Before I start tonight’s Below Deck Med recap, I have a few quick things to mention. I was watching the end of last week’s Below Deck Med with “unseen” footage. One new scene was the primary privately telling Micromanager Sandy that there was a noticeable friction between the crew. She automatically assumed it was Hannah and Bugsy. Then when he guests left they complimented Bugsy individually. The other was, Hannah made a comment about Valium, then a few scenes later they showed her in her cabin taking medication before bed. I don’t always have my eyes on the TV while typing. So I don’t see everything. That could explain why Captain Sandy talked to Hannah about being “checked out” and not herself. So, does she get fired for Valium? That seems to be the set up.
Anyway, it is time for tonight’s episode where Sandy is on the rampage again. She is being awful to Kiko. Kiko says he is not going out tonight. He’s going to work on his night off. And the bitch made him cry. She was so condescending to our little Kiko! Then the poor thing has to go to the preference sheet meeting. I think this must be storyline and he only has like five charters in his contract. This better not be another excuse for Ben to come in! It’s a four day charter. That is murder for the chef.
Shore Leave!
It’s time for the crew to go party! Alex is still embarrassed about his drunken moves on Bugsy for the last crew night out. So, this time he is vowing not to drink. He seems genuinely interested in her. Dear Lord! I thought Bugsy was joking about the Cyndi Lauper amount of cheap accessories she has piled on. But nope, she actually go in the van dressed like that. While everyone else is out enjoying a fancy dinner and drinks, our sweet Kiko is cleaning the galley like crazy and reading the preference sheets over and over. I want to give him a hug.
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Alex compliments Bugsy on her “unique” fashion. So I guess it is going to work for her. Bugsy looks great in her talking head! She is pretty just as she is. The accessories detract from her natural beauty. Then, off they go to the bar. Hannah is missing her only friend, Kiko. Malia and Bugs spend time in the bathroom trash talking Hannah AND KIKO! This has got to be scripted. Also while the crew is out being terrible, we get scenes of Kiko working hard, taking some time to play his guitar, and talking about how fortunate he is to have this opportunity. Alex comes home wasted.
Sandy Starts Another Drama
The next morning, Malia tells the guys to meet her on the aft deck for a quick meeting. Guess who went running to observe the meeting with her arms crossed? Did you guess the Micromanging Sourpuss? I bet you did! And once again, Captain Sandy threatened to fire Jess if she can’t even manage to do laundry. This caused a whole lot of finger pointing between Malia, Jess and Hannah. The solution to this problem is for Jess to do the fucking laundry instead of running to everyone to complain about who tattled on her.
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The guests arrived very nicely dressed and looking expensive. Once again, the Kiko drama has to be storyline. The primary’s wife calls him out before they even get onboard. This never happens. The problem with people dressed to the nines is that means four suitcases each. Their preference sheets were cheap American foods like hamburgers and chicken fingers. When Kiko meets with the guests we have a no gluten person, a no veggie person, a no meat person. This is all total bullshit. Where are these people from? They seem to be trying REALLY hard.
Choppy Seas
Shortly into the trip, the weather gets bad and they finally get to a cove to drop anchor. For some reason we get a brief shot of Jess delivering uniforms to Malia and Hannah’s bunk. She has a weird look on her face. Hannah is really working hard to help Kiko. But he insists on pouring gravy on filet mignon. Who does that? No one. Especially not a Brazilian. This is just fake crap and it’s irritating me.
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Then people who don’t even know how to swim are allowed out in open water on jet skis. Is that even legal? Malia lets them know she is a rescue diver. They tell her to “get ready then.” Really? If you want to operate heavy machines in open water, learn to fucking swim. The waves are bad. This is not water for amateurs. It’s a guy with a female on the back going full speed into the waves. Malia starts screaming for them to stop. They don’t. They both go flying. The jet ski flips and Malia yanks off her microphone and dives in to save them. This is day one of four. Sigh.
Kiko Pulls One Out
At dinner it is one of the couple’s 15th anniversary. Bugsy does a really nice tablescape with a couple of dollar store balloons with the numbers I and 5. The micromanger is so pleased I though her stimulation might soil the table. Kiko’s must be the world’s greatest actor. He’s playing the role of chef who suddenly can’t cook pulling off a multiple course dinner for 12 when he had planned for six. And of course the Great Overseer will be at dinner. Did I mention how irritated this makes me? But Kiko is playing along like a champ.
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Dinner starts of really well. And it ends well. But for one course, Hannah suggested he do chicken because it is on the preference sheet. And one guy who is pescatarian, got sea bass. Well, I like chicken a lot. But if the other option is sea bass, I’m going to be pissed I didn’t get that option. And one of he chicken diners, maybe the primary, felt the same. But the micromanager seemed pleased and really that is all that counts.
