When it comes to Below Deck Med, there are usually a few romances to discuss. In Season 8, however, they’ve been fleeting – at least so far. Only Natalya and Luka look to have any romantic connection, and her inability to understand the “open” relationship she’s in with her boyfriend has meant her walls are completely up. That is, until she began to realize her boyfriend is the only one benefitting from the “open” relationship, while guilt-tripping Natalya into remaining faithful. Thankfully, Natalya put herself first – if just for a moment – in Episode 6. Here’s everything that went down in our recap for Below Deck Med Season 8, Episode 6: “Pirate’s Booty Call.”
Treating Max with kid gloves seems to do the trick
At the start of this week’s episode, we pick up exactly where we left off last week. Captain Sandy has arrived to Lara and Max firing off passive-aggressive, or just plain-aggressive shots towards one another. It’s not making for a great working environment, and the job isn’t getting done efficiently. Captain Sandy is forced to micro-manage a little, and tells Luka that he needs to step up as bosun and address the issues. Her love for Butterfly Boy is clear; it’s more a guiding hand for the newly-promoted bosun, rather than a telling off.
Later on in the episode, Luka and Lara decide to approach Max with positive reinforcement, rather than a scolding. It appears to do the trick. He loves being told he’s doing a good job, and now appears more receptive to their criticisms. For now, they’ve nipped his bad behavior in the bud. Hopefully, it can last.
As a reward for all of their hard work, both Luka and Lara get to drive the yacht this charter. Luka recalls how his mother would ride motorbikes while pregnant. He says her pregnancy cravings were petrol, and that’s why he’s such a lover of engineering and vehicles. As for Lara? Captain Sandy sees a lot of herself in the young deckhand. She thinks she’ll make a fine captain one day – and Lara is just happy to be given the experience.
We don’t see much of Haleigh this week, but she’s a good sport when the “crotch goblins” (children) throw flour over her head as a prank. I’d have thrown them overboard. We also learn she hates anteaters and pockets in useless places.
Tumi and Natalya’s relationship is better, but not brilliant
The interior crew are doing a fine job this week, despite Jessika being out of action. Tumi and Natalya are finally getting along, in spite of Kyle’s meddling. That doesn’t stop Natalya from criticizing Tumi whenever she gets an opportunity – out of earshot – but it’s a step in the right direction. Kyle notes that Natalya is “competitive,” and it can become quite “annoying.” Meanwhile, Tumi notes that “if [Kyle’s] talking shit about [Natalya], he’s definitely talking shit about me … I don’t know what’s happening, but it’s definitely not genuine.” She’s a smart cookie!
“She’s convincing herself something is wrong,” Kyle says of Natalya when she later vents some more about Tumi’s leadership. The guests are happy, but Natalya is keen on finding fault. It’s something she blames on the issues in her relationship. Her boyfriend has just texted her and said he’s going on a guy’s trip to Thailand. That means sleeping with a load of different women for fun.
Still, she steps up to the plate for the guests. When they want a pirate-themed day, she puts together an entire treasure hunt involving the entire crew. It’s a massive success, and probably one of the best things I’ve seen a stew do for a family in the Below Deck franchise. Credit where credit’s due.
Below Deck Med recap: Natalya and Luka finally swap spit
After endless flirting on and off the yacht, Natalya and Luka decide to play a round of tonsil tennis. Their first kiss is in the van, on the way back to the yacht, following the charter and the crew night out. It’s a quick kiss, but opens the door to a lot more. Side note: I hope chef Jack got that pretty London lady’s number! They were cute together.
When they get back to the yacht, they lock themselves in one of the cabin bathrooms. Cue the lip-smacking sound effects being picked up on the microphones. Luka hops into Natalya’s top bunk, and she joins him. It’s harmless fun, kissing and cuddling – and then Natalya’s boyfriend calls.
“Answer it,” Luka insists, but Kyle thinks she should leave the drama. “This is not gonna be good,” she predicts. Natalya, sweetie. It’s time to put your boyfriend in his place. If he doesn’t want you to be open in this relationship, but is happy swinging his dick around willy-nilly, then he’s not treating you with the respect you deserve.
And that’s it for this week’s Below Deck Med recap! Next time: Captain Sandy’s wrist is in peril!
Below Deck Mediterranean continues Mondays at 9/8c on Bravo.
TELL US – DID YOU ENJOY THIS WEEK’S EPISODE OF BELOW DECK MED? IS NATALYA’S BOYFRIEND TAKING ADVANTAGE OF HER? WHO ELSE SHOULD HOOKUP ON THE BOAT?
