Episode Summary: Watch What Crappens - #2733 Below Deck Down Under S03E03: Sous You, Sous Me

Release Date: February 18, 2025

Welcome to episode #2733 of Watch What Crappens, hosted by Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam. In this episode, Ben and Ronnie delve into the third season of Below Deck Down Under, specifically focusing on Episode 3 titled "Sous You, Sous Me." They offer a comprehensive analysis, highlighting key moments, character dynamics, and providing their signature blend of humor and critique.

Introduction and Tour Announcements [03:07 - 03:37]

Ben and Ronnie kick off the episode by welcoming listeners and sharing updates about their ongoing Mounting Hysteria tour. They announce upcoming cities for March, including Cincinnati, Minneapolis, Toronto, Charlotte, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. Additionally, they mention their bi-weekly live show, Crappy Hour, available on Patreon and YouTube.

Ronnie Karam: "We're excited. We're also on tour. The Mounting Hysteria tour is in your city soon."

Episode Overview: Below Deck Down Under S03E03 [03:38 - 07:13]

The hosts dive into the episode's plot, starting with the crew enjoying a night out. Serena grapples with tension after learning that Harry, one of the sous chefs, has been speaking ill of her behind her back.

Ben Mandelker: "We start where we left off last time, which is the crew having their night out. And Serena has just been told by that messy, messy little goofball Harry, that the sous chef is talking shit about her."

They discuss Serena's decision to smoke alone, highlighting the isolation it brings, contrasted with the typical camaraderie seen among the crew members.

Ronnie Karam: "I mean, we love our children. ... sometimes if I'm going on a cruise, it's kind of nice to, you know, have all adults."

Character Dynamics and Conflicts [07:14 - 26:56]

Harry's Entitlement and Behavior:

Harry's character is portrayed as entitled and inconsiderate, leading to significant friction with Serena. Ben and Ronnie express their frustration with Harry's actions and attitude.

Ronnie Karam: "What a little fucker. With such an entitlement complex that he has, like, it is so ridiculous."

They discuss Harry's interactions with other crew members, including his inability to accept criticism and his blatant disregard for team harmony.

Ben Mandelker: "It's like Chris Noth on a roller coaster. So Marina's like, oh, you guys were having a deep conversation."

Anthony's Reliability:

Anthony is characterized as the dependable crew member, contrasting sharply with Harry. The hosts commend his work ethic and reliability.

Ronnie Karam: "He's amazing. I was like, wow, look at Johnny controlling himself. I thought Johnny would throw him off the boat."

Eric Rock as the Problematic Guest:

The introduction of Eric Rock, a guest from Idaho with a substantial social media presence, adds another layer of conflict. His demands and self-centered behavior are criticized by the hosts.

Ben Mandelker: "It's slowly but surely that down below Bro, you can't just change your flavor. Okay, New Coke."

Key Highlights and Notable Moments [26:57 - 48:35]

Sous Chef Tsarina vs. Harry:

Tsarina's struggle to manage Harry's disrespectful behavior is a central theme. The hosts highlight her attempts to assert authority while maintaining professionalism.

Ronnie Karam: "You just have to kind of, like, scold him and make him know what the rules are."

Harry's Personal Struggles:

Harry's personal issues, including a potential fractured thumb, add to the episode's drama. His inability to handle stress leads to his eventual departure from the yacht.

Ben Mandelker: "He crushed his time. Actually. He didn't just hurt it. I mean, this is nasty."

Lunch Prep and Kitchen Chaos:

The episode showcases the chaotic environment in the galley, with Anthony and Tsarina clashing over responsibilities and cleanliness.

Ronnie Karam: "She tells us, though, you know, I was an arrogant sous chef years ago... I've been doing the grunt work."

Host Insights and Critiques [48:36 - 73:28]

Management Styles and Gender Dynamics:

Ben and Ronnie explore the challenges Tsarina faces as a female head chef dealing with male subordinates. They critique her passive-aggressive approach and emphasize the importance of assertive leadership.

Ben Mandelker: "As a woman, it's like, well, why should you have to be a stereotypical man? Like, he should just respect you."

Character Development:

The hosts commend Tsarina's backstory, portraying her as a strong, independent woman breaking away from a healthy relationship to prove herself in a tough environment.

Ronnie Karam: "She's like, I had everything. And I was like, no, I want to vacuum a boat. Goodbye, Mother."

Climactic Events and Resolutions [73:29 - 84:14]

Harry's Departure:

Harry's decision to leave the yacht after tensions escalate is a pivotal moment. His inability to work well under Tsarina's leadership leads to his removal from the boat.

Ben Mandelker: "So now, the next morning, Vion wants to send Marina div, right? So he's like, well, she has a driving course with Jason."

Resolution and Team Dynamics:

The crew grapples with the aftermath of Harry's exit, and Tsarina reinforces her authority by addressing ongoing conflicts and emphasizing team cohesion.

Ronnie Karam: "So she's like, well, I don't know. She's like, you told who? She goes, Marina is a qualified diver."

Anthony's New Opportunity:

Anthony secures a new position, highlighting the shifting dynamics and the yacht's resolution to maintain a balanced and professional team environment.

Ben Mandelker: "So then we go to Harry and Lara are talking... Then Anthony ... gets a text from Chef Dane... he's like, amazing. I can probably be out if you own a charter or two."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts [84:15 - 85:18]

Ben and Ronnie wrap up their analysis by reiterating their satisfaction with the episode's resolution, particularly Harry's departure. They express anticipation for future episodes and the continued development of crew dynamics.

Ronnie Karam: "I was so happy that he just fired him right there. I was like, this guy needs, like, I held a little bit of space for this guy in the first episode."

Ben Mandelker: "Yeah, he's the worst. And I hope they get another sue because I do like the dynamic of having a sue there. So I hope they replace Replace him."

Notable Quotes

• [05:21] Ronnie Karam: "What a little fucker."
• [07:13] Ronnie Karam: "She just wanted to smoke. And everyone just ignores it because at the end of the day, there's food here."
• [12:37] Ronnie Karam: "You're never gonna make it in this business."
• [22:05] Ben Mandelker: "I'm telling you, it's a season two bitch flower blooming."
• [32:47] Ben Mandelker: "Prick this guy."
• [55:32] Ronnie Karam: "It's the most gross moment we've seen in Bravo since Kristen Takeman had a toenail situation on Girls Trip."
• [72:56] Ben Mandelker: "Fuck this guy's musical. Male anguish. Misogyny the musical."

Final Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Ben and Ronnie provide a critical yet entertaining perspective on the dynamics within Below Deck Down Under. Their insights highlight the complexities of managing diverse personalities in a high-pressure environment and underscore the importance of leadership and teamwork. This episode not only dissects the drama but also offers listeners a deeper understanding of the underlying issues faced by reality TV crews.

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