English Dub Review: Plus-Sized Elf “A Stagnating Dream”

Overview

A suspicious woman approaches Tomoatsu and starts talking about delicious soft serve ice cream! She may have an unexpected connection to Elfuda…

Our Take

A sunny day brings a rare moment of peace for Elfuda and Tomoatsu, but the calm doesn’t last long. A new figure quietly observes them from the shadows, suggesting that changes are on the horizon. Back at the massage parlor, familiar characters make their return, each bringing their quirks and comedic tension, even in the middle of a thunderstorm. A chaotic but humorous moment involving a storm adds a splash of slapstick energy to the first half, while a chance meeting on the way home sets up the episode’s major turning point.

The 2nd half is the introduction of a new character that marks a dramatic shift in tone and stakes. This visitor brings a no-nonsense attitude and takes a strict approach to dealing with Elfuda’s ongoing struggles. With new routines and harsh discipline, which raises ethical questions about what’s best for Elfuda and who truly has her well-being in mind…

Overall, the episode blends comedy, character growth, and a hint of emotional tension as it introduces an assertive new force into the cast. While the slapstick and fanservice are still present, the heart of this episode lies in the contrast between compassion and discipline, and the episode shifts focus from lighthearted humor to something more intense and personal. The question now is, What will Tomoatsu do?