‘Below Deck’ Recap: Izzy Wouters Is A Perfect Crew Member, Camel Toe And All

If we’ve learned anything in 2020, it’s to always be grateful for what we have — especially when it comes to the Below Deck franchise. And so today, let us give thanks that deckhand Izzy Wouters is the perfect crew member for this show.

We’re just five episodes into Season 8 and it already feels like we know so much about Izzy, and not just because we got to hear about her camel toe in the latest episode (though that certainly does speed up a friendship). But this episode also made it abundantly clear that Izzy is the gift that keeps on giving and proof that Below Deck really got it right with her.

With someone like Izzy, you’re looking at a supremely competent crew member. Though she started as part of the interior team, she was wise to recognize that it wasn’t the right place for her, took initiative in asking Captain Lee and bosun Eddie Lucas if she could move outside, and it paid off for her. And the rest of the crew too! She doesn’t have to worry about being in the middle of chief stew Francesca Rubi and stewardess Elizabeth Frankini’s disagreements, though she appears to get along with both the interior and exterior crews. In fact, when it comes to the exterior crew, specifically her roommate, fellow deckhand James Hough, she’s proven that not only can she take his joking around, but she can give it back ten times better. Plus, while Eddie is busy worrying about Shane Coopersmith’s nap schedule, it’s clear that Izzy is hustling: wiping down surfaces, lifting heavy items, and, get this: rarely complaining! Oh my god, and wait until you hear this: she LIKES beach picnics! This might be a Below Deck first.

But a moment that really stood out in the latest episode is when she gives Shane a much-needed heads up about his work ethic. She doesn’t do it because she doesn’t want to pick up his slack; she does it because she’s looking out for him and she knows it’s what’s best for the team. “You have to step up your game,” she tells him. “Do your best because otherwise, it’s not gonna be good.” She also tells him to take “initiative” and “bust your ass” before also giving him a lesson in tying knots. It’s significant because Shane’s own boss, Eddie, also expressed trepidation about scolding him for leaving a door open overnight. However, it’s clear that Izzy’s heads up and patience have gotten through to Shane and he appreciates the message and motivation. She just seems to have the right tone with him that wasn’t judgemental, just stern and caring. Unlike the way she told a wandering insect to “Fuck off, fly,” while she was trying to eat in the crew mess (that made me LOL).

Izzy was also the only crew member that showed up when Chef Rachel needed help transporting food for the beach picnic, and she’s also a general reality TV dream. This girl truly seems to say everything she thinks and we are all better off for it. I mean, when’s the last time you made a camel-toe confession in front of your boss (please do not do this though, she’s simply lucky her boss is Captain Lee). We’ve also learned important and dynamic pieces of information about her already, including the life-threatening medical moments she’s survived to the life-saving vibrator giving her endless orgasms. Izzy’s already a queen at making perfect reaction faces and her no-nonsense, no-drama, chill demeanor is likely exactly what the rest of this crew needs to balance this season out.

There’s still plenty of this season left, which means the fights and tears and kisses and tension that usually arise are sure to be on the way. But after this year, which included some questionable installments of this franchise, it sure is nice to know this boat has got the lifejacket that is Izzy’s sense of humor to keep everything nicely afloat.

Below Deck airs Monday at 9 pm ET/PT on Bravo. 

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