Nacho Best Meal
The next morning, Jess is in charge of setting the breakfast table and she did a great job. Alex and Bugsy take the guest to ride a trolley in Parma to Sóller. It’s very romantic. If I ever get to Spain, I want to do that! I loved getting to see the hat shop! After the spectacular outing, it’s back to the giant, fugly megayacht. Hannah has been helping Kiko refine his “Vegas menu” which includes much of the trashy foods the have on their preference sheet. Captain Sandy gives the greenlight to forcing the male deckheads to be “Chippendale’s.” Because, that’s not sexual harassment. /eyeroll But the guys seem fine with it.
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Oh Lord. There is fried chicken. The nachos look gross. The sea bass looks great. But do you really fry sea bass? Literally everything is fried. Except the brownies which basically get nixed by Bugsy. Then, Sandy sees the nachos. Hannah makes another Valium reference in her talking head. This is going to be the end of sweet Kiko. The nacho downfall of Kiko being compared to that idiot chef who could not cook is infuriating. It’s interesting that Bugsy refused to serve the brownies but not the nachos.
A Glimmer Of Hope?
There may be hope yet. Sandy tells Kiko to just get through this charter. She dismisses him with “just do your food.” You know the food she told him to stop making even though everyone loved it. He says, “And then I leave?” And she says yes. Well, there are two more days for this bullshit storyline to have a miraculous happy ending. Maybe Ben missed his flight.
Next week: Malia gangs up on Hannah with Sandy. Perhaps this was all a way to get Hannah and her Valium off the boat? And Kiko will stay? Fingers crossed. Hannah just wants to be home with her man.
Malia’s BF as a replacement? Isn’t he a chef?
I serriously had not thought about that but the rumor is Hannah got fired so it most likely her replacement.
No Hannah, no me… and if Bugsy becomes the new Chief Stew for future seasons then no more Below Deck Med for me… can’t stand Sandy, and I definitely don’t care for Bugs.
I read that her BF will be the replacement chef. This is so weird. So all of Malia’s favorite people are on the boat with her. Poor Kiko, I feel like this was a setup. How does he go from putting out 72 plates of beautiful food to being labeled an incompetent chef?
I think that’s Malia’s plan. She keeps saying how many more days until he arrives (which is the same day this current charter ends) and now it seems Malia and Bugsy are doing everything they can to get Sandy to fire Kiko.
Oh my gosh that has to be it! I feel for Kiko, but before Hannah suggested chicken for Vegas Night, he was planning on steak. They just had steak at lunch. Hmmm. They may have edited the nights out of sequence, but steak, steak seemed odd. He poured the sauce over the steaks because they had been sitting too long waiting to be served and he was afraid they would be cold. Hannah’s suggestion for Vegas night dinner is what should get her fired. Kiko’s interpretation was bad. Very bad. Nachos on a super yacht for dinner? Fried Chicken? Was it the hippie chef who said it best: give them what they want – but elevate it! EX: Foie Gras Hamburgers!
Exactly… elevate the damn food. I don’t blame Hannah, I do think someone like Ben or Adam would have taken her suggestions and run with it.
Instead of fried fish, fish skewers with freshly grilled sea bass and some sort of elevated sauce that instead of drizzling, you dip (to mimic the fried fish). Nachos with some sort of Brazilian theme or grilled meat and sauce.
He said he googled Vegas food. Vegas is an amazing food town. FYI, if you go there when there is a vaccine, go to the Fashion Show Mall to Stripburger. Talk about elevated hamburgers, fries … PICKLE FRIES! Not to mention the alcoholic milkshakes. YUM!
Ben and Adam ARE BOTH AMERICANS! Kiko is NOT. And there is no such thing as “Las Vegas Food” Las Vegas is full of hotels with buffets and Celebrity chain restaurants. Mostly the former.
When I use to go, I stayed at a hotel that is not there anymore and mostly ate pizza by the slice by the place next door to the hotel (and a tattoo parlor). And a mid level but very tasty Asian restaurant in my hotel.
“Las Vegas Menu” was just more bullshit in this bullshit storyline. There is no such thing.
Ben is British!
I agree it was bullshit theme. But he knows what nachos are right? So elevate them! Make them Brazillian! Fuck, just fix Brazillian food! The Mirage used to have a great Brazillian steakhouse. Not sure if it does anymore.
If you Google, and you see that everything from street cart food to Michelin rated restaurants. Then it would behoove you to ask the guests to describe their favorite Las Vegas meals.
