Welcome back, Earthlings! At the end, below deck below below Season 4, Episode 1 is here, led once again by Captain Jason. At his side are several returning yachtsmen, including Chef Ben, Chief Stew Daisy, Second Officer João and Sous Chef Alessia. There are also several new characters arriving to work with this “A Team”. So, let’s dive right into this first, supersized episode, shall we? Here’s what happened in BDDU Season 4, Episode 1.
What happened in Below Deck Down Under Season 4 Episode 1?
After the backlash of the originally hired chefs, Ben comes out of his years-long Bravo hibernation to save Season 4. But can he keep his first charter group alive, consisting of the always dirty and always iconic cast of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City? Not really, because his cast is already facing troubles with these women. So basically, we’re like “Back baby!”
BDDU Season 4 cast aboard motor yacht Katina
Captain Jason “cannot survive” another season with his “heads of departments at odds with each other”. So this season, he is bringing four well-experienced boats, Ben, Daisy, Joao and Alessia. As he notes, Canouan is his new setting. And no, he’s not in Australia, but he is Australian, so “Down Under is wherever” he’s decided to live.
Daisy, Ben and Joao come on board first. Ben hasn’t worked on a boat in “six years”, but a week before being caught on camera in Season 4, he meets Captain Jason. Ben “took him to lunch at Outback Steakhouse, because he’s Australian.” And when Captain Jason reveals that his chef has moved out, Ben decides to return, mostly because he “needs an escape” from his failed engagement.
The deck/stew mic comes next. Thankfully, Daisy and Joao are already working well together. They plan to use Mike on the deck in the morning, and in the evening, he will work the interior. Joao “has grown up,” he says, and even though he is a captain, he is happy to put his ego aside and serve as second officer to Captain Jason.
Stewards Jenna and Joe arrive next, followed by deckhands Eddie and Betul, and finally, Alessia. Captain Jason tells Alessia that there will be a “great atmosphere” in the galley this season. Is this…false premonition?
The crew heads off to their first priority sheet meeting. Captain Jason reveals that the ladies of RHOSLC are his first charter guests, as his OG’s face immediately shows a solid mix of excitement and fear. Then, Daisy names Jenna as her second stew.
A crew member exits while the RHOSLC cast enters
The next morning, Ben and Alessia prepare brunch for the crew, but Alessia uses the wrong pan and burns the eggs. Ben shows her an easier way out, but while he’s talking, Alessia’s hand gets burned. Feeling great emotions, she excuses herself to cry cathartically. Her mother convinced her to attend culinary school, so now, Alessia just wants to prove her wrong.
A cell phone rings incessantly next door. And nearby, a private plane lands, carrying Lisa Barlow, Mary Cosby, Heather Gay (primary), Angie Katsevanas, Meredith Marks, Whitney Rose, and Brittany Bateman to Canouan. Later Braunwyn Newport will also join them.
While changing into her white clothes, Jo finally answers that phone. This is his father. Her grandfather is in the hospital, and things aren’t looking good. Joe falls to the ground, and when Daisy enters, Joe admits that he is leaving.
“We’re bullshitting,” Daisy says. Captain Jason calls his crew together and urges everyone to “pitch” for this potentially demanding charter.
Speaking of devils, here comes the housewives. As they begin drinking and touring the yacht, Captain Jason calls Jo quietly and reminds her that she is “doing the right thing.” Finally, right after the housewives argue over the cabins, the first charter of season 4 leaves the dock.
Typical.
Tension has increased regarding the boat
Ben cheekily criticizes Alessia’s cutting technique. However, I don’t think his IQ is good, so it could be a long season for this pair. Likewise, it could be a long charter for the men, as Brittany is on a “thirty day break” from her oft-repeated, oft-disappointing man, Jared Osmond, and she already has her sights set on Captain Jason.
At the table, Whitney warned Brittany that if she told her man’s name, she would be sprayed. She accepts Whitney’s challenge and is immediately showered by Heather, Meredith, and Whitney. “These are the friends I need,” Jenna jokes. Right after, Meredith threw an entire pitcher of water over Brittany for referencing “a certain person”.
Braunwyn eventually arrives via a water taxi wearing a ridiculous outfit. At the galley, Alessia’s salad is not up to Ben’s standards. But neither is Brittany’s stuffed unicorn, which Braunwyn jokes should be thrown in the water. Additionally, Angie is seasick, some of the women want help unpacking, one has lost a nipple-cover, and others need another drink, leading Daisy to grow tired of these “unhelpful” women.
In the galley, Ben and Alessia misunderstand each other. Back at the table, Braunwyn suggests that someone is leaking stories. “No one here would do that,” Lisa replied. Downstairs, Jenna finds a cucumber in Whitney’s luggage, while poor Mike deals with these “f*cking nutjob” women alone.
Housewives descend into chaos
Women gravitate towards water toys. Captain Jason also joins them, along with Heather on the seaplane. Whitney jokes, “You’re finally getting on it!”
Ben and Alessa begin preparing the cheesecake. In the ocean, Angie serves delicious vomit to the fish. Poor Angie.
Poor Alessia too. His pan is full, causing Ben to sigh. “His passion for cooking” isn’t translating well, he said.
Angie is still down for the count. Mary is worried about her friend, so she eats her dinner at Angie’s. Back at the table, Brittany broke a rule by saying “sh*t” about Mary in her absence. But once Brittany accuses Meredith of faking seizures, the whole thing falls apart.
As the women argue, Ben plays the radio for Daisy, who is in over her head with these guests. Right on cue, Meredith is standing, pouring water on Brittany once again. Brittany repaid her unkindness by breaking her glass in return. Daisy calls Mike to clean up the crumbs, as Ben fumes in another spot in the galley, waiting to plate his dishes for service on time.
“These girls are next level delusional,” Daisy says, adding, “I’m over it.”
below deck below below Continues Mondays at 8/7c on Bravo. It flows on the peacock.
TELL US – Did you watch Below Deck Down Season 4 Episode 1? What are your predictions after seeing this chaotic crossover debut?