Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 6 review: An intriguing yet confusing installment that dives deep into Ikumi Akagi's psyche

Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 6 is the series’ most perplexing episode, which is saying a lot for a franchise that frequently deals with themes of mystery and the supernatural. The main focus of the installment is Sakuta and Ikumi’s relationship, where it is strongly hinted that the protagonist is responsible for the flawed hero’s Puberty Syndrome.

While the episode takes a massive risk by introducing various confusing elements and questions surrounding Ikumi Akagi and her psyche, it manages to remain fascinating without completely breaking the viewer's immersion.

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Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 6: A deep dive into Ikumi that toes the line between engaging and confusing

Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 6: A brief synopsis and narrative review

Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 6 begins with Sakuta meeting Ikumi in the infirmary after she is struck by an enigmatic force. Having discovered that her heroic actions are not out of selfishness but due to a frightening degree of wanting to do good, he attempts to dig deeper, but finds that her Puberty Syndrome is connected to a past event involving him.

Hoping to recall this occurrence, most of the episode follows Sakuta’s quest for a solution. Firstly, he finds from Kotomi that Ikumi had an older boyfriend in High School, which led to a scandal. Later, Rio hypothesizes that Ikumi’s Puberty Syndrome stems from her love for Sakuta, but quickly abandons the idea and pushes him to remember their past.

Sakuta finally gets the answer from Miwako, who assists Ikumi in her volunteering job. Knowing both individuals well, the counselor infers that Ikumi’s feelings toward Sakuta may be because she couldn’t help him during Middle School when he was isolated by everyone else. Convinced of the reason, Sakuta meets Ikumi later and reveals the answer.

Ikumi, as seen in Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 6 (Image via Studio CloverWorks)

However, right then, Ikumi is struck by the mysterious force again, and random writings appear on her arm. She leaves soon after when her ex-boyfriend, Seiichi, approaches her. Sakuta talks to him and discovers that the two had broken up due to Seiichi’s anxiousness, but also that Ikumi had posted about a dream where she would get arrested.

Growing desperate, Sakuta directly asks Touko about Ikumi’s Puberty Syndrome, but gets no answer. Finally, he heads home along with Mai to search through his Middle School graduation book. He reads Ikumi’s essay, where she reveals her discontent at being unable to save him.

However, while Ikumi had told Sakuta earlier that his own essay had spoken about him wanting to reach kindness, Sakuta had written something completely different in reality. Rather, the quote about hoping to be kind was told to Sakuta by Shoko in the past. The episode ends as Sakuta makes some sort of breakthrough about Ikumi.

Ikumi and Sakuta as seen in Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 6 (Image via Studio CloverWorks)

As mentioned, Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 6 is undoubtedly intriguing, but it is also greatly perplexing. The episode presents several ideas and questions surrounding Ikumi and Sakuta, but does not provide an answer. Rather, it takes the viewer on a journey alongside the protagonist, uncovering clues and analyzing Ikumi’s psyche with him.

This is a very bold move that could cost the show its audience's attention, but by gradually deconstructing the many layers of Ikumi Akagi and maintaining a suspenseful tone throughout, fans remain hooked for the 20+ minute duration.

There are still close to no explanations offered for Ikumi’s Puberty Syndrome, but the cliffhanger ending suggests that Sakuta is very close to finding the truth. This also appears to connect with the previous season and movies of the Rascal Does Not Dream series, showcasing the franchise's excellence in weaving together themes from supposedly standalone arcs.

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Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 6: An overall production criticism

Touko and Sakuta as seen in Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 6 (Image via Studio CloverWorks)

Much like the rest of the series, there are no obvious highlights in Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 6’s production, but Studio CloverWorks’ consistent delivery ensures that the narrative developments are always elevated by the animation.

The diverse color palette and the music, which is light and melancholic, help create a more engaging experience. The soft performances by the voice actors perfectly match the contrast the creators wish to bring out, while also capturing the deadpan personalities of the characters.

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Final thoughts

Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus episode 6 is among the riskiest episodes in the series, but it ultimately pays off. Very few answers are provided, and there are more questions stacked on top of the pre-existing mysteries surrounding Ikumi Akagi. Nevertheless, as fans join Sakuta’s investigative journey, they end up playing the detective themselves.

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