I do a mix when I go. I’ve done the Excalibur Jousting thing (my friend’s rehearsal dinner before her wedding!!!), I LOVE the aforementioned Stripburger (locals eat there too) but I’ve also done the Same Day Ticket booth Prix Fix (sp) meal offers. (great way to get tickets to the shows too. Delmonico’s had a great 3 course meal.)
I’m Australian never been to the states have no clue what Vegas food is and I’m sorry but why do some American tourists go to Europe, Spanish food is my fave… and ask for ‘Vegas’ food ffs when you’re cruising the Mediterranean ! At least write a description on their preference sheet. Cannot watch the rest of the episode as I need kiko’s smile not tears on my telly. I just want to give him a cuddle and bloody eat his Brazilian fish stew hey TT
I haven’t even watched this episode yet and I think I might need a Valium before watching after reading this recap. (Great recap btw, TT & thanks for getting it up so quickly) I could probably just cut and paste my rant from last weeks episode and put it here. Same Sandy shit, different charter. She is such an asshole.
I am disappointed in malia and the mean girling shit about Hannah and my sweet kiko. I’m going to chalk it all up to storyline like every other Bravo show.
BD shows were the best ones in the bunch and somehow Bravo and production managed to ruin it too. Sandy needs to GET THE FUCK OFF MY TV! I used to love this show.
IJC Well, I think she is even worse this wk. I can’t stand seeing her, hearing her and just get more pissed off every wk. I actually think Bugsy brought it up to Malia. about Hannah. Sandy has her favorites and they can do no wrong. She is the worst manager ever.
Just saving time by saying Ditto your post! I need Sandy off my TV
Perfectly stated, IJC, especially the last two sentences. Thank you.
I love Kiko!! There’s something about Hannah that I also love. I know she can be difficult. Most of the time she looks like she wishes she wasn’t there, but I’d feel the same way if I was dealing with the same assholes she does. This includes Sandy. I hate Sandy.
I agree with everything you said. I love Kiko. This is just too weird. He can kill it in the kitchen. It makes no sense that he’s suddenly struggling. And I HATE when Sandy leans over the damn guests and starts inspecting the food. She encourages guests to complain. I can’t stand her! Micromanaging bitch! Camera hog! This whole season is just a mess. I also agree with another comment about Bravo ruining Below Deck…they have. None of these shows are fun to watch anymore.
As for Captain Sandy she worried about ruining her reputation, it’s already ruined (IMO). Her micromanaging is ridiculous, If she is/was so worried about the menu than why didn’t she go over the menu with Kiko. Hannah set up Kiko regarding Las Vegas menu, he had planned on making something else and than Hannah made all the suggestions. I’m sorry that food was pool side menu food, when I am in Vegas I eat more upscale meals. When Kiko tried to tell Sandy that he goggled Vegas she got mad at him. WTF Sandy, if someone has never been to Vegas what are they to do?! Than when Kiko tells her Hannah suggested the menu she tells Kiko “lets keep Hannah out of it”. I am so confused, because the last episode she got mad at Hannah for not saying anything about the food to Kiko. Poor Kiko, “damn if you do, damn if you don’t”. I’m glad that Kiko is getting out of that environment, because with Sandy it’s not going to get better. I just feel like he was set up to fail. I was grossed out that Bugsy was standing on the table to put up the “15” balloons. Lastly why isn’t anyone doing the laundry?!
Every season I am grossed out how they stand or sit on the table when they are decorating it. And I think a lot of the table decor just looks cheap and tacky. Just give me a vase of lovely flowers and spare me the place mats they have put on the floor as they are pulling them out of the storage cabinet.
Ugh! Thank you! Those tablescapes are beyond. That idiot Sandy wants white glove service? Well, white glove service is a crisp, white, linen tablecloth and napkins with china, polished cutlery and sparkling glassware with tastefully arranged flowers that do not impede conversation.
I agree with you regarding white glove service. Bugsy’s tables look like a Dollar Tree store vomited with all the cheap decorations.
Her accessories are an extension of her table settings.
LMAO!! Yeah I am not feeling her accessories. With Alex complementing Bugsy she now thinks it looks good (smh). Less is more.
Heeeeeeeeeeee!!
I was SHOCKED that Sandy didn’t take that bus that Kiko tried to throw Hannah under and honk the horn and back up over Hannah… twice.
Hilarious and true! Or pile on and have Bugsy drive.
