The season explores the "failure of authority" as (Hugh Laurie) tries to maintain a shred of order while keeping his incompetence a secret from the increasingly unruly passengers. The ship faces a mounting series of disasters, including:
: A severe food shortage has reduced the gourmet menu to eels and bizarre recipes made from random objects, like waffles cooked on a clothing iron.
: Passengers, believing the disaster might be a reality TV hoax, have begun a slow descent into violence and squalor, while Karen Kelly (Rebecca Front) thrives on the chaos by weaponizing her knowledge of contract rights. Key Character Arcs 'Avenue 5' and Overplaying Your Hand - by Jeff Somers