REVIEW: ‘Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle,’ Episode 8 – “The Princess and the Frightful Demon Nightmare”

Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle is one of many Fall 2020 anime adaptations beefing up the roster this year. Billed as a slice of life, high fantasy comedy, Sleepy Princess mixes episodic antics with an overarching story of a damsel in distress that just can’t be stopped…unless it’s time for a nap. Then nothing can get in the way of Princess Syalis of Goodereste! That’s much the same in Sleepy Princess episode 8, “The Princess and the Frightful Demon Nightmare”. The episode picks up with Sir Dawner and his party as they continue to make their way to the Demon Castle. Using a wormhole portal generated by Kisho -one of Sir Dawner’s party members- they’re able to travel through time and space via Syalis’ crown….straight to the top of Syalis’ head. 

However, the portal doesn’t reveal all, and Sir Dawner quickly sets to poking and prodding trying to suss out just what he’s poking. Viewers know it’s the Princess, but the hero has no clue. In order to avoid a sticky situation, he quickly pulls his hand back through, leaving the Princess stuck in the castle. Meanwhile, back in the demon keep, Princess Syalis is fast asleep after the events of episode 7. Back in her proper prison and the right Demon Castle, she’s finally at ease. That is, until she has a “nightmare” that seems to match Sir Dawner’s previously prodding finger.

Thus we have the setting for the first third of Sleepy Princess episode 8. Syalis wants to get over her nightmare, so she decides to talk to the Ten Elders about it. Finally, viewers are rewarded with a healthy amount of backstory on Sir Dawner -who’s hilariously called D-Whatsit in the dub, since Syalis can’t remember his name- and the Princess. In keeping with the tropes, this series is known for, our hero and the princess are childhood friends. Yet Syalis seems…less than excited about their previous friendship. In fact, it seems that D-Whatsit caused her a whole lot of trouble!

Yet unbeknownst to both Princess Syalis and the Ten Elders, D-Whatsit is none other than Sir Dawner, the hero on the way to the castle. Moreso, what they don’t know, and what Princess Syalis doesn’t recognize, is that D-Whatsit…er…Sir Dawner is Princess Syalis fiance.

To a great degree, this probably won’t come as a shock to viewers. After all, Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle has been playing with tropes since minute one. Still, it feels good to get confirmation that Sir Dawner’s not solely here to rescue his Princess of the United Nation of Goodereste. He’s also on the way to rescue his future wife.

Let’s move on to the second cond third of Sleepy Princess episode 8, we’re back with Sir Dawner. Once more, he and his party are facing off against a fierce foe. Meanwhile, Princess syalis is penning a letter to her mother begging her for one thing, and one thing only.

Cavity relief.

Yes, it seems that Princess Syalis has indulged a bit too much in sweets. It also seems she hasn’t indulged in much bedtime toothbrushing. It’s finally catching up to her. So, it’s off to the Cursed Doctor, the sole dentist in Demon King Twilight’s castle. However, Syalis doesn’t want to get her cavity examined. She’s less than excited to see the good dentist or receive his care. Immediately, she puts up a good fight and resists his care. She even begs the dentist to take care of the problem without looking in her mouth.

Naturally, this leads to rumors, ranging from the Princess having a terminal illness to her looming death. The rumors spread like fire until Syalis has a full house peering down at her as she gets her cavity looked at. Of course, this leaves her with little privacy in a situation where she could have just been a bit more amicable. Eventually, she does get her cavity taken care off, and sleep prevails as finally, the good princess is able to get some rest once again. It’s all pleasantly funny, and a solid end to another of Syalis’ days in the demon keep.

The final third of Sleepy Princess episode 8 initially refocuses on Sir Dawner and his battle with the Fire Venom Demon. Being the hero, Sir Dawner is able to handily defeat the demon… or so it seems. Actually, it turns out that Princess Syalis was the cause of his downfall. Or…was she?

Truth be told, it’s actually the fault of the Ten Elders. More specifically, it’s the fault of the Ten Elders due to Princess Syalis’ antics. However, they’re quick to blame the princess instead of owning up. It’s suitable, seeing as Syalis is a constant terror around the castle anyway.  In fact, even Demon King Twilight is to blame for Fire Venom Demon’s downfall.  Still, it looks like Princess Syalis is going to keep being the terror of the castle, at least for four more episodes.

While this episode is definitely more fluff than stuff, it’s also a reminder that slowing down can be quite enjoyable. Plus, there’s still a lot to be found, especially for curious fans of Sir Dawner. The backstory we get -and the revelation of his connection to Princess Syalis- hint at more in the near future. If anything, this is a nice break before things get plotty.

Viewers might be wondering if the gags and comedy of Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle have worn thin, but after eight episodes, the series remains quite funny. Combined with excellent animation, stellar voice acting, and a bit more plot, Sleepy Princess episode 8 continues the good time and promises more, though it may not be quite as funny as previous episodes. Still, this series continues to be one well worth watching!

Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle is streaming now on Funimation.