I’m so over Sandy and her micromanaging of everything little detail. She is probably the main issue on this show, she sticks her nose in and fucks shit up constantly. Just keep your old ass in the wheelhouse and stop creeping around trying to undermine your own crew. It’s like she gleefully waits for negative comments about any little thing so she can thump her chest and be in charge. I don’t get it. Bugsy is very good at what she does and she works circles around Hannah every single time, plus she does it all with a smile. Hannah always just seems to be disappointed to be there. I love Kiko, he is the sweetest crew member to ever be on any of the crews, how Sandy can be cunty to him is beyond me. I just want to hug him and tell him to do his thing and plating doesn’t fucking matter. It was great to not have to hear Pete speak at all this episode, thank you to editing for that.
Sandy is the problem but yet she blames everybody else. Sometimes you just need to take accountability with all the problems. If your crew isn’t up to par than you need to self-reflect and take hold of the situations. Sandy said that the problems start at the time, well you are at the top Sandy.
Yes!
So Malia’s CHEF boyfriend is meeting her after this charter?? Apparently he is between gigs?? How convenient. Yes, Kiko will leave and be replaced by him. It’s all set up. Not a spoiler but I would bet on it.
Perhaps.
Below Deck Med has been painful to watch this season. I don’t like watching the show when I’m in a good mood because it just instantly angers me to see such GASLIGHTING from Sandy to the crew this season. Its so painfully obvious Sandy got Bugsy to replace Hannah. It feels obvious that Sandy wanted Hannah gone but production wanted her back so she got her asskissers to be on this season. Disappointed in Malia for once again being a shady snake behind, and in front of, the scenes.
I think you are right, I think Sandy initially hired Maila and Bugsy to piss off Hannah. She knew that Hannah wouldn’t be able to handle it so get all the people Hannah has issues with and push her out.
I don’t think sandy does much of the hiring. I think production does most of it and that’s why we get people who have no clue how to do anything.
Yeah but it’s too much of a coincidence that two people that Hannah can’t stand are on the crew this year. Plus Sandy loves both of them makes me go hmmm. Unless production wanted to screw Hannah instead or maybe it was a twofer.
Sandy making sweet Kiko cry was horrible. She really is a miserable person and she has made the show just about unwatchable for me. What the hell happened to her to make so unlikable? The thought of the show with Captain Sandy, and Bugsy as Chief Stew has zero appeal for me, no matter how beautiful the locales,
I cannot believe she made Kiko cry ffs! He is my favourite chef ever. Damn you Sandy can’t we have just one charter go well without your constant hovering and criticism. Life sucks at the moment and having a smiley Kiko just makes it a little bit more bearable. Cannot stand Sandy. Kiko rocks !!
Sweet Kiko is incompetent. Just because he’s nice doesn’t mean he should have his job. He’s not a cruise ship chef where people expect fine dining. He’s had to Google a number of things that should have been common knowledge, showing his inexperience. Hannah messed him up with her suggestions for Vegas food. Does Hannah stay in a trailer park when she goes to Vegas? I’ve been going there for 50 years and decades ago it was known for its inexpensive buffets but that went out at least 30 years ago.A number of celebrity chefs have major fine dining restaurants in Vegas which are crowded at all times. People with money such as the cruisers are not eating at fried food buffets.
People don’t go on cruise ships for fine dining, please!!! They take cruises for an affordable way to travel. Thet get to see the world on the cheap.They want the copius amounts of food available at all times. Google has replaced 200 lbs of cookbooks and is constantly used in the culinary community for inspiration. Kiko isn’t incompetent…Sandy is the problem. I actually have to give him credit for sticking around this long with her hovering and constant questioning every decision. Chefs are very prideful and not very thick skinned when it comes their food. She undermines him at every turn which has to get frustrating. Also, you act like these idiots that get on this reality show as “cruisers” (at a discount rate) are the upper echelons of society.
I think she meant yachters not cruisers.
People go on CRUISE ships for MASS QUANTITIES of food. There are TEAMS of people who prepare it. The ratio of kitchen to clients is higher than any restaurant.
People do not go on PRIVATE YACHTS because it is inexpensive. Food is paramount. Especially when they are “stuck” onboard without toys.
On a yacht this size, the crew quarters, kitchen and laundry room and pantry could be more well-designed. This boat is a giant floating POS design, compared to vessels of any size that are known for efficient and beautiful design.
Provisions need to be ordered, stored, and scrap/leftovers disposed of — then cooking in a small space — (hence the term galley kitchen, appliances in a narrow row, inappropriately used on many home selling shows, which use triangulated appliance placement) that is not conducive for certain types of food.
This season sucks for one main reason CANERA HOG Sandy. Trying to get her mug on TV so she can promote her restaurant.
