REVIEW: ‘Delicious in Dungeon’ Episode 9 — “Tentacles/Stew”

Marcille (Sayaka Senbongi) struggles with the wounds plaguing her from the battle with the Undine in the last episode. But when another adventuring party stumbles across our heroes, a solution may present itself in Delicious in Dungeon (Dungeon Meshi) Episode 9, “Tentacles/Stew.”

“Tentacles/Stew” opens with the arrival of a new adventuring party. Led by a pair of gnomes, this group is looking to research the dungeon’s surrounding areas. Most noteworthy about this group is one of its escorts, Namari (Akira Miki, Record of Ragnarok). Eagle-eyed fans will recognize the gruff adventurer as one of the former party members who left after the disaster that opened the series. Namari’s return stands at the center of a complicated emotional narrative that shines as Delicious in Dungeon Episode 9 best element.

Of the three original party members, Marcille shows the most resentment towards Namari’s departure. The combined groups work together to overcome the Undine and new obstacles. However, friction between these two is always apparent. Marcille’s unforgiving outlook on the situation is understandable. Given how close she is to Falin, it is reasonable for her to take Namari’s choice so personally. But while it would be easy to simply paint Namari as the villain, we get something far more engaging instead.

Using an organic, piecemeal approach throughout the episode, Delicious in Dungeon Episode 9 reveals that it wasn’t just greed or heartlessness that informed Namari’s choice. Circumstances in her own life drove her in the chosen direction. As the story unfolds, we see Namari’s feelings come to light through her small actions. She chastises Laios (Kentarô Kumagai) for not having a better sword. This admonishment comes from a place of concern, even though its delivery feels a bit harsh. Namari cares, but the shadow of her previous choice makes the situation awkward. That awkwardness is handled skillfully as the narrative slowly propels the group to a place where it can be left behind.

Along with the emotional challenges the story explores, we also get some creative physical threats. Along with the continuing threat of the Undine, the group has to save one of their own from a surprise attack by a tentacle monster.

Delicious in Dungeon Episode 9 continues to show off how meticulously crafted the dungeon’s denizens are. Rather than simply being a swarm of grasping tentacles that drag adventurers to their doom, the show presents a more grounded creature. Utilizing small, venom-tipped barbs to immobilize its prey, the creature takes on a more terrifying element. The plan that Laios devises to defeat the monster is clever and daring. It also has the bonus of giving Namari a chance to shine as she helps the group.

After subduing the unexpected threat, the group turns towards the greater danger: the angered Undine. While the party struggles with overcoming the spirit, we learn more about the nature of the threat. These added elements craft some fascinating concepts for the creature. How it delivers so much exposition about fantasy monsters while remaining fun and interesting is always an impressive feat.

When Delicious in Dungeon Episode 9 reaches the final confrontation with the Undine, it delivers an exciting moment. Because of the repercussions of Marcille’s first battle with the monster, it feels like there is more riding on the battle than an immediate victory. Whether or not Marcille will be able to continue on the mission or be forced to retreat to the surface hinges on its outcome.

Once the battle is resolved, the final element of every entry in this series takes center stage. We get a hardy meal constructed from the episode’s monstrous foes. With a stew based on the water from the Undine and filled with diced tentacles, the victorious adventurers prepare to sit down to a hearty meal. But there is something about this preparation sequence that makes it stand out from all the ones before it. Rather than have Senshi (Hiroshi Naka) provide the voice-over as he prepares the meal, Marcille does both here. Her transformation from disgusted hold-out to eager participant in the culinary adventures of her teammates feels complete.

Delicious in Dungeon Episode 9 brings some surprising elements to its narrative as it explores physical and emotional challenges. We continue to see key cast members grow as the show steadily gains momentum.

Delicious in Dungeon Episode 9 is streaming now on Netflix, with new episodes airing every Thursday.