‘Delicious in Dungeon’ review: Seeing double in “Shapeshifter”

Things are shaping up in Delicious in Dungeon episode 18, “Shapeshifter!” Laios and his party dive deeper into the dungeon, ramping up danger even more. This episode introduces a monster that relies solely on the memories of each party member. It’s exactly the type of episode that has been waiting in the wings for watchers. 

Storms begin to brew

With new weather conditions on a floor Chilchuck has been on before, it’s clear that not everything is what it seems. Both the party and watchers know that the Lunatic Magician is reworking the dungeon to trap them, but the fact that he is able to change the weather highlights his power. Watchers also learn that he has lived well beyond the average elf’s lifespan. All of these factors make you ask the question, how is he still around? This question is important to keep in mind while going forward with Delicious in Dungeon. There is an answer, but not in the way you might think. 

A key part of both the anime and manga is that every question gets answered in an unexpected and subversive way. So make sure to thank Ryoko Kui for her big brain. 

Laios is still keeping secrets

Laios revealing that he actually met the Lunatic magician is nothing short of par for the course with him. “Kelpie/Porridge/Broiled with Sauce” does a great job of showing Laios’ selfishness while “Shapeshifter” highlights his failure to share vital information. This isn’t anything new—see “Living Armor” and “Red Dragon II”—but keeping his run-in with the Lunatic Magician a secret while he’s currently chasing after them is a huge red flag. While the bulk of the party has no clue why he’s chasing them, Laios is well aware that it is the Lunatic Magician that almost killed him in one of the living paintings. 

Sharing this information with the rest of the party would have only improved their chances of survival over multiple episodes. However, I think revealing this in “Shapeshifter” reminds watchers that Laios isn’t the perfect protagonist. His negative qualities are on display for everyone to see and I think Delicious in Dungeon is stronger for that. If we pretend that Laios was this perfect hero, we wouldn’t have the intriguing story that we have now. 

Do the pointing meme

Shapeshifters are monsters we all know and love. Like most of the monsters in Delicious in Dungeon, Ryoko Kui flips them on their head. These shapeshifters are similar to a nine-tailed fox that hides while the illusions do the work for it. The illusions created are not monsters in and of themselves. but This situation is reminiscent of The Thing, where the party has to figure out who’s the real person is before the shapeshifter replaces them.

Additionally, the illusions, including the food that was made, turning into leaves is something I hadn’t seen before and thought was unique. But, the biggest twist in all of this is that the illusions are based on the party’s memories of each other. This allows a range of different illusions, which honestly makes it fun. As watchers, obviously, we know which is real; but it’s enjoyable to see the party try to figure it out. 

Laios is also still a freak

Of course, I can’t talk about the shapeshifters without talking about Laios being a freak. This isn’t the first time that the series has seen him get on his knees to bark, but it is the most intense time. Laios, as we all know, is well-versed in monsters. Not only that, he has experience dealing with shapeshifters in his hometown. It might seem silly that he barks at the monster, but it makes sense. He ends up saving the party by being able to draw it out from the shadows. The whole interaction is silly and adds fun to an otherwise chaotic sort of episode. 

“Harpy/Chimera” does a magnificent job at setting up “Shapeshifter.” The chaos that ensues in “Harpy/Chimera” with so many characters is the perfect build-up for a looking-glass follow-up episode. Watchers are used to the focus on the main party, but what if the focus shifted to the main party times four? It’s a funky concept that even makes the watchers question who is who if they’re not paying close enough attention. 

At this point in the Delicious in Dungeon anime, we’re almost halfway through the manga. “Shapeshifter” does a great job of letting watchers know that the party is in a pretty dangerous position no matter which floor they’re on. “Shapeshifter” also reintroduces a character that we only met for a brief time – but will become a key member of the party. Overall, it’s a successful episode that sneaks in Laios lore in-between chaotic elements. 

Delicious in Dungeon is available now on Netflix.

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Featured images: © Ryoko Kui / KADOKAWA / “Delicious in Dungeon” PARTNERS, Netflix