Another affordable way to travel is to charter a motor yacht at a very deeply discounted rate in exchange for being filmed for a rapidly declining reality show. JS
He’s not incompetent– just two charters ago, Kiko put on the 72 plate, multi-course dinner. Sandy ruined his confidence with her micromanaging and ridiculous hovering in the galley. I could see why he got flustered and messed up. Kiko might be too sensitive, but Sandy caused all of this.
The fucking WRITERS started all this, but I am happy to hang it on Sandy as she is the face of evil.
Wow. Another Bravo show being deleted from my dvr. I can’t deal with Captain Sandy any longer. She is the worst. I have always looked to these shows as a source of entertainment and NONE of them do that for me anymore. If I was Hannah, I would be popped valium just to deal with Sandy.
Sandy you are a mean one, like Mr. Grinch ! Watching Kiko crying & upset makes me hate Sandy even more than I already do.
I agree with the rest of you about Micromanager Sandy. She prompts the guests to complain about the food.
Many of the items that Kiko served tonight were on their preference sheets. And last charter, I understand how Kiko was a bit thrown by the vegan guy. Cooking vegan is hard if you are not used to it–and Kiko is from Brazil, which is famous for its meat. I still am amazed at how one chef can cook so many dishes all by himself, for the guests and for the crew. But so much of these cooking things feel scripted, and I don’t like that.
About the Valium, my DVR on its own extended to record WWHL tonight, which had Hannah and Alex. In answer to a viewer question, Hannah said the pill(s) she took were something like Advil (she said the exact name, I just can’t remember it), for swollen feet. The viewer had asked if she was already pregnant on the show and taking neonatal vitamins–Hannah said she was not pregnant then.
I agree with others of you that Below Deck is starting to feel too scripted and manufactured and tinkered with. We don’t need drummed up drama.
She takes Advil PM for swollen feet and sleeping.
If Sandy was so concerned about Kiko’s cooking then why isn’t she going over the menu with him every morning? Doesn’t seem like she has anything else to do except creep around the boat.
That’s what I said about Sandy. If she is so concerned (micromanaging) than go over the menu with him instead of waiting until everything is cooked and than critique it. Again she isn’t a very good supervisor.
You feel like Kiko’s storyline was planned and oh-do-conveniently times to allow Malia’s chef BF to swoop in and save the day. It was a little too convenient for me.
Sandy has sucked all of the fun out of this show. It was one of my favorites because the locales are breathtaking and they usually have a fun crew to watch. But she has made a point to jump into more scenes which in her opinion require her to micromanage in order to be on camera. Plus she’s a grade A bitch ti Kiko! The addition of Malia and Bugsy has not helped at all. They are irritating teacher’s pets.
Malia and Bugsy are both brown nosing snitches, throwing their crewmates under the bus to curry favor with the Captain. Sandy loves the brown nosers every time. And Malia goes to Jess and says it is all on Hannah, what a snake.
If Sandy was so damn concerned about the food, then she should meet with the chef after the preference sheet meeting and set the menu for the cruise. She, also, should not have reprimanded Kiko in front of the rest of the crew. That is a huuuuuge no-no. As someone who has been through a plethora of management classes through the decades, she is the absolute worst I have ever seen and to me, has rendered herself unemployable as a charter yacht captain. She is clueless as to managing a diverse crew quickly and exceeding clients expectations.
Yes. This is what I keep wondering why doesn’t she require him to submit a cruise menu after reviewing the preference sheets. I don’t remember a season with so many of the guests having so many different food requirements which can’t be easy to deal with on the fly. Developing menus in advance would help with that and would probably have prevented the Las Vegas dinner night catastrophe because she would have had eyes on what he was planning on preparing in advance, and the second she saw nachos that would have alerted her. When he told Sandy that he had consulted with Hannah and she dismisses him like he was trying to make an excuse and throw Hannah under the bus I was instantly annoyed with her, the kid wasn’t trying to make an excuse, or throw Hannah under he was just letting Sandy know happened what he tried to do, and she didn’t give him a chance. She has the kid completely flustered and demoralized at this point. Where he might have sought her insight on say what a las vegas menu should look like he was afraid of highlighting his ignorance so he relied on Hannah, which given her state of disconnect from this season was a disaster. Is it reasonable for her to expect that he should know a regional cuisine from a region completely outside his background. Everybody has to learn at some point and frankly Google, and Youtube are excellent ways of doing that.
I don’t know what Hannah’s been thinking with her suggestions. Hannah has just checked out of this season. She doesn’t want to be there and you can tell, it just oozes out of her. She’s no fun to watch this season the snark has totally abandoned her and that’s like 90% of her charm on the show.
