What to expect from Below Deck Season 12 Episode 8? Details explored

Below Deck Season 12 continues to explore interpersonal tensions and workplace challenges aboard the St. David. As Episode 8 approaches, viewers can expect more focus on the dynamics between Chief Stew Fraser Olender and deckhand Damo Yorg.

Following multiple flirtatious encounters, including a kiss, the pair will plan what Fraser calls a “straight date.” This comes during a rare two-day crew break between charters, allowing time for the team to unwind. Meanwhile, internal conflicts within the interior crew continue to escalate.

In the previous episode, tensions reached a boiling point between Rainbeau and Solène, and Fraser promised to take charge of the situation. Viewers can anticipate that Episode 8 will further explore both the budding connection between Fraser and Damo and Fraser’s effort to restore order within his team.

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Sneak Peek from Below Deck season 12 episode 8

In Below Deck Season 12 Episode 8, Fraser Olender and Damo Yorg will spend personal time together as they plan to meet for drinks and dinner. In a sneak peek from the episode, Damo approaches Fraser in the lounge and asks,

“I was wondering what you’re doing this evening.”

With the crew on a short break, Fraser replies,

“I’ll be going out for some dinner at some point,” and asks, “What do you have on?”

Damo then proposes they have a few drinks together before rejoining the rest of the crew for dinner. Fraser responds, “That sounds like a really fun idea.” Fraser later reflects on their dynamic in a confessional, stating,

“Damo and I kissed. Damo is such a decent guy. He’s attractive, but he’s straight. So it’s a ‘straight date,’ which is not a date. It’s just a straight thing.”

Although Damo has described himself as bi-curious in a conversation with Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live (Zoom interview), he clarified that he hasn’t responded to the many messages he’s received, including photo requests, but added that he “would love to try it” someday.

Their interactions continue to be friendly and playful. Damo tells Fraser that he just wants to “get away from all this nonsense.” They share a hug and confirm their plans, with Fraser saying, “Can’t wait.” Earlier in the season, Fraser had explained that their dynamic is not serious:

“Everything’s all super fun and free and jovial and joking. None of it’s serious. We definitely let loose and have a good time, and we’re all adults … We can all do that in jest, and it’s not taken personally by anyone.”

Meanwhile, Fraser will continue addressing issues within his interior team. Following mounting frustrations, Fraser informed Captain Kerry that he intends to have a conversation with his stews. His concern was mainly about team members like Rainbeau feeling overworked while others contributed less.

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What happened in the last episode of Below Deck?

Below Deck Season 12 episode 7, titled 'Party Dockin’ in the House Tonight,' featured Fraser grappling with disorganization just hours before his planned Carnivale-themed party. He felt overwhelmed by the sarcastic charter guests and unprepared crew.

Seven hours before the event, preparations were incomplete. Hugo, however, succeeded with his first bridge crossing and docking, earning praise from Captain Kerry.

Fraser had a minor confrontation with Anthony over timing details for dinner service, and guest Rainbeau commented that the dads are fighting. Despite early chaos, the party was successful, featuring fire eaters, stilt walkers, and dancers.

Interpersonal drama intensified among the interior crew of Below Deck. Kyle expressed hurt feelings over Solène’s flirtation with Jess, while Bárbara admitted to having a crush on Jess as well. Rainbeau began voicing concerns that she was carrying most of the workload.

Fraser addressed Rainbeau’s complaint about Solène and Jess slacking off, which Damo later echoed. That night, Solène refused a task, leaving Rainbeau to restock fridges alone. The next day, Solène and Bárbara blamed Rainbeau for a messy cabin, causing her to break down.

Anthony offered support, admitting he was also overwhelmed. Before the crew's break, Fraser warned the stews to refocus or risk being replaced. Though they returned to work, tensions lingered—Solène brushed off Rainbeau’s concerns and took a break. The Below Deck episode ended with a $27,500 tip and a villa retreat, but Fraser’s frustrations persisted heading into Episode 8.

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Below Deck airs Mondays at 8/7c on Bravo, with streaming available the following day on Peacock in the U.S., and on Hayu in the UK and Ireland.