Twisted Wonderland: Episode of Heartslabyul – 04

While I do think this episode was a good set-up and world-building episode, I am getting progressively more and more worried about the pacing for Riddle’s focus. I was hoping this episode would be the beginning of the dive into Riddle focus, but it seems like it is the VERY start as it’s still focusing on world-building and setting up characters. Which I think would have been fine if it were the regular 12 episodes… but we’re already halfway through the season and I am WORRIED. Will there be enough time at this point? I understand the importance of establishing everything, but come on. We’ve only lightly tapped the surface of Riddle’s character arc.

The aspect of the main character being able to the dissonance between how this world perceives the villains and how they were in Disney canon has always been such a main point of intrigue for me. It’s like something is out there trying to reveal the truth about them, but is only being revealed to the outsider. What is he supposed to do with this information? Why is he being shown this? Is he supposed to do something? There’s so many questions and while we won’t get any of those answers this season, even where I am in the game (finished Scarabia), I still don’t know if this is leading up to something bigger. Though considering how it’s being portrayed, it HAS to be building up to SOMETHING. But what it is, remains to be seen at this point. In any case, Yuuken is starting to see similarities to what he’s seeing in his dreams and what he is currently witnessing around him. Whether or not this will lead to anything… I do not remember because it’s been years since I’ve played this part in the game lol. But I’m sure we’ll see if these visions will help him in the world around him in this arc.

We are starting to see the issues of Riddle’s rule as the Head Housewarden as he wants EVERYONE to abide by every single rule and will punish those who do not. While some received punishments that were a bit too much for what they actually did, I do believe that Ace was mostly in the wrong. Especially a lot of it came down to his attitude towards it. Maybe it was a bit much to seal away all of his magic for thoughtlessly eating something that was not his, but I think he made it worse for himself for not even apologizing or trying to make things right if not for Yuuken. The beast tamer’s work is never done lol. Granted, in the world of villains, it does make sense for Ace to be too proud to even consider apologizing. Especially since he didn’t even believe what he did was wrong. Yuuken really is too good for this world with how much he seems to value honesty and diligence. Though it was hilarious how much he was able to outmatch everyone in PE considering he is an athlete. Guy be doing one-armed push ups in the back while everyone was struggling lol. Guess it shows the disparity between those who rely too much on magic and those who regularly work out lol.

We get a little bit of a rundown on each different house and what they specialize in. I really like how the specializations coincide with the respective villain. Such as how the students under Pomfiore specialize in etiquette, appearances and potion making. All to which sums up the Evil Queen in Snow White perfectly. Though in this case, I feel like Ace got placed in the wrong house considering he does not seem like the type of guy that would abide by rules. The only thing that matches is his name that coincides with one of the suites of cards lol. But other than that, it feels like he doesn’t actually fit in there. However, this kind of dynamic does make me want to see Ace and Riddle eventually get along once they reach a point of understanding… if they ever. I dunno, I always like seeing bonds formed between polar opposites and are able to learn from the others’ perspective. Whether or not that actually happens remains to be seen at this point lol. Especially since their relationship is extremely bad at the moment. As soon as Ace started talking smack about Riddle and his rules and you see the immediate heal turn, I just started cackling in anticipation because he is NOT going to let that slide. And considering how Ace is already in his bad graces, this is just gonna make it worse for him. Dude, you got to learn to shut up.

But gosh, this episode definitely reminded me why I cannot stand Cater. Hearing him talk just made me want to fold into myself. I’m sorry, but that way of speaking, I cannot handle it. I literally had to pause the episode because I could not handle all of that at once. I felt emotionally tired after that scene lol. Thankfully we quickly move on to where Ace then has to face the consequences of his actions. While yes, the punishment is a little excessive, but I can agree that if he wants to make up for the tart that he stole, he has to replace it with another.

Hopefully they start building up Riddle a little more in the next episode because I really want the payoff of this arc to HIT like it did in the game. We’ve been getting a little bit of him here and there, but it doesn’t feel like it’s enough. Especially since we’ve hit the halfway point. Come on, Twisted Wonderland. I need you to get it together and hit it out of the park.

I forgot to mention it last episode, but I can appreciate the fact that they are adding in some fanservice for the long time fans in the outros to showcase the characters that are not being presented in this current arc. Because those moments are pretty cute despite them having nothing to do with the episode. But I think it works that they’re putting it as an extra after the credits. Just a little something extra for the fans~ (Though I still think they committed a sin in the first episode by CONSTANTLY having those reaction shots from almost every character)