One thing Sandy didn’t consider: All of those foods, INCLUDING NACHOS, were on the preference sheet. The nachos should have been elevated: Served on individual plates, with layers of melted cheese, grilled or marinated meat, guacamole, etc. and a great warm sauce (like chilaquiles sauce) served on the side to pour over so no soggy nachos.
A search of “Las Vegas menu” turns up every kind of restaurant from comfort food to haute cuisine. A consult with the primary to get their take on what Las Vegas means to them could have provided a solution. I don’t see why the chefs can’t print up a menu in advance to present to the primary before prep begins. Does any charter guest say “Surprise us”? Only a birthday surprise.
If you want to see some funny comments, read the posts with #BelowDeckMed on Twitter. The viewers are pissed with this obvious meddling by the producers and Sandy. I know they meddle every season but don’t insult the viewers’ intelligence with such obvious plot twists. That all of this is coincidence.
I rarely go on Twitter, but after reading this I took your advice. So good.
WOW! People are ripping Sandy.
And cheering Kiko.
Good to know. Captain Cuntsatchel is also promoting her appearances on celebrity call center and cash cab on Bravo. I think you’re onto something about her promoting her restaurant (which is the stupidest idea) She’s definitely a camera hog and is clearly her own (and maybe only) biggest fan. She really pissed me off on this episode. I’m not thrilled with Malia right now either. Grrrr
Makes me remember why I stopped watching Bravo pre-pandemic.
The only thing that makes me feel better is that Sandy is going to lose her shirt (ew) in the restaurant business.
Never have been a Malia fan – won’t be until she learns true leadership is earned and her crew deserves her respect. You’re not a leader just because you can bark orders and snark at every question (rather than inform and engage); and your uniform may get a degree of respect but when you continue to call your talented crew “boys” you get no respect from me. Grow up.
I can’t stand the barrette fad of wearing too many on one side of the head. Bugsy looks RIDCOULOUS! I am officially done with Below Deck and Bravo shows. They are too scripted and they leave me feeling angry. I like Kiko and I feel the show may ruin his reputation as a chef. If Malia’s boyfriend comes on board as a chef I will be really, really mad for Kiko. I can see it in Hannah’s face. She is checked out. If she is taking valium it explains her vacant stare. I am really happy she found love and is having a baby after this awful season.
I’ll step in to defend Captain Sandy a bit. I think she hovers (expecially at dinner) because she hope to hear fantastic feedback so she knows the guest’s perspective of how things are going. The guest’s feedback let her know DURING the charter where there are opportunities for improvement. She started the season with Malia, who was a great deckhand but had never been a bosun, and Hannah, a chief stew which whom she’s struggled in the past. Everyone else was an unknown for her. Her job is more than to man the wheelhouse, she also needs to make sure everyone is running their department at a level appropriate to the service expected on a boat this size. Kiko is the head of his department and, sweet as he is, has struggled in this environment. He’s been inconsistent and I think that inconsistency has Sandy rightfully worried. Hannah had to deal with Lara’s attitude and then had to adjust with Bugsy joining the crew in Lara’s place. Hannah knows that side by side comparisons are going to be made between her and Bugsy and Hannah will not be at Bugsy’s level of creativity or energy. Not to mention having to deal with a third stew that is sweet, but not at all experienced and hasn’t displayed any initiative to try to learn many new skills. Malia has had to work with Pete, his arrogance and his obvious inability to know how to act in the workplace. Other than that, Malia has had a good crew. Malia is on a learning curve herself, but I believe she’s improving in her leadership skills.
You are aware there are two other Below Deck franchises where the Captains do not act like this and seem to be busy doing their own jobs,right? And those shows there are way fewer issues with service.
Yep. Fully aware. While I adore Captain Lee, he was really blind-sided by what went on last season with the males on the deck crew and Kevin in the galley. I believe his lack of involvement and lack of awareness allowed a dangerous situation on his ship. Captain Glenn was really laid back but also was in a much smaller environment. I know Sandy is controversial but I’ve worked under many different management styles. I think hers fits her personality.
So I can have a cunty personality. That makes me management material in your opinion?
I think that giving Kiko the opposite of a pep talk and lurking in the galley with her arms crossed and a scowl on her face as she hovers over his shoulder is not at all helpful. Let’s see if she hovers over Malia’s boyfriend
He was blindsided because no one went to him about it like Bugsy went to Sandy.
Sandy didn’t hear whats his face’s comments because those types are very aware of when the Captain is around. Kate has explained, and it made sense to me, that she was worried that people would accuse the Captain of playing favorites. That they already had that going anyway. I also think she had a realistic fear, down deep, that Captain Lee would have thrown the lot of them overboard even if it ended the season and the show. He was PISSED when he found out.
