The Anonymous Episode 8 Recap: A Swing and a Miss

Photo Credit: Rico Torres/USA Network via Getty Images

We’re closing in on the finish line for the debut season of The Anonymous, which means the remaining players are scrambling to stay afloat in the game. They’re also desperate to add funds to the cash pot, which as of right now, sits at less than $50,000.

Last week, DANI threw a few plot twists at the players and pushed them into a back-to-back cycle of Anonymous Mode. She also left us on a major cliffhanger awaiting to hear Marcel’s future in the game.

In The Anonymous Episode 8, “Divide & Conquer,” we learn Marcel’s fate and see the power in the house slowly shifting. Safety is only guaranteed for one person this week, and by the end of the episode, a whopping seven players wound up on the chopping block.

What’s in the box?

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After last week’s face-off results remained a mystery, DANI left us all wondering about Marcel’s fate in the game. She confirmed that The Anonymous tried to send him home, but what’s in that face-off box? Surprise! He had the safety, which was lucky considering he only had that particular box after Chris stole his original pick.

When Marcel revealed that he had safety and there would be no elimination, the reactions from the other players ranged from excited to confused. Then, the camera panned over to Nina and she gave us the face crack of the season. She simply said, “Wow.”

Then in a flashback, we learn why Nina looked so salty about Marcel’s safety. She finally won the power of The Anonymous, only for her pick to get nullified by DANI’s twist! Bummer. She took a shot, and it missed, but once the dust started to settle, Nina realized that maybe this wasn’t a missed opportunity after all.

Bismah catches the heat

Photo Credit: Rico Torres/USA Network

Some of the most interesting conversations on this show happen in the moments after an elimination. Everyone is desperate to piece together who had the power of The Anonymous, while that person tries to keep a straight face. Some players are better at it than others. This week, Nina gave us a masterclass.

Most of the players assumed that Bismah took the shot at Marcel because of their previous bickering. It’s no secret that she wanted him gone, and Dillian, Christopher, and even Marcel felt confident that it was her. Meanwhile, Nina decided to go along with it. She realized she could use Bismah as a shield to make it through another week.

“The more people who think they want to target Bismah, the better for me,” Nina explained.

With all of that out in the air, it’s not looking good for Bismah. To make matters worse, several players have correctly guessed that she’s the Eagle. That means the likelihood of her becoming The Anonymous is slim to none.

Fortunately, not everyone has guessed Bismah’s avatar. Chris thinks she’s the Cactus, even though everyone at home knows that Cactus is his girlfriend, Victoria. You’ve got to appreciate the irony.

Another day, another puzzle

Photo Credit: Rico Torres/USA Network

After taking a break from challenges last week, DANI threw the players back into game mode this week. She presented them with another puzzle, and fortunately, this one had no math involved.

Instead, they were presented with a giant sliding puzzle with eight pieces. The players had to strap themselves to the pieces while one player stood on the sidelines, barking out orders to help them move into the correct position. That solo player would win safety, and if they finished in ten minutes, they’d get a much-needed $8,000 added to the prize pot.

After Marcel’s brush with elimination last week, he really wanted to be the solo player and get the safety. Would he be good at that? The rest of the players weren’t sure. So, they nominated Nina instead, which is definitely the right choice. Let the Survivor alum do her thing, and you know she isn’t going to disagree with having safety two weeks in a row.

Although it took a couple of minutes to get everyone on the same page with this sliding puzzle, Nina managed to quickly figure out a quick way to communicate with the players. They worked together like a well-oiled machine and finished the puzzle with time to spare. Nina is seriously on fire right now, and that’s not even a pun about her secret handle.

All eyes are on Robot and the lovebirds

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With Nina winning safety, all eyes suddenly shifted to Robot, who has consistently nominated her for the last few episodes. At home, we know that Robot is Lilly, but the logic behind her voting record has been a bit hard to follow. In one breath, she acts like she wants Nina to stay in the game and seems committed to the girls’ alliance. Then, in the safety of her hideout, she nominates Nina time and time again. With Nina safe, who is Robot going to vote for? Spoiler alert: she’s still gunning for a girl.

Meanwhile, Jack tried to get his allies to shift their sights back to the couple: Chris and Victoria. He called it the “couple armageddon,” and honestly, that just rolls right off the tongue.

When talking about taking down the couple, Jack suggested that they target Victoria first. He told Andy, Bismah, and Nina that he felt more trust in Chris because he had been more straightforward. He’s also been in the game longer, and they just don’t know what Victoria would do if Chris went home first. All of this chatter set the groundwork for the most dramatic Anonymous Mode yet.

