Below Deckseason 12’s premiere brought Fraser Olender back for his third season as Chief Stew, andI think his newfound main character energy and some new editing tricks are going to save the show from another boring season. Fraser, who joined the show as a Stew duringBelow Deckseason 9, has been one of the most consistent parts of the crew throughout the last few years. Learning from his mistakes and moving up the ranks quickly, Fraser has been doing a great job establishing himself asa long-term member of theBelow Deckfranchise, working hard on board.
Throughout theBelow Deckseason 12premiere, Fraser made it clear that he’s bringing his A-game to this charter season. While he was a focal point in the majority of the episode, Fraser’s ability to seamlessly bringBelow Deckviewers into the new season and introduce the brand-new cast members was admirable. Now that he’s been part of a reality TV cast for a few years,it’s clear that Fraser knows what he’s doing in building the world of each season’s crewand introducing the rest of the cast to theBelow Decklifestyle, which can be tough to navigate.
Fraser Brought A Fresh, New Energy To Below Deck Season 12’s Premiere
He Let His Personality Shine Through
Below Deckseason 12 opened with Fraser, who was excited to be getting the ball rolling. With a whole new energy and a different look,Below Deck’sopening sequence hooked viewers in with ease, using Fraser as the anchor. AlthoughFraserwas a major part of the last few seasons of the series, it’s clear that he’s becoming more of a principal cast member on the show, withBelow Deckproducers trusting him to quickly engage viewers at the earliest moments of the season.Fraser kicked the season off with a round of drinkswith the new St. David crew.
While Fraser was open about himself, his playful energy was fun to watch, and his callbacks to previous seasons ofBelow Deckmade it clear to viewers that he was going to be a welcome, familiar cast member for them to relax with. Introducing so many new faces,Fraser being a familiar entry pointwith an excellent energy was important. After Fraser introduced himself and got the crew together, his role on screen continued to prove he’s one of the most valuable crew members aboard St. David.Bringing fun energy throughout the episode, Fraser was a breath of fresh air.
Fraser’s Skills As A Chief Stew Worked Well With The Crew
He Showed Off His Abilities
Moving easily throughout the episode,Fraser took on a new set of responsibilitiesas he worked through the pre-charter superyacht prep and the first night of the charter. While he’s maintaining his role as Chief Stew, it was clear Captain Kerry Titheradge had the utmost trust in Fraser after entrusting him with the charter guest’s preference sheets to present to the rest of the crew. Happy to be managing, Fraser also did a great job sitting down with his Stews to lay down guidelines and get them ready to work.Fraser’s expertise as a Chief Stewmade a huge difference.
Below Deck’s Chief Stew & New Editing Tricks Are Saving The Show
It’s Anything But Boring Already
With Fraser bringing a new sense of main character energy toBelow Deckand the editing of the show giving things a fun, fresh feel, I think the updates to the season could save the series. After a few difficult seasons, whether due to boring plot lines or crew members scandals,Below Deckfelt like it was starting to lose its edge. Seeing the newcast for Below Deck season 12released,I was nervous about what the show would feel like, but I never should’ve doubted Fraser. The long-term Chief Stew is guidingBelow Deckback to brilliant waters.
