Below Deck Sailing Yacht Recap: Two Drink Limit

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In a more conversational style, this episode could have included a warning or public service announcement such as, “If you or someone you know is battling alcoholism, don’t hesitate to ask for help.” It seems that many episodes featuring crew nights out might benefit from such a warning. The story begins with an incident at dinner that nearly turned into a disaster. Cloyce’s smoker failed to fill the last cloche, forcing him to serve the course regardless. To cover this mishap, Chase casually mentioned that the smoke “escaped” as he delivered the dish. For a brief moment, it appeared as if the diners were judges on a cooking competition, questioning whether Cloyce would be packing his knives. However, the guests were content with the meal in the end.

Every night, I’ve been finding myself in an escalating disagreement between me and Gary, as I’m the one working the graveyard shift. I’ve been reluctant to take my breaks, a habit that Gary disapproves of but seems to help me stay on top of cleaning the boat at night – I guess you could say I’m like a well-oiled machine. However, this morning, there was a minor glitch when I was untying the tender from a line. Gary warned me to use cable ties and be careful not to let it fall, but I dismissed his advice, seeing it as overprotective parenting. Unfortunately, I dropped it into the water instead. We didn’t need a rewind to “just now,” but we got one. When he saw what happened, Gary made a fuss about how we wouldn’t be able to tow the tender. He informed Glenn of the situation, but then found an extra shackle – the last one available. I don’t let the mishap ruffle me too much; instead, I’m just annoyed with Gary. It seems like a minor incident that could potentially lead to Gary getting into trouble later on, although it might be symbolic – the shackle dropping into the sea could represent Gary losing control over things. Will this shackle (and Gary) hit rock bottom?

The interior team is grappling with issues arising from power dynamics. Guests have invited some crew members for nightlife outings, and Daisy chooses to accompany them instead of the junior stewards, fearing they might feel resentful if another gets the chance. She presents this as a beneficial choice: both parties will enjoy extra rest. Danni labels Daisy as her wicked stepmother, while Diana accuses Danni of harboring ill feelings towards Daisy, which allegedly prevents them both from clubbing. If either had to be Cinderella, it would be Diana, not Danni; however, they are more fitting for the roles of the evil stepsisters. For some time, Daisy remains oblivious to the stews’ growing animosity towards her decision regarding crew management. She’s merely pleased that the guests maintain a positive outlook following their difficult last voyage.

Daisy arranges a drag performance for some special guests, including Keith and Gary. As soon as she finishes speaking, Keith offers: “I can do a ‘slut drop’.” However, what he means is likely a “death drop,” but unfortunately, it doesn’t happen in the story. Gary feels left out by their friendship, secretly hoping to rekindle his romantic feelings for Daisy. Later, he tries to give her a massage, but she politely declines, expressing that she seeks steady companionship, and at this moment, that seems to be Keith.

In the evening prior to dinner, these men transform into their drag queen characters: Davidiva, Garolina Queen, Chastity Thunder, and Princess Laqueefa. It’s great that the editors display these names clearly on screen. Even Glenn dons a green wig for his persona, Captain Glenn G-Spot. Although it’s quite amateurish compared to professional drag queens, the guests seem to appreciate their enthusiasm. The guys continue to wear their glittery costumes as they get back to work docking, putting on a show for those observing at the marina. It seems like people are always watching due to all the cameras, but let’s say it’s more because of the flashy outfits.

As a movie reviewer, let me share my thoughts on Cloyce’s dinner soiree. The star dish, “lobster crepe with caviar and black truffle,” while impressive on paper, felt like a grandiose attempt from a child trying to impress. Yet, the guests were spellbound by its presentation.

During an interview, Cloyce attempted close-up magic with a quarter, prolonging the act as if he was drawing out a masterpiece. I found myself fixated on uncovering the secret behind his ordinary sleight of hand, but alas, remained mystified.

However, when Danni expressed her desire to go clubbing, Cloyce effortlessly won me back over with his wit, dismissing the idea as the epitome of an unpleasant experience. Bravo, Cloyce! Your words were like a breath of fresh air in a stuffy room.

