in his craft than a bosun who gets fired for their toxic, or even absent, leadership on deck.
There are solid storylines this season of Below Deck Med
In addition to the heightened work-related storylines this season, numerous personal storylines are also happening, which helps lend a solid pacing for Season 10. Starting with Aesha, this chief stew desperately misses her fiancé. So, what does Captain Sandy do? She surprises Aesha with a visit from her man during Episode 12.
Meanwhile, Nathan has been missing his Season 9 love, Gael Cameron. So, back on the boat, Gael came. She was only present for a handful of episodes. But as fans now know, this visit paved the way for her reconciliation with Nathan, and now, they are a family of three, thanks to Below Deck Med Season 10.
Then we have Victoria SanJuan. V started in the interior, but moved over to the exterior team following Nathan’s double firing. This job change, though, was highly emotional for V, as she had recently lost her boyfriend to a drowning accident. Watching V rise above her demons was cathartic, for the fans and V alike.
Most recently, V’s replacement in the interior, Cathy Skinner (another great cast member), received a life-changing word from home. Her stepfather had tragically passed. Quickly, the Season 10 put aside their own misgivings to comfort Cathy, just as they did with V.
In every high and low, the Season 10 banded together to knock out a great season. And for that, we say, well done.
Below Deck Mediterranean is streaming on Peacock.
TELL US – ARE YOU ENJOYING BELOW DECK MED SEASON 10? DO YOU THINK IT’S BETTER THAN SEASON 9?
