Emotional Turmoil in Below Deck Down Under Season 3, Episode 12
The latest episode of Below Deck Down Under, titled “Across Frenemy Lines“, aired on April 21, 2025, on Bravo. This episode delved into the escalating friction between head chef Tzarina Mace Ralph and Chief Stew Lara Rigby, revealing significant contrasts in their working approaches.
Under increasing pressure, Tzarina faced difficulties not only in managing her culinary responsibilities but also in maintaining a harmonious relationship with sous chef Alesia Harris. Alesia expressed her concerns about Tzarina’s lack of communication, stating that she often felt lost about what was expected of her in the kitchen.
“I have no idea what is going on in the woman’s head. After the rum distillery, she’s all over. I can’t bite my tongue anymore. Tzarina, just be a better boss,” Alesia remarked during her confessional.
Acknowledging the Communication Gap
In a pivotal moment of the episode, Tzarina openly acknowledged her moodiness during a conversation with Alesia, recognizing that she was not her usual self in the galley. Alesia, however, articulated her frustration at having to “walk on eggshells”, feeling that she was deprived of essential details regarding their tasks.
“But what’s going on with the crew breakfast? What’s going on? You’ve not actually told me what you’ve got planned for the crew. So, when you say we’re working together, I have no idea what you’re doing,” Alesia challenged.
Alesia expressed her discontent in a confessional, stating that the ongoing uncertainty about Tzarina’s culinary plans left her feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. The sous chef implored Tzarina to take on a more effective leadership role.
The situation escalated when Lara insisted that Tzarina join the crew for a picnic lunch, despite Tzarina’s assertion that her presence was unnecessary and that she had crucial preparations for dinner to complete.
Upon her return from the picnic, Tzarina displayed clear signs of frustration. When Alesia, also returning from the lunch, inquired if she could assist, Tzarina’s silence only fueled Alesia’s irritation, prompting her to express her grievances to Lara and fellow crew member Bri.
“I don’t get told anything that’s going on about the guest food or crew food. I’m like, ‘So what have you done?’ ‘I’m doing it.’ And I’m like, ‘Just tell me what the f—k is going on.’ It makes me feel really useless…I just want to cry and cry and cry,” Alesia lamented.
Tzarina eventually joined the discussion, recognizing Alesia’s distress. As they explored the issue further, Alesia revealed that she found Tzarina’s comment about handling the picnic alone to be condescending. Tzarina, in turn, clarified that her comments were not meant to belittle; rather, they stemmed from her own frustrations with Lara.
“I didn’t mean to be condescending. I was just pissed off at the fact that Lara told me that a head of department had to be there…when my sous chef is perfectly capable. I’m really sorry if sometimes it seems passive aggressive or overly sarcastic. I just cannot hide any of my emotions,” Tzarina explained.
Viewers can catch new episodes of Below Deck Down Under every Monday on Bravo, with the latest episodes available to stream the following day on Peacock.