The selected quartet joining the party-goers tonight will be Gary, Keith, Daisy, and Chase. Gary assures Glenn they’ll “keep their drinking in check,” but that won’t pass with the captain. He insists on a maximum of two drinks; they must return to the boat by 2 a.m., or they’ll lose their share of the tip for not following the rules. They were supposed to depart at 10:30, but the guests required more time getting ready, causing Diana’s schedule to suffer. Now she’ll only have eight hours of sleep while Danni still gets nine. This is the second instance where Diana has been given an hour less than Danni, and it pushes her to her limit – she no longer wishes to defend Daisy. Leaving Diana and another stewardess behind to clean messy cabins may seem like a poor decision by Daisy, but with only one more charter left, she might as well enjoy herself.

Apart from two drinks appearing on the screen, indicating they might overindulge, Chase switches to casual attire while Gary and Keith maintain their drag costumes for the evening. One could wonder if they’re trying to impress Daisy by wearing them longest. Despite Glenn being promised only two drinks each, Garolina and Princess Laqueefa seem to have disregarded this limit. Daisy finds it impolite to refuse a drink, so she and Gary quickly reach three. Then Gary takes a shot, making it four. He’s already doubled the agreed limit, and they haven’t even entered the club yet. This is all happening on some random patio!

At the club, Chase advises Gary against excessive drinking, yet Gary asserts that two drinks are negligible for him. While everyone else is enjoying drinks, Chase abstains and keeps an eye on the time. I’m dismayed to observe Keith already on his third drink. After roughly an hour and a half, Gary reaches his ninth drink. This totals ten for the night, which is incredibly unprofessional and five times Glenn’s limit. The captain remains awake in anticipation of their return. Although the guests try to cover for him, it’s evident that Gary has consumed more than two drinks. He disregards Glenn’s advice to retire early and opts for a cigarette instead. His behavior appears unwell mentally, as he talks to himself (perhaps addressing the crew), laughs at his phone, and taunts Chase while he cleans the boat. This would be less problematic if everyone else was asleep, but they’re still socializing, making Gary a highly unprofessional situation. Glenn once again instructs Gary to go to bed, and in his cabin, Daisy remarks that he seems intoxicated, but Gary irrationally believes he’s sober. They cling to each other from their bunks, bracing for the upcoming repercussions.

In the morning, everyone except Lola, who’s not present for breakfast, wears matching robes. We seem more engrossed in the crew’s alcohol-related drama than addressing whatever conflict Lola might have with the rest of the group. The breakfast proceeds smoothly, but I can’t help but ponder if Cloyse repurposed some leftover lobster crepes from last night for today’s filling.

In simpler terms, Diana points out that while Danni gets additional breaks, she herself hasn’t received any, and mentions this concern to Daisy. Daisy responds by saying she will ensure they both have the same amount of rest time. However, Daisy’s response seems nonchalant or unconcerned about the issue. In an interview, Daisy appears unfazed about the situation, stating it’s not a significant problem for her. Additionally, she mentions that having Keith by her side now helps her cope with such matters.

As Detox bids farewell, she expresses gratitude towards the crew for their welcoming attitude towards diversity and for overlooking Lola’s complaints about the food. Everyone was impressed with Cloyce’s performance. However, it looks like there might be a generous tip coming up, but we’ll have to tune in next week to see how much the patrons will miss out on. Unfortunately, Glenn gathers the departing group into the main room for a rebuke. It’s clear they had more than just a couple of drinks. The fact that there were cameras and an entire reality team present, serving as witnesses, should have discouraged them from breaking the rules so openly, or at least from lying about what they know is on record. However, Gary doesn’t seem to share this view: he lies about having only five drinks when in reality, he had ten.

Keith and Daisy were truthful about their four to five drinks and two shots each, while Chase stuck to one beer as per the limit. Glenn enforces the rules he set, and Daisy is remorseful and accepts this. However, Gary objects, claiming he wasn’t intoxicated, despite his negative attitude. He argues that guests requested it. Glenn tells him that he was not obligated to drink, knowing the rules, and by breaking them, he is now upset. It seems unreasonable that losing the tip is the only penalty here. Recall Dane from season three of “Below Deck“? Captain Lee immediately dismissed him when his off-duty drinking became alarming. I can’t fathom any captain tolerating on-duty drinking like this. Glenn appears to be biased towards Gary due to their personal relationship, but perhaps he’ll remove those rose-tinted glasses next week.

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2025-01-14 22:57