Danni Warren Is Exactly What Below Deck Sailing Yacht Needs After Lackluster Season 4 (She's A Villain But Entertaining)

Although Junior Stew Danni Warren is quickly becoming the villain of Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5, she might be the best thing that ever happened to the show. Danni immediately clashed with Chief Stew Daisy Kelliher aboard the Parsifal III, melting down over party decorations she considered “tacky.” She then hit a rough patch with fellow Stew Diana Cruz as they bickered over their work. While Danni’s antics threw the interior team for a loop, her interactions with Daisy and Diana were only the beginning.

Danni made it known early in the season that she was in hot pursuit of male attention. Her flings initially brought some excitement to an otherwise-struggling season, but they quickly progressed to become the main source of drama. Danni’s boatmances are causing friction with her coworkers, but her carefree attitude keeps her blissfully unaware of the chaos she creates. Meanwhile, she resists Daisy’s authority with uninhibited snark. With her penchant for stirring the pot while remaining unaffected, Danni is creating trouble in a good way.

Danni Is A Less Problematic Gary King

She’s Unashamed About Her Need For Male Attention

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Danni’s desire for male attention drives the Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 plot. She first fell for Deckhand Keith Allen, but she was unimpressed by his reluctance to flirt with her in front of the guests. Feeling rejected by Keith, Danni rebounded with First Officer Gary King, with whom she shared a late-night make-out session. Daisy warned Danni to use caution in her boatmances, particularly when it comes to Gary, but her efforts were fruitless. After moving on with a club employee, Danni is now determined to land Below Deck Sailing Yacht's Chase Lemacks, much to Diana's dismay.

Danni’s romantic escapades are reminiscent of Gary’s in past seasons. Gary constantly bounced among the female crew members, drawing criticism for his reckless and sometimes aggressive approach. In season 4, Gary angered viewers by shamelessly flirting with Daisy in front of her boyfriend, former Chief Engineer Colin Macrae. But Gary’s disrespect for Colin and Daisy’s relationship paled in comparison to accusations that surfaced soon after, when a member of the production crew accused Gary of sexual misconduct. Gary’s string of indiscretions makes him incredibly problematic and a liability to the franchise.

She’s confident in her sexuality, but never aggressive or inappropriate.

With Gary’s behavior toned down—and likely heavily edited in a bid to save face—season 5 got off to a slow start. Danni’s conquests provide a palatable replacement for the uncomfortable storylines involving Gary. She’s confident in her sexuality, but never aggressive or inappropriate. While Danni’s pursuit of Chase creates a love triangle with Diana, it’s nothing like the triangular boatmance of season 4. Danni and Diana’s rivalry is bringing some much-needed spice to season 5, without crossing the line into blatant disrespect or inappropriate behavior.

Danni Knows How To Stir The Pot

Her Fiery Behavior Is Reviving An Otherwise Dull Season

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Danni’s brazen search for a hookup proves she has the type of confidence to carry the season. She says what she thinks and isn’t afraid to go after what she wants. Danni sometimes forgets to act professionally, especially in the presence of a man she’s attracted to. But her friendly demeanor and competence when it comes to guest service let her get away with her unprofessional slips.

Danni’s interest in Chase is escalating Below Deck Sailing Yacht's season 5 drama. Diana, who is more timid and reserved than Danni, has been slowly building a relationship with Chase. Danni’s jealousy became evident when she repeatedly interrupted Diana and Chase’s private conversation to ask ridiculous questions. The rivalry then reached a tipping point when Danni made out with Chase in front of Diana. As the two excused themselves to the guest cabin, Diana was left alone and betrayed. Considering Danni and Diana are cabinmates and work in the same department, their feud is likely just beginning.

Meanwhile, Danni’s smart mouth proves to be a source of both comic relief and mounting tension. She makes sly comments to her coworkers that incite drama while effectively staying above the fray. Amid Daisy’s constant frustration with Chef Cloyce Martin, Danni casually mentioned to Daisy that Cloyce had snapped at her. This fueled the preexisting tension between Daisy and Cloyce without Danni having to get involved further.

This type of slow-burning drama serves well on Below Deck, where the crew are already worn thin from working a high-pressure job in tight quarters.

It’s much more enjoyable to watch long-simmering tensions boil over than cringeworthy brawls or attacks. Danni’s ability to stir the pot gives her staying power, letting her create drama without getting too wrapped up in it.

Danni Isn't Afraid To Go After The Long Time Cast Members

She’s Quick To Question Daisy’s Authority

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Danni secured her villain status by going up against Daisy, the leader of her department. Daisy has been an essential member of Parsifal III’s crew since season 2, and she’s been resoundingly popular with both viewers and the crew. But Danni seems unfazed, commenting in her confessional that Daisy can “f*** off.” Danni’s stubbornness makes Daisy look like a bad leader, resulting in accusations that Daisy has become a villain herself.

Danni’s dislike of Daisy was heightened when the Chief Stew told Chase about Danni’s past with Keith. Danni felt like she was thrown under the bus and began lamenting that, despite her hard work, Daisy always finds something to criticize her for. She doesn’t seem to understand that Daisy’s job as her superior is to offer her guidance. Daisy is frequently shown comforting Danni and helping her stay calm, but Danni still makes Daisy out to be the bad guy.

Danni further betrayed Daisy by hooking up with Gary. Daisy and Gary have a complicated history that turned explosive just before Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 began filming. Although Daisy claims her relationship with Gary is now strictly platonic, Danni’s hookup with Gary proves her lack of regard for the pecking order aboard the ship. Daisy and Gary are both long-time BDSY veterans, but Danni doesn’t let their standing intimidate her.

While villains tend to be unpopular, Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5 was in desperate need of some excitement. Danni’s descent into villain territory delivered exactly what was needed. She constantly serves the drama while keeping things lighthearted and fun. After a heavy season 4 due to Gary’s bad behavior and Daisy’s dishonesty, Danni’s villain turn is a welcome and refreshing change.