Rating: 10/10

If you’re a fan of fantasy worlds filled with magic, talking beasts, and a storyline that feels like a reimagined “Beauty and the Beast,” *The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts* is an anime you should not miss. Streaming on Crunchyroll, this underrated gem offers a fresh and engaging twist on the classic tale of love and sacrifice in a magical otherworld.

The anime takes place in a fantastical world where humans and beasts coexist in a fragile peace. The story follows Sariphi, a young girl who has been chosen as the 99th human sacrifice to the fearsome King of Beasts, Leonhart. However, instead of cowering in fear, Sariphi faces her fate with courage and empathy, qualities that intrigue the beastly king. As their relationship develops, Sariphi learns that Leonhart harbors a deep secret that could change the fate of both their worlds.

Sariphi, the protagonist, is a breath of fresh air in the world of anime heroines. Her unwavering kindness and bravery make her a relatable and admirable character. Leonhart, the King of Beasts, is a complex character whose tough exterior hides a heart full of vulnerability. The supporting cast, consisting of talking beasts and magical beings, adds depth and richness to the world-building, making every episode a visual and emotional treat.

The animation quality is top-notch, with beautiful, lush backgrounds that bring the magical world to life. The character designs, especially the talking beasts, are creative and detailed, adding to the fantastical atmosphere of the anime. The contrast between the dark, mysterious kingdom and the warmth of the characters’ interactions is visually striking and enhances the overall storytelling.

At its core, The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts is a story about breaking down barriers, understanding the “other,” and the power of love to transform even the most hardened hearts. The anime explores themes of sacrifice, acceptance, and the courage to stand up against prejudice. It’s a story that resonates on many levels, making it more than just a simple fantasy tale.

With only one season and 24 episodes, *The Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts* is a binge-worthy series that delivers a compelling story, memorable characters, and a beautifully crafted world. While it may not have the mainstream popularity of other fantasy anime, it’s a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. If you’re into magical worlds, talking beasts, and stories with heart, this anime is a must-watch.

This series is a great find on Crunchyroll for those who crave a blend of fantasy, magic, and heartfelt storytelling. Don’t miss out on this enchanting adventure!

Rating: 7/10

Delicious in Dungeon, streaming on Netflix, is a unique blend of fantasy, culinary adventure, and character-driven storytelling that delights anime fans and food lovers alike. Adapted from the popular manga series by Ryoko Kui, this anime invites viewers into a rich, magical world where dungeons aren’t just filled with treasures and monsters, but also with the ingredients for some truly mouthwatering meals.

The story follows Laios, a fearless yet food-obsessed knight, and his eclectic party of adventurers as they dive deep into a mysterious dungeon. Their goal? To rescue Laios’ sister, Falin, who was swallowed by a dragon in the depths of the dungeon. Short on supplies, the group decides to live off the land—or rather, the dungeon—by cooking and eating the monsters they defeat. Each episode showcases a different creature, from slimes to basilisks, and the creative culinary solutions the group devises to turn them into gourmet dishes.

Laios: The group’s leader, Laios is as brave as he is obsessed with trying out new monster-based recipes. His enthusiasm for food often lightens the dire circumstances they face.

Marcille: The elf mage, initially skeptical about eating monsters, adds a layer of cautious wisdom to the group. Her development from reluctant eater to curious gourmet is a joy to watch.

Chilchuck: The halfling rogue, pragmatic and resourceful, brings balance to the team with his grounded nature and sharp wit.

Senshi: The dwarf warrior and culinary expert. His deep knowledge of monster cuisine makes him an invaluable asset in the kitchen and on the battlefield.

The animation style in *Delicious in Dungeon* is vibrant and detailed, particularly in the cooking sequences. The show does an excellent job of blending the fantastical elements of the dungeon with realistic, mouthwatering depictions of food preparation. Whether it’s grilling a giant scorpion or making slime jelly, the attention to detail will make you want to try these dishes—if only they existed in our world.

