Below Deck Season12, Episode 2 Recap: Chef Anthony Returns, Chef Lawrence Quits, Caio Crumbles. Bravo is delivering a great season!
🛥 Welcome Back to the Charter From Hell
We’re only on Day 2 of the first charter, and things are already off the rails. Chef Lawrence, still spiraling from last episode, looks like he’s about to have a full meltdown. Captain Kerry tries to give him a pep talk, but it’s clearly not landing. Lawrence says straight up, he’s done. When Fraser checks in, the chef responds with all the enthusiasm of a guy stuck in traffic:
“I’m gonna get through this service and go home.”
The crazy part? His food is actually great. Even the guests said his curry was better than their mom’s, and coming from an Indian family, that’s not a small compliment. But the lack of plating, garnish gives you the feeling he’s already checked out. On a luxury yacht, presentation is the performance, and Lawrence is giving nothing.
🔥 Enter Chef Anthony
With Lawrence halfway out the door, Fraser pitches an idea to Captain Kerry and that is to bring back Chef Anthony from last season. He’s seasoned, familiar, and honestly, a safer bet than the current situation. Kerry agrees.
Anthony accepts the offer and returns seemingly refreshed, but not without baggage. He says Fraser played a part in his firing last season and feels a little betrayed. Fraser, who clearly thought he was doing the guy a favor, might’ve just re-lit a fuse under his own bunk. And yes, they’re rooming together this season. Could we get another Tzarina/Lara season of tension?
⚓ Caio the Bosun?
On deck, Caio’s proving to be more chaotic than commanding. He calls for multiple breaks at once, even with small kids swimming and a storm rolling in. Captain Kerry has to yank Caio from his sandwich and Damo from his nap just to protect the guests. Kerry snaps, and he’s right.
Even when the team successfully navigates the infamous bridge, a tight squeeze that gives Below Deck Med docking flashbacks, Kerry still has notes. Caio’s communication is scattered, and the deck team is losing confidence fast. The guests might not see it yet, but the audience can: Caio might be next to go after Lawrence.
🧼 Stew Tension: Rainbeau Shines
Fraser is getting more than he bargained for with the stews. Rainbeau is proving herself to be a rockstar — reliable, motivated, and a perfectionist. Solène? Not so much.
She calls Rainbeau in to help with, no joke, a literal turd in the toilet. And not just that, she only makes one side of the bed because “the other side wasn’t used.” Barbara knows there is a language barrier and changes her approach. But even she’s reaching her limit, eventually calling Solène “f**king annoying.”
Fraser takes note. He reminds Solène that part of being a stew is doing, not asking why every task exists. Solène is teetering between hilarious reality TV chaos and complete liability.
🏳️🌈 Heartfelt Moments with Jess
Jess opens up about coming out in high school and how supportive her parents have been. In the middle of all the chaos, this moment hits different. It’s sweet, grounding, and everything we need for Pride Month.
She’s also building a nice connection with Captain Kerry, who offers encouragement during a rough shift. These two might end up being the heart of this season.
🎉 Bugsy-Level Tablescape
The Bollywood Night theme dinner arrives, and Rainbeau delivers a tablescape that would make Bugsy from Below Deck Med proud. The table is stunning, the vibes are high, and somehow, Chef Lawrence pulls off an incredible final meal.
Despite everything, his food lands. And honestly? Going out on a high note might be the best thing for him… and us.
💰 All About The Tip & Final Thoughts
The guests are thrilled, and the crew earns a $30,000 tip — about $2,300 each. Not bad for a team in chaos mode during charter one.
Chef Lawrence is out, Chef Anthony is in, and the countdown to Fraser vs. Anthony is already ticking. Caio’s leadership is slipping, Solène is on borrowed time, and the crew’s chemistry is one strong wind away from implosion. Also, Fraser might have a crush on Damo.
If this is only Episode 2, what the hell is coming in Episode 3? Leave your thoughts BELOW ⬇️
⚓️ Join us TONIGHT for Anchor Watch, our weekly LIVE Below Deck chat where myself and Gelsey take over Up And Adam!‘s channel to recap the latest episode. 10:30PM ET / 9:30PM PT. Tonight, we’re joined by our special guest from Below Deck Down Under, Nicolas Cattelan.
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5 Responses
Not Chef Anthony! Looking for to seeing Nicolas on anchor Watch tonight
Last night’s chat was chaotic. we need to get people on that chat like yesterday fun fun!
yes!
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