Exactly!!!!
Teri, I think there is a way to be involved without hovering. Also, it’s not that she asks the guests how the food is, it’s the way she does it. Bugsy does it in a more positive way. Sandy keeps harping until they give her negative feedback. She has spoken to or reprimanded crew members in front of others. That is a no brainer to not do as a manager. Malia seems to be there every time she does this and runs to tell her crew. If she is so worried about Kiko spend the time with him instead of hovering over the guests. As for Hannah, putting up with the clueless 3rd stew has to be aggravating. If she couldn’t work then Sandy should have replaced her right away. Not that she was a ball of fire before she broke her finger.
EXACTLY!!! Sandy literally asks:
Is the food ok?
Is your steak ok? Is it tough? Let me call Kiko. Look at those nachos, how do they taste?
She is literally trying to pull insults out of guests just to warrant even more time in front of the camera scolding s chef who guests thought amazing in the beginning.
Sandy and production have ruined this show.
She has heard fantastic feedback which at that point she should tell the guests that she will forward their praise to the Chef. She does not do that. She asks them if they are sure and then by the power of suggestion…many, many suggestions, she has them questioning if it really was as good as they intially thought. She is a bully and for that, a horrible leader. She’s good at backing a super yacht in to tight spaces. She should stick to that.
My daughter got me interested in the BD series. Staying home because of the covid 19, it gave me something to watch, so I went and watched every episode of all three shows. I guess I feel invested now. lol I’ve read many times that Bravo swears this show is not scripted. (I have to wonder if the producers understand what ‘not scripted’ means.) They may not have passed out word for word scripts, but they obviously have plotted out this season. Set up the crew for situations. I mean, seriously think about it. Right off the bat we have that farce with Lara. Nobody in real life is that stupidly rude to their boss the 1st day. And how convenient to have Hannah’s worst stew, miss Bugsy available to come on board. (I swear they had to have timed her arrival with the thunderstorm. lol) They get a female bosom and pair her with the worlds biggest misogynist. Not long after airing the start of the show’s season, Bravo announces they have fired the guy, while still showing his ‘reduced’ scenes. Then for several seasons they have brought up the ‘drugs on board’ problem. So what do they do? They bring on a deck hand who admits to a past of being a drug trafficer and a substance abuse problem. (however I do commend him for cleaning up, and feel bad he couldn’t help his mother do the same.) But they have brought it up several times. He also is quick to dump the open relationship girlfriend and starts up with Jess. Who by the way, just happens to break a finger thus making her not able to do her job properly. (not that she was doing so before) Now we have a wonderfully lovable chef, who has put on amazing meals, and suddenly can’t seem to boil water? But not to worry, look who’s coming to visit, Malia’s chef boyfriend. Come on Bravo, even day time soap operas have better plot lines. My patience with the franchise has worn thin, and the ‘Virus isolation’s’ don’t appear to be ending any time soon, what am I to watch? lol At any rate, I know I am weak and will have to see this through. 🙂
Oooh I didn’t think about the convenient timing of Malia’s chef boyfriend. I guess Kiko is toast.
Hi TT, been reading a lot here but feel like my comments have already been said most of the time. Had a whopper panic attack last nite out of the blue, per usual. Calmed down reading your site. ((((Love you for being here)))
So let’s see, Below Deck Med. I’m new to all versions and this is my 1st time with Captain Sandy. *blushes* So far I’m Team Sandy. I admire her and am projecting my life as a woman in a male dominated industry, I know. I especially her nipping that Honey Sweetie shit in the bud!
Love Kiko but those guests sitting and waiting was for the birds.
Oh also…watching Perry Mason on HBO. Love thevtime period and story. It’s nothing like Raymond Burr version and well produced. Worth checking out TT.
Good news for those of us who love the HBO Perry Mason: Season 2 was given the green light last week. AFTER Covid-19, which indicates it may be delayed, but not revoked, by the pandemic.
I love that time period, fashion, architecture, etc.
Check out the real Court of Last Resort formed by Erle Stanley Gardner (and his book on the subject) about the real-life Innocence Project of its time.
Note: Mason, like real-life Gardner, was a self-educated lawyer; Della Street is a secret lesbian and starts out as the secretary/office manager of the original attorney on the first main case; investigator Paul Drake is a black patrolman in 1930s Los Angeles. The changes from the TV show work in this version, adding to the tapestry, not just token inclusions.
Are guys watching Perry Mason on HBO or HBOMAX?
I watch on regular HBO. (HBO E).
Oh YAY! I’ll check it out. I thought it was only on HBO MAX and I was sad to be missing it.
BRAVO ~ Please get rid of Sandy.
