Below Deck Down Under: Evidence That Lara Rigby Is a Producer Plant (Her Drama Level Exceeds Aesha Scott’s)

Lara Rigby has stepped into the spotlight as the new cast member on Below Deck Down Under for its third season, taking over the role previously held by fan-favorite Aesha Scott. Early episodes suggest that Lara might be a strategic addition to the cast, seemingly poised to create conflict among the team. Season 3 has already encountered turbulence, highlighted by Lara’s confrontations with Chef Tzarina Mace-Ralph regarding onboard service standards. The sprawling layout of the superyacht is proving to be a challenge for Stews Adair Werley, Brianna Duffield, and Marina Marcondes de Barros, making Lara’s struggle for control even more apparent.

In recent installments of the Below Deck franchise, particularly Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Sailing Yacht, the presence of producer plants has raised eyebrows. Even Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher faced suspicions regarding her dramatic role in Season 5. The antics of characters like Chef Johnathan “Jono”Shillingford and Bri Muller left a mark, leading many to question their authenticity. Here, we explore the indications that Lara may be the latest producer plant on Below Deck Down Under.

Connections Before the Show

Intentional Antagonism?

In the season premiere, both Lara and Chef Tzarina disclosed their past work experiences together. Although they appeared congenial during their personal discussions, Tzarina hinted at potential professional conflicts with Lara. The decision for them to share a room during the charter season has only fueled speculation about possible orchestrated drama.

It seems evident that producers have positioned Lara as a source of tension for Chef Tzarina. An early miscommunication regarding breakfast service highlighted Lara’s overstepping into Chef Tzarina’s area of expertise, adding strain to an already demanding role for the chef, who is managing Sous Chef Anthony Bird alongside her duties.

The Chief Stew Archetype

Excessive Control

Lara embodies a familiar stereotype of a Chief Stew, contrasting sharply with some of the uniquely engaging personalities we’ve seen in the franchise. Aesha’s effectiveness as a leader, coupled with her playful demeanor, sets her apart. Similarly, Kate Chastain’s wit and Daisy Kelliher’s humor have captivated audiences. In stark contrast, Lara tends to micromanage her team and critiques their every move, reflecting the negative archetype of an unsupportive boss. While her behavior may stem from the pressures of the demanding debut charter, it cements a perception of her character that is less than encouraging.

Inciting Drama

Conflict Brewing

With tensions already erupting between Lara and Chef Tzarina, it’s clear the season has begun on a dramatic note. Known for intensifying rivalries and conflicts, the Bravo series may have introduced Lara precisely to add complexity to Tzarina’s storyline. As a skilled Chef, Tzarina now faces the daunting challenge of managing both Lara and Sous Chef Anthony, indicating a potential build-up of conflict that could lead to Lara stepping into a villainous role. If this occurs, the narrative will likely highlight the producers’ influence in shaping their dynamic.

Catch Below Deck Down Under Season 3, airing Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo, with episodes available for streaming on Peacock the following day.

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