Ep 2. Family Affair

As the title suggests, episode 2 of season 10 of Deadliest Catch features a family affair. Specifically, we see the return of Captain Sig Hansen's daughter, Mandy, to deckhand on the Northwestern after a three-year hiatus. The episode does an excellent job of showcasing the unique challenges and dynamics created when family members work together on a crab fishing vessel in the Bering Sea.

The episode begins with Mandy's arrival on the boat, which is met with enthusiasm from both her father and the rest of the crew. However, it quickly becomes clear that Mandy has a lot to learn and needs to shake off some rust in order to reacclimate to life at sea. We see her struggle with basic tasks such as coiling rope and tying knots, which can be frustrating for someone who has spent years working on a crab boat.

Things only get more challenging when the Northwestern encounters a storm that brings high waves and strong winds. Mandy, who is not used to being on deck during rough seas, becomes seasick and has to take a break below deck to recover. This is a stark reminder of just how difficult and dangerous this job can be, even for seasoned veterans like the crew of the Northwestern.

As the episode continues, we see Mandy start to find her sea legs and settle into her role on the boat. She works hard to prove herself to her father and the rest of the crew, and it pays off as she becomes more confident and capable with each passing day. There are still bumps in the road, of course, including a tense moment when Mandy accidentally damages some gear, but she takes responsibility for her mistake and continues to push forward.

Along the way, we also get to see some of the other crews in action as they navigate the treacherous waters of the Bering Sea. This includes the Time Bandit, which is captained by Andy Hillstrand and Johnathan Hillstrand, as well as the Cape Caution, which is captained by "Wild" Bill Wichrowski. Each crew faces its own set of challenges, from mechanical issues to running low on bait, but they all share a common goal: to catch as much crab as possible and make it back to port safely.

One of the highlights of the episode is a heartwarming scene in which Mandy calls her mother from the boat. She tells her mom about all of the challenges she has faced and how hard she has been working, and it's clear that she is proud of what she has accomplished so far. This scene is a reminder that, despite the often-grueling nature of this job, there is still a strong sense of camaraderie and family among those who work on these boats.

Overall, episode 2 of season 10 of Deadliest Catch is a compelling look at the challenges and rewards of working on a family-run crab fishing vessel. With stunning footage of the Bering Sea and plenty of drama and tension on board the boats, it is a must-watch for fans of the series.