Gary King has long been seen as a controversial figure on Below Deck Sailing Yacht, often branded as the villain due to his previous actions. Despite this reputation, I find myself reconsidering my stance and now believe he should make a return in season 6. The South African First Mate has faced substantial backlash for years, and while the scrutiny might be warranted to some degree, not all of it reflects his true character. Though Gary’s flirtatious nature often steals the spotlight, recent events involving Ashley Marti show that mutual consent plays a significant role. Nonetheless, his past behaviors have raised questions about his treatment of women, particularly witnessed in season 5.
Interestingly, the narrative seems to be shifting this season. Daisy Kelliher, the Chief Stew, has recently garnered attention for her treatment of her crew members, Diana Cruz and Danni Warren, displaying overt animosity. Notably, she failed to adequately address the aftermath of Gary’s recent drunken misadventures, which resulted in noticeable blood stains. As Gary works towards redeeming his image after a tumultuous past couple of seasons, Daisy appears to be struggling, particularly following her complex romantic entanglements with Gary and former Chief Engineer Colin Macrae. With the two now sharing a cabin, there’s a sense of hope that they can manage their more troublesome tendencies. Will season 6 reveal a new, reformed Gary?
Gary’s Priorities: Work Over Romance in Season 5
Mastering Self-Control
This season marks a tangible change for Gary, who traditionally prioritized his romantic pursuits over his responsibilities. For the first time, he seems genuinely focused on performing his duties as First Mate. His camaraderie with Captain Glenn Shephard has further solidified, with Glenn continuing to provide Gary with opportunities for growth, even amidst past errors. Notably, Gary’s efforts this season include attempting to mentor the troubled Deckhand, Emma Crouch, who was ultimately let go, underscoring his commitment to maintaining a professional environment.
Historically, Gary’s work ethic has faltered when entangled in romances. His tendency to overindulge in alcohol negatively impacts his performance—a truth that Daisy highlighted in a recent episode. When intoxicated, Gary’s demeanor drastically shifts, leading him to become hyper-focused on romantic relationships, often at the expense of his friendships. Despite these tendencies, he has been somewhat less embroiled in drama this season.
However, the dynamics of him and Daisy sharing accommodations could pose a challenge. Their past romance adds complexity, and the editing hints at Gary’s lingering feelings for Daisy. After she confronted him about his lack of support post-breakup with Colin, he candidly admitted he still finds her attractive. This tension elevates the stakes for both characters, yet if Gary remains committed to focusing on his responsibilities, he could emerge with an improved reputation.
Demonstrating Compassion After Emma’s Exit
Acknowledging Difficult Decisions
The ongoing situation with Emma has weighed heavily on Gary throughout season 5. His response to her dismissal revealed a more compassionate side that many may not have expected. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Gary expressed regret about how events unfolded, captioning a photo of their time together with kind words: “What an amazing person you are, sorry things happened the way they did.”
“You can’t teach someone who doesn’t want to be taught. You did what was best for the safety of the crew + guests. It would have been irresponsible to keep her on.”
Fans have applauded Gary for his maturity in handling Emma’s firing. Commenters noted his kindness, with one stating, “Your heart is gold, Gary….I truly hope Em can reflect on the why’s…our biggest lessons and self-growth come from our challenges.”Overall, it seems that the majority of viewers sympathize with his choices regarding Emma.
Earning Captain Glenn’s Trust
A Strong Working Relationship
Gary’s rapport with Captain Glenn continues to flourish, ensuring that his position remains secure. If Gary were at risk of termination, it would likely have happened by now. His past experiences have been marked by controversy, including an allegation of sexual misconduct from former Bravo employee Samantha Suarez during last season. Despite the serious claims, Gary has consistently maintained his innocence, and investigations concluded there was no wrongdoing on his part, though the incident contributed to his absence from BravoCon 2023.
Captain Glenn’s unwavering confidence in Gary helps to facilitate a smooth operation on the yacht. Even when Gary faced setbacks, such as crashing a tender and ruining the couch, Glenn opted to move forward rather than punish him harshly. This ongoing support suggests Gary’s contributions to the crew will be recognized going into future seasons.
A More Likeable Gary This Season
Revealing a Different Side
Historically, Gary’s behavior has left much to be desired, yet in this season, he appears more relatable and admirable. He has adeptly managed the tricky situation with Emma, demonstrating patience and understanding. Previously, his willingness to overlook the incompetence of crew members would have been unlikely; this season showcases his growth and commitment to improvement.
Additionally, despite a fleeting romantic moment with Danni during a drunken episode, Gary proactively communicated with both Danni and Daisy to clarify his intentions. His decision to end any expectations of a budding romance with Danni reveals a determination to move beyond his previous womanizing ways. Although he might never top the list of fan-favorite cast members, I believe his recent transformation merits another chance in the upcoming season.
Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 continues to air on Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Peacock.
Source: Gary King/Instagram