Disney Twisted-Wonderland The Animation continued its first season, “Episode of Heartslabyul,” with its fourth installment, titled “A Desperate Heart.” Released on November 19, 2025, on Disney+ and Hulu, this episode delved deeper into the fantastical world of Night Raven College, expanding on the lore and introducing more of its distinctive characters and settings. It served as a pivotal episode, moving beyond the initial introductions to immerse viewers in the unique “dark academia” atmosphere of the series.
Unraveling the Plot of “A Desperate Heart”
Episode 4 picks up after Grim officially becomes a student, and Yuuken (Yu), the protagonist, assumes his role as prefect of the Ramshackle Dorm. The central conflict of the episode revolves around Ace Trappola, who appears at Yu’s door collared as punishment for violating one of Dorm Leader Riddle Rosehearts’ strict rules. Yu advises Ace to apologize to Riddle, setting the stage for their visit to the Heartslabyul Dorm.
The Quest to Paint the Roses Red
Upon arriving at Heartslabyul with Deuce, the trio encounters Cater Diamond, an upperclassman, in the garden. They find him in the midst of painting white roses red for an upcoming Unbirthday party, a direct nod to the iconic scene from Alice in Wonderland. This task, initially seemingly simple, becomes a larger part of their introduction to the rigid rules and eccentricities of the Heartslabyul Dorm, which is heavily influenced by the Queen of Hearts. The episode beautifully reimagines this familiar Disney element within the Twisted-Wonderland universe.
Diving into Night Raven College Academics and Worldbuilding
Beyond the immediate task, “A Desperate Heart” significantly expands the series’ worldbuilding. Yu and his friends begin attending classes, navigating the school’s magic mirror-based transportation system to access different parts of the campus. The episode features the introduction of various teachers, whose designs and dialogue cleverly hint at their Disney villain inspirations, further enriching the “dark academia” vibe. Viewers also get glimpses into the other dormitories of Night Raven College, learning about their unique characteristics and the Great Seven legends they are modeled after. For instance, Ignihyde is associated with Hades, and its students are described as antisocial types.
The cafeteria scene provides further opportunities for character introductions and exposition, with Cater and Trey offering explanations about the different dorms and their respective ethos, such as Heartslabyul’s commitment to strict discipline. Yu’s surprising proficiency in gym class, flawlessly executing exercises, serves as a subtle Easter egg, hinting at his kendo background.
Key Characters and Voice Performances
Episode 4 highlights the evolving dynamics between Yu, Grim, Ace, and Deuce. Ace’s predicament with the collar and his reluctance to apologize to Riddle showcase his rebellious nature, while Yu’s calm demeanor and advice cement his role as a grounded influence. Michael Sinterniklaas’s performance as Cater Diamond, peppered with modern slang, was particularly noted for its excellence in the English dub. The episode also features Crispin Freeman’s “deep theater-kid voice” as Lillia, a character who makes a sudden appearance.
The Significance of Episode 4
“A Desperate Heart” is described as an episode that allowed the motley cast to truly shine, moving beyond the initial plot constraints to showcase the franchise’s strengths in settings and character designs. While some reviewers noted that the episode prioritized world expansion and character introductions over significant plot progression, it effectively deepened the understanding of Night Raven College and its inhabitants. It served as a strong reminder of what makes stories about magical schools enjoyable, offering rich detail and immersive environments.
Where to Watch
Disney Twisted-Wonderland The Animation is available for streaming exclusively on Disney+ and Hulu, with new episodes releasing weekly on Wednesdays. The first season, “Episode of Heartslabyul,” is slated to have a total of eight episodes, with subsequent seasons planned to adapt the “Episode of Savanaclaw” and “Episode of Octavinelle” arcs from the original mobile game.
