by Allyson Koerner
Who’s ready to go overboard tonight? I’m sure Below Deck fans are, especially since Season 2 begins tonight on Bravo.
That’s right, the boating drama, which follows a crew working aboard a mega-yacht named the “Ohana” during their charter season in the British Virgin Islands, is back with a new boat, new drama and new people. Fans shouldn’t worry though, as we’ll also see some familiar faces, including Kat Held, Ben Robinson, Captain Lee Rosbach and Eddie Lucas.
I recently caught up with Eddie Lucas via email, where he talks the upcoming season and what viewers can expect. Read below to find out more from Lucas himself!
Pop City Life: In addition to new cast members, how will this season of Below Deck differ from Season 1?
Eddie Lucas: Other than new cast members, we are in a new location of the BVI [British Virgin Islands], and we are on a new boat; the 154 ft. Ohana.
PCL: Would you say there is more or less drama?
Lucas: I couldn’t say there is more or less drama, but I can say the drama is a lot different from last season. The drama was also more spread out, instead of last season where it was primarily between the stews.
PCL: Speaking of drama, you seemed to stay out of all the dramatics of last season. Can you say the same for this season?
Lucas: Since I was In a leadership role this season it was a lot harder to keep a drama free workspace, and I definitely had to battle through some dramatic situations. I just hope I didn’t get too deep in it.
PCL: You’ve been upped from deckhand to Bosun, so how will that promotion affect you personally and professionally on the show?
Lucas: I always take my job very seriously, and I want to perform to my best abilities. When I was a deckhand it was easy to do the best job possible because I only had to rely on myself to [do] the best job possible. Now as a Bosun the quality of my job relies on the deckhands under me, so I have to rely on my leadership skills to get the job done, which is the biggest difference from last season.
PCL: As Bosun, you’re now in charge of three deckhands. With that said, the Below Deck preview showcased Jennice Ontiveros as of one those deckhands — a woman essentially doing a “man’s job,” and someone who can’t keep up with the other two male deckhands. What are your thoughts on a female deckhand, and how will we see that play out this season?
Lucas: Being a deckhand isn’t a “man’s job” and it’s not a “woman’s job.” It is just a job that anyone can do. I don’t care what sex, race, or sexual orientation you are, all I care about is if you can do the job or not. Jennice worked her heart out to do the best job possible. But her size limited her abilities a lot, and we will see how this [affects] the crew over the long season.
PCL: There is a new cast this season, with some familiar Season 1 faces, so why did you decide to return?
Lucas: As difficult and exhausting as the season is, there is still something that pulls you back into being on the yacht. It could be that you are working in paradise, or the money, but I think at the end of the season you have an amazing feeling of accomplishment, and I think that is a good reason to keep coming back.
PCL: You seem to be the one who has a good head on his shoulders and is there to get the job done. Will we see you get crazy? Possibly any showmances for you this season?
Lucas: No showmances for me this season. I am saving my loving for my girlfriend back home. I just focused on doing my job and not letting the bullshit get to me.
PCL: Lastly, why would you encourage others (fans and new viewers) to watch the second season?
Lucas: New Boat! New crew! New location! Fun and excitement in paradise while catering to some really crazy guests. Drama is abundant this season, and you don’t want to miss it.
Below Deck airs tonight at 9/8c on Bravo.
Photo Credit: Tommy Garcia, Virginia Sherwood, Bravo
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