Recap of Below Deck Mediterranean Season 9 Episode 16: Key Highlights and Insights

Below Deck Mediterranean, a beloved reality TV show on Bravo, chronicles the experiences of crew members working aboard a luxurious mega-yacht during the charter season. This series offers fans a unique glimpse into the interpersonal dynamics among the crew as they navigate the challenges of serving the lavish lifestyles of their high-profile guests.

In the most recent episode of Below Deck Mediterranean season 9, episode 16, titled Chain of Command-ment, Chief Stew Aesha Scott finally addresses Second Stew Ellie Dubaich regarding her behavior, effectively putting an end to the power struggle within the interior team.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the show.

Aesha’s mounting concerns regarding Ellie in Below Deck Mediterranean season 9 episode 16

Aesha observes Ellie’s actions

During the September 16 episode of Below Deck Mediterranean, Aesha Scott began to notice how often Ellie Dubaich was directing stews Bri Muller and Carrie O’Neill on their tasks. This shift in the yacht’s dynamics did not sit well with Aesha, prompting her to confront the issue.

Contrarily, Ellie questioned the sudden change in Aesha’s demeanor towards her, pinpointing a noticeable shift since Carrie had joined the crew. In a confessional, Ellie articulated her feelings, stating,

“There’s been a palpable shift in Aesha’s behavior toward me ever since Carrie got onboard. And I’m here, like, ‘What about me? Remember me?’”

This moment signaled the start of a significant confrontation, as Ellie felt overlooked and misunderstood.

Tensions escalate in Below Deck Mediterranean

Aesha had valid reasons for limiting her trust in Ellie, especially when Ellie began prioritizing leisure over her responsibilities. A notable incident that intensified the issue occurred when Aesha found Ellie lounging in the crew mess instead of performing her cleaning duties. Addressing the crew, Aesha expressed her frustrations, stating,

“Did you not listen to anything I’ve said to you? We are about to pick up charter and you are just flouncing around the crew mess,”

Ellie’s perception of Aesha’s management style only bolstered her feelings of being mistreated, as she remarked,

“I feel like I have to check out a little bit because I don’t like how I am being treated. I fully understand that Aesha wants the highest yacht standards but the way she is going about it — she is achieving the opposite effect.”

Carrie’s viewpoint

Another stew, Carrie O’Neill, also observed Ellie’s attempts to assert dominance. She perceived Ellie’s behavior as a move to control the team. Carrie commented,

“Ellie is definitely trying to be the alpha dog but I’ve had a really high-stress job for a long time and I’ve needed a break,”

As the episode continued, Ellie’s efforts to assert her perceived authority became increasingly transparent. She resisted Carrie’s instructions, sarcastically voicing her frustration about receiving guidance in areas where she felt competent. Ellie remarked to the cameras,

“That feels amazing. As a second stew having the floater tell me what to do at this point,”

A clash of commands in Below Deck Mediterranean

The tension peaked when Aesha and Ellie began issuing orders at the same time. Aesha directed Carrie to manage the pantry, while Ellie called for help with decorations via the radio. This conflict underscored the power struggle between them. Aesha seized the moment to assert her leadership, stating,

“I do not understand what Ellie is playing at. I think she is doing it to try to show Carrie, ‘Hey, I do have a little bit of power here,’ but guess what Ellie, I will swoop in and I am going to put out your candle.”

Aesha recognized the necessity of addressing Ellie’s behavior, noting that Ellie seemed to overstep her role.

“I have noticed Ellie kind of overstepping her role. I think Ellie thinks that being a chief stew is just walking around the boat and telling people what to do.”

Aesha confronts Ellie

It was only a matter of time before Aesha confronted Ellie about her ongoing attempts to overstep her role, which culminated when Ellie repeated Aesha’s directions to Chef Johnathan Shillingford. In a confessional, Aesha noted that this incident was the final straw for her, saying,

“She has not once this whole season said that we are clearing on the radio,”

As the episode drew to a close, Aesha decided to have a private conversation with Ellie to discuss the unresolved issues, expressing,

“I think it is annoying because it has been a buildup. I feel like you have been overstepping as the second. The job as the second is to delegate when I am not around. But if I am on the floor, you are not delegating. I’ve noticed it quite a lot over the last few days. It is really frustrating and just can’t happen.”

Ellie’s response and reflections

In response, Ellie defended her actions, asserting that she would “never disrespect” her superior. Flashbacks during the episode underscored Aesha’s claims about Ellie’s insubordination. Despite these reflections, Ellie questioned why she felt targeted.

As Below Deck Mediterranean season 9, episode 16 concluded, she expressed,

“I don’t know why Aesha is just blaming me for everything at this point and making me the scapegoat,”

Below Deck Mediterranean season 9 continues airing on Bravo every Monday at 9 p.m. ET, with new episodes available for streaming the following day on Peacock.

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