An extra-spicy Anonymous Mode

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After coming together as a group for the puzzle challenge, they immediately went back into cutthroat gameplay for Anonymous Mode. Jack kicked things off and said he wanted to be a “little mean.” He accomplished that goal.

Under the guise of Flamingo, he wrote, “I think Victoria is using Christoper. Who else thinks she has a boyfriend back at home?”

Yikes! That sparked a major reaction from everyone, but a few savvy players correctly guessed that it was Jack. It’s just another example of how taking too big of a swing could cost your anonymity.

As Cactus, Victoria tried to get the heat off her by saying, “One of the girls needs to be eliminated.” She later added, “I think we should just let the girls turn on each other.” At home, we know that’s already been happening.

Not only was the Anonymous Mode chat chaotic, but the resulting votes were just as wild:

• Robot and Snake voted for Bismah.
• Fire and Lipstick voted for Lilly.
• As Lightning, Andy voted for himself. It was a desperate attempt at becoming The Anonymous but a tactic Xavier would advise against.
• Eagle voted for Chris.
• Popsicle voted for Jack.
• Catcus voted for Marcel.
• Flamingo voted for Victoria.

For those keeping score, that means that Dillian and Nina were the only people safe this week. The fact that Dillian managed to get out of this round unscathed without doing anything is surprising, but kudos to him. Next week, we’ll see which one of these at-risk players got the chop, and who managed to keep their identity a secret to gain power in the game.

The Anonymous continues on Monday nights at 11/10c.

TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE ANONYMOUS EPISODE 8? WHO DO YOU THINK WILL GO HOME NEXT WEEK? WHICH PLAYER DO YOU THINK HAS THE BIGGEST CHANCE OF WINNING THE WHOLE THING?

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Below Deck Mediterranean Season 9 Finale Recap: Goodbye to Greece

Photo Credit: Fred Jagueneau/Bravo via Getty Images

Welcome to the Below Deck Mediterranean Season 9 Finale Recap! In this week’s episode, called “Happily Ever Aft,” as the season comes to a close, the crew helps set the scene for Sandy’s proposal to her girlfriend Leah. Ellie’s resentful attitude builds, but in the end, Aesha admits she’s a hard worker. The crew says goodbye and goes their separate ways, perhaps to meet again on another charter season somewhere else, and we get a snippet of Sandy and Leah’s wedding. Here are some of the highlights from Below Deck Med Season 9, Episode 17.

Ellie’s just practicing for someday when she’s a chief stew (or not)

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Picking up right where we left off last week, Aesha explains to Ellie, “The job of a second [stew] is to delegate when I’m not around. If I’m on the floor, you’re not delegating.”

Ellie’s very apologetic and says she didn’t mean to overstep. She has an excuse for everything Aesha says.

“I feel like Ellie’s gaslighting me, in a way,” the chief stew says. “She’s standing there acting like she’s so unaware [of doing anything wrong].”

“At this point,” Ellie says in a confessional, “everything I do is wrong.”

“She’s so calculated,” Aesha interviews. “I don’t feel like I even truly know what Ellie is feeling.”

Ellie justifies her behavior by saying she’s just trying to do a good job so that someday Aesha can write a reference for her, saying she’d be a good chief stew. Fat chance! Aesha trying to get through to Ellie is like talking to a wall.

Chef Jono joins in the fun with the toga party

Photo Credit: Fred Jagueneau/Bravo

The theme for the night is Greek togas and sandals. All the guests and much of the crew are dressed up, and everybody looks fabulous.

Aesha hired drag queens, and the guests are delighted to see them at the party on the sundeck after dinner. The drag queens are gorgeous, and one of them introduces herself as the “Duchess of Greece.” Who knew there was even such a person?

While the party is going on, Ellie is cleaning up the table decorations from dinner. Finished in the pantry, Carrie comes out and says, “Let me help you.”

Ellie’s not very gracious about it, mumbling, “Mmm. All right.”

When the group is done dancing, they want shots. Aesha asks Ellie about lemon drop shots.

“I was not told anything about shots,” Ellie whimpers.

“Don’t be so defensive,” Aesha responds. “I just said, ‘Does it take long to make Lemon Drop shots?’”

“I’m not getting defensive,” Ellie says defensively.

When Ellie serves the shots, one of the guests comments, “That’s the clearest Lemon Drop shot I’ve ever seen!” Me, too. Aren’t Lemon Drops supposed to be yellow?

When they taste the shots, one guest says, “That’s just vodka with a lemon.” Ugh. Doesn’t Ellie know how to make a Lemon Drop? I’ll bet Carrie does.

Aesha runs into Jono in the pantry after he’s changed into his toga. “You look so good!” she tells him.

