English Dub Review: Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus “I Need You”

Overview

Sakuta dreams that on Christmas Eve, when he is meant to have a sleepover date with Mai, he instead goes on a date with a student named Sara Himeji from the cram school where he works. The Student in question has the same dream as Sakuta and goes on to confess that she has her own Puberty Syndrome. However, she says that she does not want her Puberty Syndrome to be fixed…


Our Take

Picking up from the previous episode, this installment turns its attention to the personal struggles of Sara, Sakuta, Kasai, and Futaba, showing how each of them wrestles with emotions that are hard to express. Instead of relying on dramatic twists, it leans into quieter but meaningful moments that highlight the complexities of relationships, where affection, frustration, and uncertainty often blur together.

The rest of the proceedings are a careful balance here between lighter, playful interactions and more introspective scenes that reveal vulnerabilities. The writing highlights how easily affection, frustration, and uncertainty can mix, while also giving space for small touches of humor and charm to keep things from feeling too heavy. The connections between these characters continue to evolve, reminding the audience that sometimes, growth often comes through discomfort itself…

Overall, this was a character-driven chapter that emphasizes tension, romance, and anticipation over immediate resolution. It highlights both the messy realities of growing up and the importance of trust within relationships, while leaving the larger mysteries to build in the background. With Christmas Eve looming and only a few episodes left, the stage is clearly being set for emotional payoffs and dramatic turns without giving away exactly where things are headed.