This week’s episode of Below Deck opened with plenty of drama and a splash of romance as the crew prepared for a New Year’s Eve celebration on the high seas.
Chef Nick Faces Fraser’s Critique
The highlight of the episode featured Fraser Olender, who was quite shocked
with Chef Nick’s food presentation skills. 
The drama began when Fraser noticed that Chef Nick’s dishes were lacking garnish and remarked, How do I not rudely say, ‘Are you going to garnish the plate?’
Fraser suggested that tomatoes or small berries could also be used to enhance the dish.
The tension only escalated when Fraser muttered under his breath, Oh my God, what a disaster,
reflecting his disappointment with Chef Nick’s plating skills.
Romantic Tensions Rise
On the romantic side, Ben and Sunny’s on-again-off-again relationship kept viewers engaged. After their previous breakup, Sunny found it difficult to communicate with him. However, after some tough conversations, they decided to reconcile and spend time together during the New Year’s Eve celebration.
A Midnight Kiss for Fraser?
The biggest buzz surrounding this episode was whether Fraser would share a midnight kiss with charter guest Steven. Teasing commenced early in the dining room as Fraser’s colleague Barbie Pascual jested, Everybody’s talking about you having a New Year’s kiss, so just brush your teeth before 12.
This led Fraser to check in with Captain Kerry. In his cabin, Captain Kerry retorted that it would be considered sexual harassment unless both parties were interested. Eventually, he relented as long as it remained just a friendly kiss.
The Big Countdown
The night culminated in an enthusiastic countdown to midnight with sparklers lighting up the sky. As expected, Fraser gave Steven a New Year’s kiss amidst cheers from all. It might not have gone further than the brief kiss, but Fraser’s excitement about it was palpable.
The Morning After and Crew Dynamics
The following morning saw more clashes in the galley over garnish presentation. This continued to add fuel to Fraser’s frustration concerning Chef Nick’s reluctance to take suggestions from someone less experienced.
Kerry affirmed Fraser’s sentiments but encouraged support for Chef Nick, mentioning that they should see if things improve over the next charter.
Crew Night Out and Personal Connections
The episode ended on a high note as the crew enjoyed their night out at a local club. Fraser received glimpses of hope with Steven messaging him throughout the night and even wearing Steven’s shirt as a playful gesture.
Meanwhile, Sunny grappled with her emotions regarding Ben. She ultimately decided to stay hopeful despite past issues, underscoring her character arc in navigating complicated relationships onboard.
Follow Us
