Delicious in Dungeon eps 14-24

The second half of Delicious in Dungeon delves deeper into the functions and mysteries of the dungeon itself, a fascinating man-made eco-system designed to test traveller skills and operating on an entirely different set of rules to the real world. In truth, it was the mechanics of the dungeon that kept me most interested, as I found my interest in our hungry party's adventure waning somewhat in this second half of the season.

Don't get me wrong, I like the gang of misfits we've been following - there's more backstory given to each, and a lot of lore expanded on regarding the races living together, but while I was interested in each episode, very little got me actually excited to see what happened next. Thankfully the series has moved the discovery of fictitious dishes to the background and is instead focusing on the search for Falin and the mysterious movements of the dungeon itself, so I've stopped falling asleep during episodes at least - more a commentary on my work/life balance than the series perhaps, but it was never an issue with Kaiju No.8. 

The series generates some genuinely innovative ideas - the dungeon's ability to self repair and redesign itself is quite a fun concept, as well as the underlying reasons for the dungeon's actual existence. The characters are able to manipulate these properties to their own advantage, and I like that the series is being clever with its setting. Laois is clearly growing as a leader too, his diplomatic skills allowing him to work with other parties and manage disputes is a nice arc for his character, who always seemed a bit dim in the early episodes. Likewise, Marcille's dip into the dark arts and the consequences add some weight to what might otherwise be a "situation of the week" setup which was how the show started.

But in terms of genuine danger and intrigue, I find the series a bit lacking - my criticism of the earlier episodes was the almost lackadaisical nature of the search for Falin, who had been eaten by a red dragon. Regardless of how much time she had to be recovered, she's still inside a stomach being slowly digested and presumably starved of oxygen, yet the team seemed fine just wandering around and taking their time to cook tasty dishes. If the characters aren't that bothered, why should we be? The halfway mark made it clear how much damage Falin had taken, physically and mentally, and it was really quite shocking. I had hoped this level of serious consequences would stay heightened, but it soon dipped back into the territory of walking through the dungeon at leisure. Frustrating to say the least.

The series is at its best when it goes dark. Falin's plotline is a great example.

What really saves the show is the character interactions - it's hard not to like Dwarven chef Senshi whose noble efforts are informed by his tragic past, much of which is revealed in these new episodes. The addition of dog-girl Izutsumi adds a little tension, but I couldn't really see what she added in terms of the groups abilities, though her mistrustful and aggressive personality shakes things up a little.

Dungeon Meshi has quite a following online, and certainly Marcille is being pushed heavily in the merchandise department, so the publishers clearly think they have a hit on their hands (I'm sure elf statues sell well regardless). Her intimate relationship with Falin has certainly excited that part of the internet that lives forever thirsty for these kind of "ships" but it's nothing new for anime, at least not since the 90's when I started watching. From Sailor Moon and Utena to Banana Fish and Witch from Mercury, there's no shortage of gay relationships, so let's not let that aspect overshadow our critical faculties and overlook the show's failings as seems be happening more broadly.

For my part I find the show a pleasant distraction and a good choice for a weekly simulcast on Netflix, but it falls somewhat short of being must-see TV, almost hammered home by the fact that I hadn't realised the final episode of the season was just that, as the team take an underground train to deeper levels of the dungeon, and it just sorta stops. No big finale, no revelations, just a further plunge into the unknown with a lot of chatting between the characters. It was as understated as the rest of the series, which is both a hallmark of what it's all about and a frustrating watch as they just. keep. going.

Ultimately you'll either enjoy the leisurely pace and world building on offer, or you'll find it frustrating as it's all build up and little payoff. When it does pop, it really hits home runs, but I could do with a bit more pop and a lot less strolling for my tastes.

I might grab a Marcille statue though, it's a lovely character design.