At its core, Delicious in Dungeon is about survival, friendship, and the joys of sharing a meal. It explores the idea of finding sustenance and comfort in the most unexpected places. The anime also delves into the bond between Laios and his sister, adding emotional depth to the otherwise light-hearted adventure.

For anime fans, Delicious in Dungeon offers a fresh take on the fantasy genre, combining it with the increasingly popular sub-genre of food anime. The series will appeal to fans of *Shokugeki no Soma* (*Food Wars!*) and *Made in Abyss*, as it perfectly balances humor, action, and culinary exploration. Fantasy lovers will appreciate the imaginative world-building and the clever use of dungeon tropes.

Delicious in Dungeon is a must-watch for fans of fantasy and food-themed anime. With its unique premise, engaging characters, and mouthwatering visuals, it offers a delightful viewing experience that stands out in the crowded anime landscape. Whether you’re in it for the action, the cooking, or the quirky humor, this anime serves up a satisfying feast for all.

Friends was a cultural touchstone of the 90’s (1994-2004). Despite receiving some deserved criticism in recent years about its lack of diversity among the all-white, heterosexual, cis-gendered cast, and accusations of transphobia, homophobia, and fatphobia. Friends remains a shining beacon of comfort TV for millennials, such as myself, who never quite got over the dream of living in a brightly painted loft with their best friends.

There are many unbelievable aspects of the show. For example, people with demanding careers like those of the Central Perk gang seem to have a lot of free time to hang out, altogether no less! But like so many sitcoms behind the canned laughter, if you really analyse certain aspects, it becomes… dark. Twisted some may say. Here are ten of the darkest aspects of Friends:

10. UGLY NAKED GUY

The titular across-the-street neighbor of Monica (Courtney Cox) and Rachel (Jennifer Anniston) is rarely actually seen in the show and even when we do it’s brief glimpses of who seems to be a large and hairy man. Despite the character’s ambiguity, he is discussed many times throughout the series. Putting aside the fact that six people have made a habit of watching his private moments for years, that’s not the most disturbing part. In Season 3 Episode 8 ‘The One with the Giant Poking Device’ the Friends gang constructs a poking device made of chopsticks to rouse their naked neighbour whom they believe is dead. When they eventually rouse the ugly naked guy via this method, Rachel makes a comment about the ‘Ugly Naked Guy’ showing them his “poking device”. Not only that in Season 2 Episode 11 Rachel’s visiting mother (Marlo Thomas) makes a comment about an “unattractive nude man playing the cello” Rachel quips that she should be glad he isn’t “playing a smaller instrument”. So, dear readers what is implied here is that ‘Ugly Naked Guy’ is not simply a thoughtless man who forgets to shut his blinds but is in fact indecently exposing himself. 

9. JOEY ALONE

This one is more sad. The finale of the decade-long series sees Monica and Chandler (Matthew Perry) moving to their dream house with newborn adopted twins. Joey (Matt Le Blanc) is still living in the apartment across the hall alone. Of all the main cast Joey had the least growth throughout the series run (except arguably getting stupider). Monica and Chandler found each other, Chandler got over his commitment phobia and even laterally discovered his dream career. Rachel grew from a spoiled, selfish young woman into an accomplished career woman. Ross (David Schwimmer) and Rachel got back together (yet again). Even Phoebe married her dream man. If we discount his spin-off show ‘Joey’ (can we please?!) Joey ends in pretty much the same place he started; a jobbing actor having multiple one-night stands. 

8. CHANDLERS CHILDHOOD

Funny man Chandler admits he uses his self-deprecating humour as a defence mechanism. The few stories he tells from his childhood we are left wondering how he is as well-adjusted as he is. The tragedy of his most famous characters childhood is made even sadder by the revelations of Matthew Perry’s untimely death in October 2023. Chandler makes no secret that his father was gay (and possibly trans) leaving the family home for the families ‘house boy’. This is traumatic enough, but Chandler tells even more disturbing tales of the sexual games both his parents played with the household staff that young Chandler was not only aware of, but actually witnessed. In Season 6 Episode 24 ‘The One with the Proposal: Part 1’ Chandler jokes “I once walking in on both my parents making love to the same guy!” He also remarks (Season 8 Episode 12 ‘The One where Joey Dates Rachel’) “by age 7 kids have already seen orgies…was that just me?” Engaging in sex acts in front of a child is abuse.