“Having this group of queer guests come on board is really special for me,” Jono interviews. “This is the most involved I’ve been all season … I’ve kind of pacified myself a bit. I wish I was that involved with every charter.”

Ellie’s resentment toward Carrie “snowballs”

Photo Credit: Fred Jagueneau/Bravo

At the bar, the guests ask Carrie if she could sleep with anyone on board, who would it be, “And don’t say Captain Sandy!” Carrie confides that she would choose Joe, which pisses Ellie off.

“At this point, the snowball just keeps getting bigger,” Ellie interviews. “Carrie’s rubbing this whole Joe thing in my face, she’s taking over my job, [and] just acting like Regina George … I just hope I’m able to get through it [without blowing] a gasket.”

The last day of the charter season

Photo Credit: Fred Jagueneau/Bravo

Bri is ecstatic that she made it through an entire charter season. “That’s never happened before!” she says.

Reflecting on her brief fling with Joe, she admits, “It was a classic f*ck up … But short-term love is better than no love at all.”

As they head back to the dock, Sandy calls her girlfriend Leah and says she’ll text her directions when they get there. She’s proposing today and getting more and more nervous every minute.

“Leah thinks we’re going on a European vacation,” Sandy says. “I don’t think Leah has a clue at all. ‘You’re never gonna ask me to marry you!’ She says that all the time.”

As the crew gets ready for docking, Iain says, “This is our final chance to get some ‘Big Deck Energy.’” Cute, Iain. Clever.

As they pull into the dock, Leah is standing there waving at them. “Holy sh*t!” Sandy says. “This is the biggest day of my life.”

As soon as the boat’s tied up, Sandy says, “I’ll be right back,” and she runs down the gangway to give Leah a big hug and a kiss.

“The guests are still on board,” she admits. “That’s not very professional of me.” But I think we can all give her a pass.

Ellie throws a pity party for herself

Photo Credit: Fred Jagueneau/Bravo

Once the guests are gone, attention turns to Sandy’s proposal. Aesha asks Gael to come with her to set up. Of course, Ellie adds this to her pile of grievances.

“I’m definitely feeling down,” she interviews. “Aesha didn’t pick me to participate in Captain Sandy’s engagement, which would have been such an honor for me. I feel like all this work I’ve done this entire freaking season is for nothing.” Um, you made $16k in tips, Ellie. Get a grip.

“Sandy wants to propose … at sunset,” says Aesha. “So we’re literally racing against the sun. Joe, Gael, Carrie, they all work so fast. I can rely on them to do the job and do it quickly.”

In the van on the way to the proposal, Ellie’s still going on about not being included in the setup. “Dude, if they’ve done décor without me, I am going to flip out,” she says. “I’ve been crushing it this entire season, and then [Aesha’s] like, ‘All right, great. Carrie’s here. Now f*ck off to the pantry. Go do dishes’ … She was hired … to help us out, not come here and replace us.”

In the back seat, Iain and Nathan exchange surprised looks. “Just because Carrie’s come in there and took the attention away from you,” Nathan says in a confessional, “you’re being bitter … and spiteful. Not everything’s about you, Ellie.” My thoughts exactly.

Even though she sympathizes, Bri also thinks Ellie should just “f*cking get over it.”

Joe backs over a line and almost scuttles the plan

Photo Credit: Fred Jagueneau/Bravo

Meanwhile, Joe is picking up Sandy and Leah in the tender to take them to the proposal site. Unfortunately, he accidentally backs over a line, which gets tangled in the prop. Ugh!

“This is a massive f*ckup,” Joe interviews. “Have I just ruined Captain’s day?”

When Sandy has him lift the engines, she sees that he’s snagged not just one line but two. This could be catastrophic.

Fortunately, Sandy’s very understanding. “Joe, it’s not your fault,” she tells him. “There are lines everywhere.”

But Sandy’s nerves just shot to a new level. The sun sets in 30 minutes, and Joe has to cut both props free before they can go. Otherwise, Sandy will be proposing in the dark.

Finally, Joe cuts them free, and they’re off. Arriving at the beach, the violins are playing a wedding song, which isn’t part of the plan. But Sandy’s just glad they got there before sunset.

The proposal goes off without a hitch, and of course, Leah says yes. They’re engaged!

Once the proposal is over, the crew piles back into the taxis to go to dinner. In the back of their van, Nathan tells Aesha that Ellie was “chattin’ sh*t” about her on the way over.

He repeats that she said, “Basically, as soon as Carrie arrived, all her hard work went unnoticed. That pissed me off. You’re the best girl in the world.”

“It’s very juvenile to bitch to the boat about how I’ve been treating her so poorly,” Aesha interviews. “If she wants to be a chief stew, she has got a LOT of growing to do.”

