In a dramatic turn of events on the latest episode of Bravo’s “Below Deck,” the return of former chef Anthony Iracane has stirred up old tensions and ignited a new feud among the crew. This season has been rife with challenges, and Anthony’s comeback is framed as a ‘redemption’ arc, but the underlying issues between him and chief steward Fraser Olender threaten to overshadow the excitement.
During the June 9 episode, Chef Lawrence Snowden, feeling overwhelmed by the pressure aboard the St. David, decided to leave the crew. In a swift move, Fraser suggested bringing back Anthony, who had been fired in a previous season. Anthony’s return was met with enthusiasm as he expressed his determination to prove himself. “It’s a redemption,” he stated in his confessional, asserting that he aims to make his family proud and showcase his culinary skills. However, the reunion was not as smooth as anticipated.
While Fraser was excited to have Anthony back, it became evident that there were unresolved feelings from their past working relationship. Anthony harbored some resentment towards Fraser, believing that he played a role in his previous dismissal. This tension was not apparent to Fraser, who regarded Anthony as a brother and was thrilled to have him back on board. “Him leaving last year was absolutely heart-wrenching for me to go through,” Fraser said, expressing his joy at Anthony’s return.
As the crew settled into their new dynamics, the simmering conflict came to a head in a flash-forward scene that teased future drama. A heated argument erupted between Anthony and Fraser, where Anthony confronted Fraser about feeling betrayed. “Don’t f*** with me and my emotions,” Fraser retorted, emphasizing that he had brought Anthony back because he valued him as a colleague. This confrontation highlighted the complexities of their relationship, as both men grappled with their past experiences on the yacht.
The backdrop of Anthony’s return is not just personal but also professional. He was initially let go due to complaints from guests about his performance, which had raised concerns for the crew and the overall service quality. Captain Kerry Titheradge had made the difficult decision to fire him after observing that Anthony’s cooking was not meeting the high standards expected on a luxury yacht. “I think you are an incredible chef… but you are starting to nosedive,” Kerry had told him, noting the impact on guest satisfaction and crew morale.
Despite the challenges he faced, Anthony remained defiant. He believed he could turn things around and reclaim his reputation as a skilled chef. “I’m going to come back like a crazy motherf*. I’m going to be back in the game for sure,” he declared, showcasing his determination to succeed.
This season of “Below Deck” has already seen significant turnover, with Anthony being the third crew member to leave the St. David, following Jared Woodin and Cat Baugh. The franchise has a history of high-stakes drama, and this season appears to be no exception. Kerry had hinted at a record number of firings, indicating that the pressure of the job is taking its toll on the crew.
As the episodes unfold, fans can expect to see how Anthony navigates his return and whether he can mend his relationship with Fraser while also proving himself to the rest of the crew. The tension between personal feelings and professional expectations will undoubtedly keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
“Below Deck” continues to deliver the drama fans have come to love, with each season revealing the complexities of life on the water. The show’s blend of personal conflicts, professional challenges, and the glamorous backdrop of luxury yachting makes it a captivating watch for reality TV enthusiasts.
Tune in to “Below Deck” on Bravo Mondays at 8 p.m. ET, with new episodes available for streaming on Peacock the following day. As Anthony’s journey unfolds, viewers will witness whether he can rise to the occasion and transform his past failures into a triumphant comeback.