Izzy Wouters from Below Deck has earned a promotion to lead deckhand, but not all of the crewmembers are happy about it. Rob Phillips expressed more than a little displeasure with her new status. This incurred a reprimanding tweet from Captain Lee about not being bitter, especially when you are constantly watched.
Viewers know Wouters has been taking her destiny by the throat. She came out of the closet on social media and made it clear how she would handle jokers trying to flirt with her. This made viewers praise her for her courage, and for always being on the ball. Wouters also was critical of earlier seasons of the show, feeling that Hannah Ferrier from Below Deck Mediterranean deserved better.
On Twitter, Captain Lee lay down the law, with a little bit of pettiness and salt. Wouters received her promotion to lead deckhand a few episodes ago. Phillips was less than thrilled about the change, feeling that he had more talent and seniority. Phillips and James Hough proceeded to make jokes about Wouters’ status, revealing disdain for her becoming a leader. In a recent episode, Phillips told Wouters, “It’s not like you got promoted to captain. You just got promoted to lead shammy.” Captain Lee pointed out that Wouters earned the promotion and being bitter on camera is not winning Phillips any brownie points. “Guess what, she got it, and guess what, you didn’t. Hmmmm,” Captain Lee wrote on his account. Viewers were quick to respond to his comments, applauding him for his support and expressing disappointment in Phillips, thinking he was better than that.
Fans can quibble about whether the tweet itself was professional or not for a yacht captain. The important part is that Wouters isn’t alone on the ship. The captain is on her side, and he stands by the decision to promote her. It shows that he’s not going to let a few bruised egos get in the way of managing a safe and competent crew. Wouters has already been through a lot, especially in opening up about her previous sexual assault to Phillips and bosun Eddie Lucas and how it felt demeaning to live with it and file a police report. She has earned her laurels as the lead deckhand.
When you’re part of a crew, you need to work together. Phillips needs to remember that Wouters is his friend. But more than that, she does have seniority on the ship, and deserves the respect that comes with her new title—even Captain Lee agrees.
Below Deck airs Mondays at 8 pm ET on Braco.
