The Bromance That Turned Into a Brawl
Nathan Gallagher and Joe Bradley were supposed to be the dynamic duo of Below Deck Mediterranean, but their friendship has officially imploded in a spectacular fireball of booze, betrayal, and threats of violence. In a shocking turn of events during Monday’s episode, Nathan finally reached his breaking point with Joe’s toxic behavior, leading to a confrontation that had producers scrambling.
The tension has been simmering all season, but Joe’s relentless pursuit of Kizzi Kitchener—right in front of his heartbroken ex Victoria SanJuan—was the final straw. Nathan, who has been watching his friend spiral, didn’t hold back. “Don’t act the big man or I am going to smack the s out of you,” Nathan hissed in a sneak peek that has the internet buzzing. “Do you want to go right now? I’m this close with you. I’m this close.”
This isn’t just a drunken argument; this is the death of a friendship. Nathan’s rage wasn’t just about the girl; it was about Joe’s complete lack of respect for anyone but himself. And frankly, fans are cheering Nathan on for finally calling out the toxicity.
Joe’s ‘Bad Decisions’ and Public Disrespect
Joe Bradley has been on a tear this season, and not in a good way. He openly admitted to Nathan that he was planning to kiss Kizzi again and was at a level where he would “make bad decisions.” It is the classic f-boy defense: blame the alcohol before you even take a sip.
Nathan tried to play the voice of reason, telling Joe to “chill out” with the flirting because it was “so disrespectful” to Victoria. But Joe, clearly running on ego and tequila, didn’t care. The sneak peek for the finale shows Joe making out with Kizzi right in front of Victoria’s face. It was a cruel, calculated move that left Victoria devastated and Nathan seeing red.
In a scathing confessional, Nathan laid it all out: “To see him down the same s time and time again shows me that he has no consideration for anyone apart from himself. I just think it might be time to move on from that kind of friendship.” Ouch. When your ride-or-die says you are selfish and considers dumping you as a friend on national TV, you know you messed up.
The Fallout: They Don’t Speak Anymore
This fight wasn’t just for the cameras. The fallout has bled into real life. Joe confirmed to outlets in November that he and Nathan “don’t really speak” anymore. He hasn’t even met Nathan’s new baby, born in June with partner Gael Cameron.
“I did try to send a few messages to Nathan,” Joe claimed, trying to play the victim. He blamed Nathan’s busy schedule as a new dad, saying, “We’re just not really socially inclined.” That is a polite way of saying “he blocked my number.”
It is a sad end for two guys who worked together on Season and seemed inseparable. But Nathan’s growth—becoming a father, taking on more responsibility—clearly clashed with Joe’s Peter Pan syndrome. Nathan grew up; Joe just grew louder.
Nathan as the Boss vs. Joe as the liability
The dynamic shift on the boat also played a massive role. Nathan was Joe’s boss this season, and the power struggle was real. Joe tried to spin it as “respecting his position,” but his actions screamed otherwise. Undermining your boss/friend by creating drama with the crew is the quickest way to get fired—or punched.
Nathan saw a “very different side” of Joe this season, and it was ugly. The disrespect towards women, the lack of professionalism, and the sheer selfishness were too much to ignore. Nathan had to choose between being a good boss/friend to Victoria or enabling Joe’s bad behavior. He chose the former, and Joe clearly couldn’t handle the accountability.
The Finale Showdown
The season finale is shaping up to be a bloodbath. With threats of physical violence hanging in the air and emotions running high, the crew night out is going to be explosive. Will Nathan actually “smack” Joe? Or will security step in before the bromance ends in a brawl?
One thing is certain: The “Joe and Nathan” era is over. Nathan has moved on to fatherhood and a career, while Joe is left making “bad decisions” on reality TV. Team Nathan is winning in the court of public opinion, and Joe has a lot of explaining to do when the reunion rolls around.
