Johnny Arvanitis is nailing his job as a deckhand on Below Deck Down Under Season 3. Were it not for his presence, this season would likely not be as enjoyable as it is. His first season on Bravo is midway through, showing Johnny being a storyline hero many times on BDDU, both on deck and off. Therefore, I figured it might be time to send this Greek gentleman some love.
To recap, Johnny works underneath Wihan Du Toit. But, if you ask me, Wihan is the next fired yachtie on BDDU Season 3. If he’s let go, do we think that Johnny might soon rise to take over the bosun position? This answer is maybe, but if not, Johnny now makes me feel like he would not raise a stink over this narrative.
At first, Johnny presented as an ego-heavy hothead. But after the first handful of episodes aired, it became clear that Johnny was not the problem, at least not yet. Remember the events that have (so far) made fans change their minds about Johnny, who is turning into the hero his crew members needed on BDDU Season 3.
Below Deck Down Under’s trailer made us think Johnny Arvanitis might be problematic
The trailer for BDDU Season 3 is more of the same. One of the edits, however, made me give Johnny a sideways glance. To help set this scene, Wihan is lying in his bunk, and Johnny is standing across from him, looming over his bunk on the opposite side of their cabin.
From his bed, Wihan asked a stressed-out Johnny to talk to him. In response, Johnny yelled, “DON’T F*CKING TALK TO ME!” After, Johnny punches the storage cabinets above his bed as Wihan stares, stunned. This small clip made Johnny out to be just another angry, messy character for the Below Deck franchise.
Likewise, Johnny came across as a self-important deckhand in Episode 1. During their first team meeting, Johnny noted with Wihan that four deckhands felt excessive. Johnny then suggested that they split, and as he had the experience to lead, maybe he could “go forward alone?” Likewise, Johnny called himself a lead deckhand in this first episode, even though Wihan had yet to assign a leader to their team.
Johnny came in hot. However, as BDDU Season 3 continues to air, the truth is becoming clear: Johnny is (one of) the least problematic yachties on board. While the angry cabin scene has yet to air, we now need to see this entire fight before placing the full weight of this narrative back on Johnny.
However, Johnny Arvanitis respects boundaries and authority on BDDU Season 3
Wihan came on board looking for a wife. While there is nothing wrong with his desires, Wihan is catching make-out sessions left and right. But, according to Wihan, Tzarina Mace-Ralph and Marina Marcondes de Barros kissed him. Therefore, Wihan can do as he pleases.
However, Tzarina and Marina are growing affected by his flippant behaviors. Even after Wihan ended things with them, he continued to allow and reciprocate their flirtations. If Wihan says no, he needs to say it with his full chest.
Just like he spins these narratives, Wihan is doing the same thing with Captain Jason Chambers. Johnny and Adair Werley warned Wihan that a jet ski was waterlogged. Yet, Wihan sent this jet ski out anyway with a charter guest, and as we all saw, the jet ski capsized, injuring their guest. When called to the wheelhouse, Wihan blamed everyone and everything, minus himself.
In contrast is Johnny. When the new sous-chef, Alesia Harris, joined this season in Episode 6, Johnny developed a crush. So, he went in for the kill during a night out, but Alesia turned her head, joking that it was too soon for these behaviors. Instead of flipping the script, Johnny acknowledged her feelings and apologized, letting Alesia lead the pace of their flirtations.
Likewise, when Johnny got stranded on a different jet ski, he owned his failings with the captain. Wihan should have been an example. Instead, his deckhand, Johnny, stepped up as the hero, showing what accountability and respect must look like.
Johnny Arvanitis also keeps Below Deck Down Under guests happy
When Johnny is not waiting on cues from Alesia or happily helping out in the interior, he is either massaging or encouraging his downtrodden fellow yachties in passing. But, if any guests are on board, consider Johnny there. The charter guests love Johnny. This man always goes above and beyond to make his visitors feel safe, seen, and sassy, no matter what.
When India fell into the water after her jet ski capsized, Johnny wrapped his arms around her. As India trembled, Johnny spoke words of life into her ears. As she stilled, Johnny checked in, ensuring that India felt safe and well in his care.
During a beach picnic in Episode 5, Johnny worked in overdrive, ensuring his guests had the “time of their lives.” When his guests pulled out their mermaid fits, Johnny helped them with a photoshoot, giggling and bonding with the guests like they were members of his family. In addition, as each group departs, they all seem to hug Johnny tightly. A few have even sung his praises to Captain Jason, noting how safe and happy Johnny made them feel.
Time after time (so far), Johnny proves that he is the hero we all needed on BDDU Season 3.
Below Deck Down Under is streaming on Peacock.
TELL US – ARE YOU ENJOYING JOHNNY ON BDDU SEASON 3? DO YOU THINK JOHNNY WOULD MAKE A DECENT BOSUN?
