Episode reviews

🌊 Island of Sausages: Below Deck Season 12 Episode 4 Sees Tempers, Tips & Tug-of-Wars
By Sienna G, Senior Reality TV Correspondent

Episode 4, fittingly titled “Island of Sausages,” stretches a rare five-day charter into a test of endurance—both for the crew and their ability to manage chaos. With tensions reaching new heights, this installment blends fatigue, flirtation, and professional fumbles into a dramatically unspooling yacht drama.

---

⚓ Deck Crew Turmoil: Caio’s Command Crisis

Bosun Caio’s shaky leadership continues to rattle his deck team. His inability to effectively communicate via radio prompts Captain Kerry to intervene, taking over a glowing kayak excursion and leaving Caio sidelined. A crew meeting meant to be rallying misfires, as Kyle and Damo openly question Caio’s methods, labeling attacks on morale and professionalism—especially when they occur in front of guests—as “unprofessional”. By the charter’s end, Caio’s dejected guitar solo on deck stands as a poignant, if pitiful, symbol of his unraveling .

---

🧹 Interior Crew Breakdown: Rainbeau vs. Solène

Inside, the clash between Rainbeau and Solène escalates—triggered by Solène’s repeated failure to remember pantry organization despite being corrected multiple times. Tensions bubble over as Solène’s dismissive “cuckoo” remark sends Rainbeau into visible distress vulture. Fraser, preoccupied with orchestrating an extravagant S&M-themed dinner, fails to address the deeper conflict, choosing instead to lean into campy visuals and atmospheres.

---

🍽️ Galley Performance: Redemption and Error

Chef Anthony continues his redemption arc but stumbles with a shrimp tempura allergy blunder—serving it to the wrong guest before quickly correcting the mistake. He quickly rebounds, though, delivering a bold and memorable S&M-themed dinner that brings theatrical flair and delight to the guests (and cameras).

---

🎉 Charter Climaxes: Nudist Nuance, Romance & Low Tips

The night kayak excursion—with its glowing waters and neon-lit paddles—is arguably the episode’s most visually stunning moment. On the beach, guests arrange a cheeky sand sculpture to round out the “sausage” theme. Romance heats up on crew night: Fraser breaks boundaries with Damo despite relationship tensions, and Kyle finally kisses Solène—mixing pleasure, pressure, and promise. But after five intense days, the crew’s reward arrives—to their shock—at a paltry $19,900 tip, which Captain Kerry publicly calls “pathetic.” The sting cements the season’s emotional low.

---

🔍 Takeaways & Forecast

---

Rating: ★★☆☆☆
“Island of Sausages” stands out for its dramatic moments—but between underperformance, unchecked conflict, and a shocking tip, tensions outweigh talent.