Summary
A highly entertaining blend of action, drama, and hilarious moments that serve as the perfect introduction to this offbeat comedy.
Based on the manga of the same name by author and illustrator Ryoko Kui, Netflix’s anime, Delicious in Dungeon, is one premiere fans don’t want to miss. The series, animated by Studio Trigger, is meant to be a hilarious fantasy adventure following a group of struggling adventurers who realize they can stretch their dungeon earnings further if they make their own food. Although Episode 1 only scratches the surface, this Dungeons and Dragons-esque series promises plenty of fights, quirky characters, and fun recipes to keep viewers interested throughout Season 1.
The episode opens with a short flashback to a tiny village where a man, who had emerged suddenly from the ground, claimed to be the ruler of the Golden Country. However, it is then revealed that the Golden Country vanished over 1,000 years prior. He says a powerful mage banished the village underground and claims he will bless whoever defeats the mage before turning to dust.
In the present, a party of adventurers battle a fierce dragon. Laios, the party leader, laments about their trip and how multiple misfortunes, including falling into a trap, have caused them to lose much of their food and go hungry. Suddenly, his sister pushed him out of the way, only to be snatched up by the dragon.
What happened to Laios’ sister, Falin?
When he wakes up, Laois learns that his sister, Falin, used a spell to free everyone from the dungeon before being consumed by the dragon. Since the spell could not reach her inside the dragon’s stomach, Laios vows to save her himself.
Marcille informs Laios that when Falin transported them, all their supplies were left behind in the dungeon, leaving them poor. They are also down two party members when Chilchuck informs them the other members have quit.
After deciding they will all return to the dungeon to save Falin, Laios suggests hunting the monsters that reside there for food to save them money. Using his guidebook, Laios determines the Walking Mushroom monster Marcille kills is safe to eat. He then kills a scorpion to accompany the mushroom, and they attempt to cook both in the dungeon’s catacombs.
When he sees them struggling, an adventurer named Senshi appears and teaches them how to prepare the scorpion. After saving Marcille from a slime and preparing that, Senshi reveals he’s been cooking monsters for over ten years.
Senshi joins Laios’ party and mission to help save Falin. They then head to the second floor of the dungeon, where a man-eating fruit plant attacks Marcille as they hunt for food. She is saved when Laios attacks the plant’s roots.
How does Delicious in Dungeon Season 1 Episode 1 end?
The party gathers various fruits from the plant, and then Senshi shows them how to prepare the man-eating plant’s fruit for consumption. They’re surprised by how much they enjoy his makeshift tart.
The episode ends with the group tying up a corpse they found amongst the man-eating plants in hopes someone will come along and take him back to the surface.
Netflix’s Delicious in Dungeon was listed as one of the most anticipated anime of the Winter 2024 season, and after this premiere, it’s easy to see why.
What’s evident from the opening few scenes is that while this series seems to have a strong storyline and goal in mind, it also doesn’t take itself too seriously, making the comedic moments feel effortless.
A new trend in adventure series like this and the uber-popular Frieren seems to be taking a moment to relax and focus on the characters and the more mundane parts of their journey. This slice-of-life approach seems to humanize the characters and allows the viewers to connect to them, which I definitely felt here. It didn’t take long at all to get an understanding of each character and their motivation.
Overall, this was a fun premiere with a little of everything. While the focus is clearly on the food, the recipes are seamlessly woven into the action and adventure so that the story remains exciting.
What did you think of Delicious in Dungeon Season 1 Episode 1? Comment below.
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