Below Deck Down Under Season 3, Episode 12 Recap: Across Frenemy Lines
The latest episode of Below Deck Down Under, titled Across Frenemy Lines, aired on Bravo on April 21, 2025. This episode picked up right where the previous one left off, focusing on the unexpected trouble experienced by deckhand Nicolas Cattelan after consuming alcohol while on duty.
Nicolas Takes Responsibility
Torn between fear of losing his job and his sense of integrity, Nicolas made the pivotal decision to come clean to Captain Jason Chambers about his slip-up. With a surprising twist, the captain expressed his admiration for Nicolas’s honesty and chose to forgive him, thereby reinforcing the importance of accountability within the crew.
Ongoing Tensions Between Tzarina and Lara
Episode 12 also delved deeper into the continuing conflict between head chef Tzarina Mace Ralph and Chief Stew Lara Rigby. Following yet another intense confrontation, Tzarina expressed her frustration, indicating she had reached her limit with the ongoing drama among the crew.
“A deckhand is forced to own up to their mistake. Jason pushes Lara out of her managerial comfort zone. Tzarina struggles to find resolve with Lara. Alesia gets frustrated with Tzarina. The crew goes out and a new love connection is formed while a friendship starts to fall apart.”
Highlights from Episode 12
In the prior episode, Nicolas had assisted Bri with a charter guest when he was unexpectedly offered a drink, leading him to mistakenly consume alcohol while working. Realizing his misjudgment, he was filled with anxiety about the repercussions but initially hesitated to confess.
Upon his admission to Captain Jason at the beginning of this episode, Nicolas sought to alleviate the tension with some humor, referencing Pirates of the Caribbean. Surprisingly, his candidness impressed Jason, offering a refreshing moment of camaraderie as Nicolas was ultimately embraced as a vital team player.
Romantic Developments
Nicolas’s newfound confidence extended to his personal life, as he disclosed a crush on Marina, who had heard about his honesty through Adair. The episode culminated in a sweet moment between the two, ending with their first kiss, hinting at promising romantic prospects ahead.
Alesia’s Growing Frustration
The dynamics among the crew members continued to evolve as Alesia confronted Tzarina about her frustration over the recently heightened tensions. After Captain Jason challenged Lara to allow Marina to manage guest services during harsh weather, Lara reluctantly complied, only to be pleasantly surprised by Marina’s competence.
However, Tzarina felt her presence at the picnic lunch was unnecessary and withdrew to the galley in frustration. Compounding the situation, Alesia’s attempts to communicate her feelings fell flat, leading to a confrontation that revealed the need for better dialogue between the two.
Confrontations and Revelations
Despite Jason’s attempts to mediate, Lara resisted acknowledging her part in the escalating tensions. As their conversation escalated, Tzarina voiced her exhaustion with the relentless emotional strain of working alongside Lara. This pivotal moment showcased the fragility of their professional relationship as Tzarina firmly stated she was done with the persistent drama.
Episode Conclusion
As the episode concluded, the crew wrapped up their charter with palpable disappointment upon receiving a modest tip of $15,000, reflecting the ongoing challenges of maintaining harmony amid the pressures of their demanding environment.
New episodes of Below Deck Down Under air every Monday on Bravo, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Peacock.