Below Deck Down Under Recap: All Hands on Deck

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Greetings, everyone except Anthony. He bids farewell to the crew on the Katina during breakfast service and departs unexpectedly, saying “I’m offski.” It seems that Anthony may not return this season, but the sous chefs are already seeking resumes for potential replacements, hoping for a more pleasant addition. Tzarina is feeling disrupted by Anthony’s sudden exit, as her routines have been thrown off. I wanted to reassure her that she has always managed this job independently, so she will get through it. This season’s crew, notably without Anthony, is proving to be a cohesive and supportive team, with everyone offering to assist the chef in the galley.

Most of the attendees plan to join Jason and Marina for an afternoon diving trip, which is inconvenient for Lara but provides a beneficial pause for everyone else to reorganize. As Erik conducts his alleged life-coaching webinar scam on his laptop, guests openly share their views about him. One woman comments, “He’s so judgmental,” while relaxing under the Seychellois sun with a skinny margarita in hand. Simultaneously, Bri frets over Harry, as nobody has contacted him yet, so she sends him an encouraging message: “I hope you receive good news today!

It seems that Bri’s message had a significant impact on Harry’s morale, as he returns with a wrapped thumb (but unharmed) and an incredibly high level of excitement. I can’t help but cheer them on! I truly hope they end up together. They remind me of the heartwarming otter videos you see on Instagram, where they hold paws. There is an innocence in the way Bri continually asks others for their opinions on whether Harry likes her, similar to the excitement and uncertainty felt during AIM chats or moments behind the school bleachers.

After Harry comes back, Johnny fills him in about Anthony leaving (it doesn’t matter; nobody cares). Harry might be impressive, but he’s still young and naive, so he chats up everyone on the ship before reaching Bri, which puzzles her. She queries Lara for her opinion: Was Harry intentionally trying to kiss her? If Harry and Bri don’t stop their childish antics, Lara warns she’ll handle the situation herself. “I want those young giraffes,” she declares. I completely agree!

Diving with Jason and Marina appears to be an exhilarating adventure; upon returning to the boat, Marina seems ecstatic, almost bouncing with joy. Erik and his companions, however, don’t appear as thrilled, perhaps due to lack of previous enjoyable experiences. Harry informs Jason that his doctor has suggested keeping the wound dry and limiting hand usage for a few days during healing, but since there’s no fracture, he can still stay on the boat. Jason suggests that Harry assist with interior tasks and cooking in the galley, as deck work may be challenging during the initial recovery period. As Lara had noted, it is feasible to make a bed using only one hand.

Tzarina has an exciting surprise planned for the Monte Carlo Casino Royale night at the dinner table. If you can guess what it is, I’ll reward you with a million dollars! Lara, who loves themes, has prepared a stunning tablescape. Tzarina then presents… a French onion soup served in a bowl with a truffle Parmesan grilled cheese on Pullman bread, half-submerged in the soup. The presentation is reminiscent of how I serve myself soup and grilled cheese to avoid washing too many dishes. It seems like I might need to step in as Anthony here! Tzarina, please place a crouton in its proper ramekin. This dinner is already quite awkward, given that Jason is dining with the guests, and he can see everyone’s puzzled reactions to the heavy and wintery soup. To make things even more cringe-worthy, one guest, Ryan, is wearing both a turtleneck and a blazer in 100-degree heat.

The workers on the deck serve the second dish, which is steak, wearing only a bowtie from the waist up. The guests hardly notice their costumes. If Jason weren’t there, we could still tell they’re incredibly dull. However, Jason’s facial expressions make it clear. These people are painfully uninteresting. When someone sadly suggests playing Texas Hold ‘Em to add some excitement, Ryan replies with a question: “Did you know that chasing money and fame are the two most low-energy pursuits?” I would have jumped ship.

The ship’s crew assists the Tzarina with cleaning up after dinner, and Captain Jason offers some constructive criticism. He acknowledges she had a tough day and cuts her some slack, but suggests there’s room for improvement. As the evening ends, Harry talks to Bri about the kiss and asks her out on a beach date tomorrow. They share an endearing, yet awkward kiss; it’s clear Bri is shy about kissing on camera. In their cabin, Harry and Wihan celebrate Harry’s success with a high-five, which is touching considering Wihan’s initial affection for Bri. Using his strategic approach to boat relationships, Wihan evaluates his options: Tzarina is cool, Adair is spirited, Marina is Brazilian (and who doesn’t like Brazilians?), Lara resembles a real-life Barbie. What should he do next? The following day, he ponders that Adair, who seems to be his type, might have liked Anthony, so her absence could potentially offer an opportunity.

