Below Deck Season 12, Episode 3 “Fight Island” recap: Chef Anthony Returns, Rivalries Ignite

Never a dull moment on Below Deck ever, and Season 12, Episode 3 [Fight Island] proved just that. The return of Chef Anthony, not just for an appearance here or there, but his first full episode this season, comes with his own baggage in the form of tension left over from last year. Tensions are already beginning to simmer, particularly with Fraser, who has so much on his plate that he doesn't notice just how close the pot is to boiling over.

As for the crew, they're soon realizing that handling five days worth a raucous charter involving adult entertainers is much easier said than done. From managing staffing issues to dealing with laundry problems to growing friction in the interior to a bosun who probably needs a one-way plane ticket out, Below Deck brings the high-stakes awkwardness and whispers behind closed doors.

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The Below Deck interior team hits choppy waters

Fraser’s department is fraying fast. Rainbeau is losing patience with Solène. Fraser, however, can’t focus on fixing their dynamic because he’s got guests to impress. And these Below Deck guests are not your average vacationers, they’re adult entertainers, and they’ve arrived with specific requests.

“They’ve asked for lube in every room,”

Fraser reveals.

“I’m terrified.”

Rainbeau steps into mentor mode with Solène, making it clear she’s not there to sugarcoat anything. Solène gets the message, but that doesn’t mean everything goes smoothly.

When Rainbeau teaches a hack involving Febreze, Solène pushes back, asking when to use it versus ironing. The tone? Definitely tense. Later, during crew dinner, Rainbeau apologizes for their earlier exchange, but Solène doesn’t let it slide. She says Rainbeau was out of line, Captain Kerry watches the exchange unfold with a wry smile.

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Chef Anthony is back and sharing space with Fraser

Chef Anthony’s return is already stirring the pot on Below Deck. He moves into Fraser’s cabin, noting in his confessional that while they’re roommates, there’s a Below Deck Season 11 issue they still need to discuss. Meanwhile, in the galley, Anthony gets a warm welcome from Lawrence, who walks him through how things are organized. Anthony approves.

Out on deck, Kyle and Solène share a personal moment. Solène still wears a bracelet from Dylan Pierre De Villiers, her ex from Below Deck Season 11, and admits she still has feelings for him. Kyle listens but doesn’t have much to say.

As the next day begins with stormy weather, the adult entertainer guests arrive. But chaos strikes early. Captain Kerry needs Fraser, whose uniform has gone missing. As the rain pours and the yacht pulls away, Rainbeau struggles with a champagne bottle and mutters,

“If you want something done right…”

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Caio’s leadership raises eyebrows

While the interior deals with its own chaos, things aren’t much better outside. Caio, the bosun, is dropping the ball. Jess reminds him that the deck team hasn’t had lunch all day. He’s caught off guard and eventually sends Jess on a break. Damo later confides in an interview that their break system is “chaotic,” which he attributes to Caio’s lack of structure.

Captain Kerry’s frustrations pile up when he finds himself without a uniform again. The laundry’s in disarray, and he’s not happy. Rainbeau and Bárbara insist it’s not their fault.

Dinner that night is cabaret-themed, and Kyle wins over the guests with a flashy entrance. Bárbara also takes note of Solène’s growing confidence in the cabins. Later, during the guests’ racy talent show, the crew bursts out laughing. Damo and Jess huddle afterward, still mulling over Caio’s scattered approach.

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There’s more drama on the horizon for Below Deck

This week’s episode of Below Deck has all the ingredients of a great yacht mess, clashing coworkers, overwhelmed leaders, and emotionally drained stews. Between Fraser juggling guest needs, Rainbeau reaching her limit, Solène learning the ropes, and Caio’s string of missteps, things are only getting stormier.

Chef Anthony’s return has added another layer of tension, and though his culinary skills are appreciated, his unresolved beef with Fraser is likely to come up sooner rather than later.

And as this five-day charter continues, the crew will have to work harder than ever to stay afloat.

Below Deck airs Mondays at 8/7c on Bravo.