Too much alcohol spoils Carrie’s plans with Joe

Photo Credit: Fred Jagueneau/Bravo

The sexual tension between Carrie and Joe is building. Joe admits he’s “smitten,” while Carrie has “curiosity about Joe.”

“It’s probably going to ruin whatever friendship me and Ellie have,” Carrie admits. I wouldn’t worry about that, Carrie. I don’t think Ellie’s got any friends.

On the way to dinner, Joe and Carrie start flirting, whispering to each other, and stealing kisses right in front of Bri, who gets triggered. She previously asked Joe not to flirt in front of her and make her feel “dumb,” but he’s having too much fun.

“I completely understand that Bri’s upset,” Joe says. “She doesn’t want me to flirt in front of her in the taxi. [But] I’m having a great time with Carrie. We’ve just finished a season, baby. I’m sendin’ it tonight!”

Joe tells Carrie he wants to “f*ck [her] so bad,” but as romantic and touching as that sentiment is, by the time they get back to the boat, he can barely even stand up. Carrie is not far behind. Sexy time is not happening tonight.

“I just want to f*ckin’ die alone,” Joe tells Carrie when she finds him hiding in his bathroom. Alcohol: it’s a double-edged sword. So much fun till it’s just not anymore.

“Joe sure knows how to woo a lady,” Carrie jokes. “Good night, big guy. Sleep it off.”

Goodbye to Season 9

Photo Credit: Fred Jagueneau/Bravo

The next morning, Captain Sandy comes in and wakes up Aesha and Gael. She tells them, “Go wake the rest up really loudly.” Oh, that’s just cruel.

This is the part that always makes me sad. After living and working together for nine weeks, now they all have to say goodbye and go their separate ways. Except for Nathan and Gael, who are in lurve and, hopefully, will travel and have some fun for a bit.

“I have a woman that’s willing to accept these [stinky] feet of mine,” Nathan says. “She is a keeper, for sure!”

Saying goodbye to Ellie, Aesha says, “We’ve had our differences, but I will never take away from you that you’re a very hard worker … You should be very proud of yourself.”

Fast forward eight months later to Sandy and Leah’s wedding. Everyone’s gathered in Fort Lauderdale. Aesha’s there, Kate Chastain is there, and even Norma from Yacht Crew Placement is there. Chef Dave White is catering. It’s perfect.

“Every charter season teaches me something different,” Sandy interviews. “This one reminded me, in yachting and in life … it’s all about the things that you’re passionate about and embracing them as tight as you can.”

“Whether it’s on land or on a boat,” she adds, “I’m gonna spend the rest of my life loving Leah.”

All episodes of Below Deck Mediterranean are available to stream on Peacock.

TELL US –  WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE BELOW DECK MEDITERRANEAN SEASON 9 FINALE? DO YOU THINK GAEL AND NATHAN ARE STILL TOGETHER?

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Danielle Cabral Reunites With Estranged Father in Greece

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It’s not often that we have anything positive to share about the cast of Real Housewives of New Jersey, so let’s all just take a second to appreciate this moment. Danielle Cabral has seemingly mended the relationship with her father, and the two just had a family dinner in Greece. After discussing their fractured relationship on the show, this seems like a major sign of progress.

Danielle Cabral’s Grecian family reunion

Photo Credit: @daniellecabral via Instagram

When we first met Danielle on RHONJ, she quickly opened up about the strained relationship she had with her brother. In Season 14, she revealed that the issues with her brother wound up impacting her relationship with her father. She tried to extend an olive branch to her brother, but it backfired majorly, and then she wound up estranged from her father, too. Now, it seems like they’re back on good terms.

Danielle shared the update about her dad via Instagram. In the slideshow, she shared pictures of her and Nate Cabral during a trip to Greece. In one of the photos, she shared a snap of her father, and apparently, they both just happened to plan trips to Greece right around the same time. Pure coincidence.

“Welcome to Greece! Let the adventures begin,” Danielle began in the caption of her post. “We had a beautiful dinner with my father. Imagine booking two separate trips for the same exact time?!”

Danielle’s meet-up with her dad in Greece is just the latest in a positive trend. Prior to their overseas dinner, he popped up at Danielle’s charity event. We’re hoping they can keep the momentum going, and if Danielle returns for Season 15, perhaps the cameras can capture a little bit of their evolving relationship.

Real Housewives of New Jersey can be streamed on Peacock.

TELL US – WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON DANIELLE AND HER FATHER HAVING A MEET-UP IN GREECE? DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPPORTIVE WORDS FOR DANIELLE AND HER FATHER AS THEY CONTINUE TO WORK ON THEIR RELATIONSHIP?

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