Ep 5. Bringing the Thunder

As COVID-19 begins to spread, the crew of Below Deck Mediterranean are faced with an uncertain future. In season 5, episode 5, titled "Bringing the Thunder," tensions run high as the team prepares for a charter with a demanding group of guests.

The episode opens with Chief Stewardess Hannah Ferrier struggling to manage her table and cabin duties while also dealing with the stress of the pandemic. Meanwhile, Captain Sandy Yawn is determined to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for the guests, but faces a series of challenges as the crew work to adapt to new health and safety guidelines.

One of the main plotlines of the episode centers around the arrival of the charter guests, a boisterous group of friends known as "The Thunder From Down Under." Led by their ringleader, a charismatic Australian named Johnny, the group puts the crew through their paces with a series of outlandish requests and raucous partying.

As the episode progresses, tensions between certain members of the crew begin to boil over. Specifically, tensions come to a head between chef Kiko Lorran and second stew Lara Flumiani, who clash over kitchen duties and communication issues. Meanwhile, deckhand Alex Radcliffe finds himself caught in the middle of a potential love triangle with fellow crew members Bugsy Drake and Jessica More.

While "Bringing the Thunder" is largely focused on the interpersonal drama between the crew members, the episode also provides some glimpses into the breathtaking scenery of the Mediterranean. Between high-speed water sports and picturesque anchorages, the beauty of the location serves as a reminder of what the crew is working so hard to preserve.

Overall, "Bringing the Thunder" is an entertaining and high-energy episode of Below Deck Mediterranean that provides both laughs and drama in equal measure. As the crew navigates the challenges of a pandemic-era charter season, viewers are left on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next.