Over breakfast, Erik shares his peculiar viewpoint on women, known as his Theory of Women. He believes that if a woman performs three basic daily tasks, she might hold power over him: (1) praising him as ‘the man’, (2) gently touching his muscle-enhanced forearms in non-intimate ways, and (3) engaging in intimate relationships with him. Here’s an intriguing thought for Bravo: organize a coordinated effort among women to outsmart this fellow, similar to the John Tucker Must Die plot. Hearing him speak has Lara eagerly dancing at the idea of seeing him off the boat soon.

Tzarina queries Jason about what he wants for the crew’s lunch. To lighten her workload, he proposes that she set up brunch in the crew mess using the remaining breakfast items. Typically, Tzarina prepares a meal after the tip meeting because their late nights of drinking can lead to hangovers. Instead of explaining this to Jason and reassuring him she’s fine with cooking later, she complains about it to Lara, fearing they’ll blame her if everyone feels poorly the next day. Overhearing her complaining, Jason suggests she cook after the tip meeting if she wishes. He just wanted to help. The way he spoke upsets Tzarina so much that she cries. It seems Tzarina is in a mood where things can only go wrong. I understand her feelings, but she needs to pull herself together, especially since the captain is nearby. In a private moment, she acknowledges, “I’m my own worst enemy,” showing some self-awareness. At least she’s aware of her actions!

Following a flawless landing, Erik showcases his limited understanding of situations when he assertively states that “this crew has no harmful qualities whatsoever.” Bravo, Erik! He boasts that he’s just witnessed one of the greatest departures on earth. I’d love to swap places with him for a day, even for just one in the movie ‘Freaky Friday’, to experience life in a realm so detached from reality. Tzarina expresses her apologies to Jason for her previous outburst, which restores their relationship. The tip amounts to $22,000, and with Anthony’s share divided among them, each crew member receives $1,830. Initially, Jason intended to give the helmet to Anthony, but since he’s absent, Jason decides not to hold it against them for this charter. I’m taken aback that he didn’t offer it to Tzarina instead.

As the team sets sail for the evening, we catch a peek at the blossoming romantic scenery aboard the Katina. Both Tzarina and Marina seem smitten with Wihan, each subtly expressing their feelings: Tzarina makes a move towards him while Marina adopts a more cautious approach. However, it’s Tzarina who succeeds in winning over Wihan that night, as she shares a kiss with him during a game of Truth or Dare at the boat’s hot tub and even receives a lap dance from Johnny on Lara’s dare. The sight leaves Lara feeling uncomfortable. I must say, I’m growing fond of Lara: She is quiet yet entertaining, and while she initially seemed aloof, she has been nothing but considerate towards everyone.

The following day, Harry obtains Jason’s consent for a beach date with Bri. Jason is quite supportive and even loans Harry some casual pants to enhance his appearance. Regrettably, it rains, causing them to opt for an ice cream outing instead. They enjoy each other’s company discussing their shared love for yachting and being adorable. During this time, Marina takes action: she invites Wihan to a bar. At the bar, she gifts him a handmade beaded bracelet with the word ‘beijos’, meaning kisses. While I wholeheartedly support Marina due to our shared nationality, I must admit that it seemed like a proposal, a bit excessive, don’t you think? It brought back memories of Culver’s “yes or no” card asking Jaimee to be his girlfriend last season – a thoughtful gesture that makes one cringe. However, Wihan doesn’t appear to find it uncomfortable because they share a kiss immediately. I like Wihan so far, but I can’t help but worry about the potential impact of all this attention on his ego…

In the communal dining area, Harry and Bri share with Tzarina that Marina and Wihan are on a date, leaving her feeling distressed. It’s hard not to empathize with Tzarina; it certainly appears she’s often left in second place, which is a dreadful sensation. However, I’m uncertain if what transpired between her and Wihan – just one kiss during a boozy round of Truth or Dare – was substantial enough to label Marina as a deceitful woman. Yet, we are aware that relationships on the boat mature at three times the rate compared to those in regular life. The situation becomes more intriguing!

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2025-02-25 06:54