REVIEW: ‘Delicious in Dungeon’ Episode 16 – “Cleaners/Dried with Sweet Sake”

With the dungeon itself working to block their path, the party struggles to return to the surface. Luckily, Chilchuck (Asuna Tomari) has an answer to the ever-shifting puzzle. But before they can resume their trek to the surface, Delicious in Dungeon Episode 16 sees them stopped by an unexpected reunion.

Early on, one of the biggest problems this series struggles with is its conflicting tones. While the urgency to get back into the dungeon was stressed narratively, the characters’ actions didn’t reflect this. This contradiction leads to disharmony throughout the show’s presentation, lessening the viewer’s enjoyment. It seemed like the series had managed to hide this conflict for a time as it entered a rhythm within its episodes. However, Delicious in Dungeon Episode 16 sees this narrative confusion return in full force.

Within minutes of beginning, we see the party discover the exit to their current dungeon floor. Thanks to Chilchuck’s deductions, the party is ready to escape after several days of wandering. But before they can do that, they have to eat. You’d think they’d go through the shifting passageway first, lest something unforeseen happen and they get trapped again. But no. They set up for a thoroughly elaborate meal that will take hours to cook.

Before they can finish enjoying their meal the party is briefly attacked. The hostilities don’t last long, as their assailants are waved off by their former party member Shuro (Shinji Kawada). Upon seeing their former ally, the chilly interaction instantly turns warmer. This is unexpected, given who else is traveling with Shuro.

Kabru’s (Wataru Kat0, Kaiju No. 8) group still tagging along. Given how his team has been searching for Laois (Kentarô Kumagai) and the others all this time, some meaningful moment seems likely. But it never comes. Kabru spends the episode “observing” Laois and questioning him about dungeon cuisine. His enthusiasm indicates he may be another quick convert to this fantasy foodie club.

This development in Delicious in Dungeon Episode 16 is hard to judge. While it’s nice seeing Kabru be reasonable and willing to accept that Laois and the others never meant them ill, it will feel weird if nothing comes of this meeting. If all is forgiven without the grievance even being brought up, what was the point?

The only significant plot moment that comes in this episode is between Laois and Shuro. Taking the latter aside, Laois fills Shuro in on the details concerning Falin’s return from the dead. Shuro does not take the news that Black Magic was utilized in Falin’s resurrection well. As word spreads about the ominous choice through the combined party, it looks like a clash may ensue.

While Laois and Shuro go off independently, we also see the various parties mingle a bit. Through these moments, we learn about backstory and personality. A couple brings some genuine entertainment with them. Fun character interactions can always help prop up a lagging plot, though only so much.

As the episode closes, we get a brief glimpse of Falin in her new form. Shuro’s concerns about the method of her resurrection seem to have merit. A twisted facsimile of the mage replaces Falin’s kind smile and warmth we’re introduced to. The grotesque parody of Falin that we see is the highlight of the visual presentation. It delivers a disturbing visual without feeling out of place in its graphicness. This moment also darkens Delicious in Dungeon Episode 16. It reminds viewers that threats and danger lurk within the dungeon.

Along with the cooking and character interaction, Delicious in Dungeon Episode 16 also takes a little time to flesh out the workings of the dungeon further. While we’ve learned a lot about how the creatures in the dungeon interact, this episode showcases how the dungeon manages to stay in one piece. While it’s another interesting detail, it doesn’t have the best timing. The episode already feels ponderously slow; an environmental lecture slows it down even more. The narrative does work the element’s reveal into the story well. Making it at least reasonable for its placement.

Delicious in Dungeon Episode 16 has some solid character moments, even if it doesn’t make much narrative progress.  Its decisions on what to focus on once again clash with what the story tries to say is important. While it’s not series-breaking, it hurts the consistency of the plot enough to pull the viewer out of the moment.

Delicious in Dungeon Episode 16 is streaming now on Netflix.