Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 4 review: A charming and engaging entry into the Nightingale Arc

After the emotional ending of the Lost Singer Arc, Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 4 kicks off the Nightingale Arc, adapting volume 11 of the light novel. The latest installment may not be the most memorable, but it effectively lays the groundwork for the key themes that will be explored in the upcoming episodes.

Episode 4 offers a twist on the traditional understanding of Puberty Syndrome, delving into the miniskirt Santa, Touko Kirishima, who is capable of bestowing the Syndrome on others. Additionally, the science fiction aspect of the franchise finally returns to the forefront as a prophetic trend known as Dreaming goes viral, allowing individuals to make predictions.

Disclaimer: The opinions in this article belong to the author.

---

Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 4 starts the Nightingale Arc in a slow-paced yet enjoyable fashion

Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 4: A brief synopsis and narrative review

The Rascal Does Not series typically begins each new arc more slowly, gradually revealing key players and themes before exploring them in an emotionally resonant way. Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 4 continues this trend.

The episode starts by showcasing Touko Kirishima, who is invisible to everyone but Sakuta. She admits to having distributed 10 million Puberty Syndromes to people, including Sakuta's middle school classmate, Ikumi Akagi. Later, Sakuta, Rio, and Yuuma reunite, discussing their different paths in life as well as Rio's mysterious friend.

The highlight of the episode, however, is Sakuta's trip to a matchmaking party, which he attends after having been invited by Takumi and receiving Mai's permission. While there, he discovers a new trend called Dreaming, which has taken over social media, where posts made online can allegedly predict future events.

This is immediately proven when Sakuta takes a walk during Halloween after the matchmaking party. Amid a crowd, the protagonist sees Ikumi saving a young girl who had been predicted to get injured by a Dreaming post. However, with Ikumi having prevented this event, Sakuta remains curious about her motivations and the nature of her Puberty Syndrome.

As mentioned, Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 4 is not necessarily the most exciting installment in the series, but it introduces fascinating concepts while toying around with fantastical elements and the idea of Puberty Syndrome.

By confirming that Touko Kirishima is capable of bestowing the syndrome on others, the series has made her its most enigmatic figure yet, leaving viewers in constant suspense about whether she is a hidden antagonist who seeks to create chaos or is yet another troubled adolescent.

Sakuta, Rio, and Yuuma as seen in Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 4 (Image via Studio CloverWorks)

Additionally, the concept of the Dreaming trend is immensely engrossing, raising numerous questions about how the prophecies work and who is capable of making them. Finally, the episode brings the side character Ikumi Akagi to centre stage, showcasing the franchise's strength in giving every character meaningful depth.

Since not much is known about Ikumi, her rise to prominence feels all the more engaging, leaving fans expectant of getting to know her more and understanding her relationship with Sakuta.

---

Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 4: An overall production criticism

Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 4 serves as a gateway into a new arc, and Studio CloverWorks remains consistent in delivering a product that helps elevate the storyline. The color palette is varied, but on the brighter side, a soft, melodic score plays in the background, enhancing the narrative's intrigue.

This is particularly evident during the final scenes of the episode, where Ikumi rushes to save the young girl from the falling lantern. The music elevates the cliffhanger ending, leaving both fans and Sakuta intrigued by Ikumi Akagi.

---

Final thoughts

Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 4 is an installment that does an excellent job of drawing in audiences. It creates anticipation by introducing various creative themes and adds fascinating layers to existing characters, ensuring viewers stay engaged for the upcoming arc.

---