English Dub Review: Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus “Dissonant Notes”

Overview

A pumpkin lantern made of glass comes crashing down in a plaza in front of Sakuragicho Station, just as a social media post with the hashtag #DREAMING had predicted. However, Ikumi rushes in to protect a girl who was running directly underneath it as it falls, preventing any injuries. She believes the rumor about the #DREAMING posts and has been going around, saving people. Ikumi visits Sakuta at the university and passes him an invitation to their middle school reunion. Sakuta warns her about helping people too much, but she brushes off this advice…

Our Take

This time around, we get an episode that balances mystery, character history, and everyday slice-of-life warmth in a way that feels both engaging and unsettling. Strange events continue to unfold around the “dreaming” trend, leaving characters caught between curiosity and unease. At the same time, the series gives us small glimpses into the cast’s past, connecting their present struggles to choices and relationships from years ago.

What really stands out here is how much emphasis is placed on character interaction. From moments of lighthearted banter to heavier, more emotional beats, the episode feels alive with personality. These conversations not only expand on relationships but also hint at deeper motivations and unresolved guilt that might tie into the current mystery. The show also sprinkles in some nostalgic callbacks, letting us see familiar characters in new contexts while staying focused on the present…

Overall, this excelled in terms of being both heartfelt and tense without leaning too hard on spectacle. The slower pacing may test some viewers, but the groundwork being laid is deliberate, and the episode’s mix of charm, mystery, and unease makes it an intriguing setup for what’s to come. Whether you watch for the relationships, the atmosphere, or the unfolding supernatural thread, there’s plenty here to hold interest while raising anticipation for the next stage.