7. JOEY’S SEXUAL FAVOURS

Hear me out. In Season 2 Episode 10 ‘The One with Russ’ jobbing actor Joey gets an audition for a small part on soap opera Days of Our Lives. After his audition, the female casting director implies, that he would get the part if he slept with her. After much deliberation, Joey decides he wants to succeed in his talent rather than his sex appeal. However, he ends up sleeping with the casting director anyway as she then offers him a ‘series regular’. But Season 2 is not the only time Joey trades sexual favors to get his way. In Season 8 Episode 19 ‘The One with Joey’s Interview’ Joey sleeps with a journalist in order to stop her from writing a scathing article about him. Two episodes later while attending a cooking class with Monica Joey receives an ‘A’ and excitedly proclaims that it’s the first ‘A’ he’s received since high school, and he didn’t have to sleep with the teacher this time. 

6. ROSS THE CREEP

Dr Ross Geller has arguably been given the title of most problematic character. Anyway, we could pick through Ross’s myriad of faults, but I would rather focus on his assorted creepiness. There is obvious examples like while being a professor Ross dates a student (Alexandra Holden). She wasn’t a student in his class during their relationship, but still a student of the university, so it could be seen as inappropriate and an abuse of power. Not only does Ross date Elizabeth (the student) he becomes jealous of her spring break plans. Ultimately, he follows Elizabeth and her friends to Daytona Beach, where a thirty-something-year-old professor partying with a bunch of students. 

5. ROSS AND RACHEL’S RELATIONSHIP

No matter what sitcoms might say; ‘on and off again’ relationships are usually toxic. This is particularly true of Ross and Rachel. With Ross’s controlling nature and Rachel’s somewhat cruel attempts to sabotage Ross’s romances (the head-shaving incident anyone?), their relationship is hardly healthy. When Ross was trying to decide between being with Rachel or Julie, in Season 2 Episode 8 ‘The One with the List’, he compiled a list of each of their pros and cons. Rachel’s cons include being “just a waitress” and being vain. Something I personally hated Ross for was during this episode when Rachel finds the list and is rightly upset about his cruel critique Ross asks her “Is this over yet?”. So not only is she insulted by someone who claims to care for her but she is not even allowed to be hurt or discuss it. This is not the only time where Ross undermines Rachel’s career. In Season 3, Ross’s ire is triggered by Rachel’s focus on her new job. It is clear that he still doesn’t consider Rachel’s job as legitimate, or at least not as legitimate as his.

4. BENS DISAPPEARANCE 

Ben is Ross’s son with ex-wife Carol. Carol and Ross co-parent Ben. Many fans have remarked how Ben just seems to disappear after Season 8 Episode 12.

The audience was present throughout Carol’s pregnancy with Ben, his naming arguments, the first time he kicked, his birth, and even his first words. Then Rachel gets pregnant and Ben gets cruelly side-lined. We don’t even get a cute first meeting of Emma and Ben.

Fans have speculated why this is. Many pointed out that Janice (of all characters) foreshadowed this. In Season 8 Episode 20 ‘The One Where Rachel Has a Baby: Part 2’ the two new mothers Rachel and Janice talk in the hospital about Janice’s experience. Janice raised a child alone and she warns Rachel that Ross will only be there for their child until he meets someone and begins his ‘real’ family. Is that what happened with Ben? 

Even Ben’s grandfather appeared to have forgotten about him. In the Season 9 Episode, Ross’s dad comments on Emma being his first grandchild until Ross corrects him.

