Watch What Crappens Podcast Summary Episode #2874: Below Deck S12E01 Part One: By Dawn’s Early Black Light Release Date: June 3, 2025 Hosts: Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam | Wondery

Introduction

In Episode #2874 of "Watch What Crappens," hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam dive into the premiere of Season 12, Episode 1 of Below Deck, titled "By Dawn’s Early Black Light." This episode marks the continuation of the beloved yacht reality series, bringing fresh drama, returning characters, and new faces aboard the St. David. Ben and Ronnie provide their trademark blend of praise, ridicule, and insightful commentary on the latest developments in the show.

Premiere Recap and Initial Impressions

Ben opens the discussion by expressing excitement for the new season, highlighting upcoming recaps of Real Housewives of Miami and The Mounting Hysteria Tour in Los Angeles. He mentions the anticipation surrounding the Below Deck premiere and his eagerness to delve into the details.

Ben [05:14]: "It was a good one."

Ronnie echoes Ben’s enthusiasm, praising the casting and the micro changes in the show's format, though she expresses some reservations about specific adjustments.

Ronnie [05:22]: "Casting is just so...every single one of them was great."

Character Analysis and Casting Choices

One of the primary topics Ben and Ronnie dissect is the character development of Fraser, the Chief Steward, whose evolution from previous seasons has been notable.

Ben [10:24]: "I'm perfectly fine with Fraser. It's just that I love Faye so much that I don't understand why she is not our Chief Stew."

Ronnie shares her frustrations with Fraser's behavior, labeling him as a “douche” yet acknowledges the complexity he brings to the show.

Ronnie [12:56]: "He's been a douche on this show, so that's kind of my thing."

The hosts delve into Fraser’s leadership journey, noting his initial struggles and gradual improvement. They speculate on future developments, including the potential return of beloved characters like Faye and Hannah, though Ronnie remains doubtful.

Ben [13:19]: "Fraser should understand that we're always going to go for a diva first."

New Cast Members: Solene, Kyo, Barbara, and Others

The introduction of new cast members such as Solene, Kyo, Barbara, and Jess sparks lively discussion. Ben and Ronnie critique their compatibility with the yacht environment and their potential impact on the show's dynamics.

Ronnie [17:20]: "She was on Love Island and she's funny. So the producers are like, just put her on board. What could go wrong?"

They highlight Kyo's eccentric personality and Lawrence, the chef, whose overtly religious demeanor and visible struggles add another layer of tension aboard the yacht.

Lawrence [27:10]: "I've been pretty low... I became a born again Christian."

Notable Scenes and Quotes

Several standout moments from the episode are analyzed, with Ben and Ronnie pointing out humorous and dramatic interactions:

• Fraser’s Ambitious Plans: Fraser discusses his desire for a new boat and the frustration with the current vessel’s branding.

  Fraser [16:04]: "I hate the type that comes with Microsoft Word fonts. If you can't change up the fonts, we need a new boat."

• Lawrence’s Breakdown: The chef's struggle to balance his faith and the high-pressure environment leads to a dramatic meltdown, providing rich material for Ben and Ronnie's commentary.

  Lawrence [34:09]: "I've started reading the Bible... my faith guides me through stressful situations."

• Guest Introduction: The introduction of Sam Rashid and his germaphobic family creates immediate tension.

  Ben [53:36]: "Sam's a germaphobe and he travels with black light and disinfectant wipes."

Dynamic Interactions and Crew Dynamics

The hosts explore the interactions between the crew members, noting alliances, conflicts, and the overall morale aboard the yacht. Barbara and Solene’s interactions, Rainbow’s aspirations, and Jess’s professional demeanor are all dissected for their contribution to the season's potential drama.

Ben [50:29]: "Barbara's accent goes one way and Solene's goes another. It’s perfect."

Expectations for the Season

Ben and Ronnie express their hopes and concerns for the season’s trajectory. They anticipate heightened drama, especially concerning Fraser’s leadership and Lawrence’s personal struggles. The potential for new romantic entanglements and professional challenges keeps their listeners eagerly awaiting future episodes.

Ronnie [46:49]: "We're going to have two gay women on the boat at the same time. Saucy."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up Part One, Ben and Ronnie summarize their key takeaways from the premiere, emphasizing the promising start despite some reservations. They tease the continuation of their analysis in the upcoming part two and invite listeners to engage through their Patreon for exclusive content.

Ben [56:27]: "It's a two-part recap. Thank you so much for listening to this. Just come back a little later for part two."

Key Takeaways

• Fraser’s Development: Transitioning from an inexperienced Chief Steward to a more competent leader, albeit with lingering issues.
• New Cast Dynamics: Introduction of vibrant personalities like Solene and Kyo adds fresh tension and humor.
• Lawrence’s Struggles: The chef’s personal battles provide a deeper, more dramatic layer to the yacht’s operations.
• Guest Challenges: Sam Rashid’s family presents immediate hurdles for the crew to navigate, setting the stage for ongoing conflict.
• Crew Relationships: Evolving relationships and alliances among the crew members promise engaging interpersonal drama.

Notable Quotes

• Ben [05:17]: "It was the best one we've seen in a while."
• Ronnie [17:20]: "The producers are like, well, just put her on board. What could go wrong?"
• Lawrence [34:28]: "The Lord is not paying $90 for caviar on asparagus."
• Fraser [16:04]: "I hate the type that comes with Microsoft Word fonts. If you can't change up the fonts, we need a new boat."

Looking Forward

Ben and Ronnie are optimistic yet cautiously expectant about the upcoming episodes, anticipating further character development, intensified drama, and unexpected twists that will keep viewers hooked. They encourage their audience to stay tuned for Part Two of their recap, promising more in-depth analysis and humorous insights.

For those who haven’t listened to Watch What Crappens, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of Episode #2874, capturing the essence of Ben and Ronnie’s engaging and entertaining commentary on the latest Below Deck premiere.