She is HORRIBLE, and nobody likes watching her.
She truly gets worse each episode.
Ditto!!!!
So if they fire Hannsh and Kiko and they get sandy’s dream team of bugs and Malia as chiefs in their departments, is a lame romance with Jess and Rob is supposed to carry the season? ugh. I’m thinking chef boyfriend and Anastasia as new 2nd stew, based on the show showing old footage of her saving the day from Mila. I’m tired of Sandy. I’m just over her bad acting and micromanaging unless she likes you. I would need valium too, dealing with anyone on that boat!
I am all about female empowerment ( which is much needed on Bravo) yet this trio of generic Spice Girls make me ill. They are petty mean spirited & gossip girls.
One of the things about Sandy and this season’s chef drama was when she told Kiko that he couldn’t make his moqueca (Brazilian fish stew) for every charter. WHY NOT? If he made it for the CREW every time, that wouldn’t work. Just like Chef Leon and the beef cheeks, if the GUESTS love it, let him make it every charter. When she opens her restaurant, does she plan to change the entire menu every night if people come to eat the specialty they’ve heard about or come back for?
Maybe Kiko’s reward is to take the dive on BD Med and be head chef for Sandy’s place! (Just say noe, Kiko!)
Two things I noticed about these guests:
1. They drink, but they don’t make getting drunk the focus of the charter.
2. They seem to LOVE Kiko. They can’t seem to get his name right, but they cheer him.
On WWHL, Hannah was asked by a watcher if she thought Sandy’s style of quizzing (interrogating) the guests on the food created a forum for negative comments and she resoundingly said YES.
Maybe Hannah AND Kiko go after this charter. If Malia’s boyfriend were not “coincidentally” about to visit, I would guess Hannah goes and Kiko “magically” becomes BEST Below Deck chef EVER because of Sandy’s “guidance.” More promo for her future restaurant.
A leaked picture showed Malia’s boyfriend and Aesha with the crew. Jess thinks Bugs is hard to understand, it will be interesting to see how she handles Aesha. Show will be nothing but Sandy’s army. 😴😴😴
I’m out then. I can’t stand Sandy and the last thing I want to watch is Sandy and an army of her ass kissers. They have ruined this show.
I think Hannah and Kiko are either fired or quit. There is a photo floating around Twitter with Ben and the third stew from last season with this crew with no Hannah and Kiko. 🙁 I’m done with this show and Captain Yawn being a micromanaging bully. A good manager sets up their crew to succeed and she sets them up for failure unless they are favorites of course.
Look at that photo again. It’s not Ben. Notice how the guy in the black chef’s jacket is barely visible. (But you can see his hairline.)
I think Bravo “leaked” this particularly posed photo to get buzz going about Hannah and “gently” break the Kiko part by semi-hiding the new chef. And keeping us from hating Malia before she could “heroically” rescue the non swimmer. Fuckers!
I sound like a paranoid nutjob conspiracy theorist, but I put NOTHING past Bravo anymore. I even think Kiko knew, Hannah did not.
On his IG, Kiko seems like his usual upbeat (sans Sandy) self. I hope he was heavily compensated for this shiteshow.
That may be! I didn’t look at the chef that closely honestly. I’m happy Kiko and Hannah are so happy but still Sandy is horrible!!
I remember the days when this was a fun and silly show. But now it’s just down right unpleasant.
So, they took time to re-edit the show for the misogynist…and we get this? Waste of time all around.
I just saw the preview for next week. Sandy tells Kiko to leave his emotions in his cabin & just do his job. Seems like Sandy’s passion is to eviscerate her staff. She needs to shut the fuck up. She is ghastly & needs to go. I hope he leaves before she gets to flex her enormous ego & fire him. I will bet once she reads her Twitter feed she will be contrite & timid at the reunion. She is a horrendous. I abhor that type of behavior especially towards someone as hard working & humble as Kiko.
You really think it’s scripted in part?
I honestly think that without Hannah and Kate, both not allegedly choosing to continue with the show, it will absolutely not be the same. I liked Captain Mark and the first crew ever in Below Deck Med the best. I would never ever work with a mircromanager like that, I literally would pack my bags and call a water taxi to get me outta there. I think now people are really seeing the true Sandy that came out.
Sandy is the problem. She always has been since she came on the show! The 1st thing she said was she didn’t micromanage! Now beware of false promises! Lol. Also I want my ppl to get sufficient rest so they should not stay up late working.Yeah right. However I didn’t see her roll up her sleeves and help! Bugsy flat out lied to her about the nachos and she didn’t call her out on it. Hannah tried to help Kiko as best she could bc she genuinely had his back.