One fan theory proposed is that Carol and Susan deemed Ross an unfit father after his breakdown consequently keeping Ben from him. However, the timeline doesn’t really support that theory, however, it leads me nicely to…

3 ROSS’S BREAKDOWN

After saying the wrong name at the altar Ross is getting divorced for the second time at only 30, his soon-to-be ex-wife had him evicted from his apartment and someone at work ate his sandwich! The last one seems slight but we’ve all had the straw that broke the camel’s back moment. However this particular straw, er sandwich, cost Ross his career at the museum. We are meant to laugh at Ross’s misfortunes but the titular scene of Ross confronting his colleague about his missing sandwich; Ross sounds unhinged, disturbed even. We can’t help but wonder just exactly how Ross was acting at his work to earn the nickname ‘Mental Geller’. 

2 MONICA’S EATING DISORDER

One major modern criticism is the inclusion of ‘Fat Monica’. A 90’s/early 00’s staple of comedy: fatphobia. Spectacularly svelte Courtney Cox dons a fat suit in order to play her character’s, Monica’s, past self. Many, many jokes about Monica’s past self are littered throughout the show’s ten years. The first time seeing ‘Fat Monica’ on an old home movie Joey exclaims; “some girl ate Monica!” (Season 2 Episode 14). 

From eating all the Girl Scout Cookies she was supposed to sell as a child to pie-eating competitions, young Monica ate a lot. She worked hard to lose the weight but it’s clear her relationship with food is not healthy. In Series 1 Episode 13 Phoebe is dating a psychiatrist (Fisher Stevens) who the gang hates for pointing out their emotional weak spots. When Monica is moodily eating a plate of cookies he says to her “Mon, um, easy on those cookies ok? Remember, they’re just food, they’re not love”.

So, like a lot of compulsive overeaters, Monica is substituting food for love. But why wouldn’t Monica feel love in her childhood? In the show, Monica has a fraught relationship with her mother (Christine Pickles). We know this mother let her daughter binge eat but did she encourage it? In Season 5 Episode 8 during a past Thanksgiving Monica’s mum tells young Monica to eat the two leftover pies as she hasn’t any room in the fridge. An offhand joke to be sure but it paints a much darker picture.

1 PHOEBE’S PAST

A surprise to nobody, the darkest aspect of Friends is…Phoebe’s past. Watching Phoebe’s fun quirkiness and spicy comebacks it’s hard to reconcile a dark past with this golden-haired songstress. It is established early in Season 1 that Phoebe has an identical twin who she doesn’t speak to and their biological dad walked out on them and their mother shortly after they were born. Throughout the run of the series, we discover that Phoebe’s mother killed herself. In Series 1 Episode 10, Phoebe sings one of her autobiographical songs of a time she was building a snowman not realizing her mother was dead in the kitchen (we will find out later her mother committed suicide by putting her head in the oven). Building on the implications of her song; did Phoebe find her dead mother as a preteen?

When her mum died and Phoebe ended up living on the streets of New York City. At 18 she lived with a man named ‘Cindy’ who was possibly experiencing some kind of psychosis (talked to his hand). She spent her ‘sweet sixteenth’ being chased around a tire yard by an escaped mental patient who, in his own words, wanted to kill her or whatever. Phoebe also developed hepatitis when a pimp spits in her mouth.

Phoebe used to beg for money and speaks about a time a man offered to buy her food and exchange for sex, she doesn’t confirm whether she did or not. When giving an example of how to beg for money she does a ‘sexy shoulder wiggle’ and excitedly exclaims “Wow, still have it!”. 

In Season 1 Phoebe is living with her maternal grandmother (Audra Marie Lindley), where was this grandmother when Phoebe was homeless and being abused on the streets of New York? Where also was Ursula during this time? 

Phoebe Buffay is an icon. She spent 10 years showing the audience you can approach life differently from your peers and still be happy. 

For a (roughly) 23-minute sitcom Friends leaves the audience with a surprisingly deep message; no matter your past or personal hang-ups you are still worthy of love and friendship and creating a good life for yourself.