Dive into the magical and often tumultuous world of Night Raven College with “Disney Twisted-Wonderland The Animation – Episode 5,” titled “A Mealtime Chat.” This pivotal episode, part of the “Episode of Heartslabyul” arc, further explores the escalating tensions within Heartslabyul Dorm, particularly surrounding its strict leader, Riddle Rosehearts. As the anime adaptation of the popular mobile game continues, viewers witness key character development and the subtle, yet impactful, shifts that foreshadow bigger conflicts.
Episode 5’s Central Conflict: Ace’s Rebellion and Riddle’s Rules
Episode 5 picks up directly from previous events, with Ace Trappola once again finding himself at odds with the notoriously strict dorm leader, Riddle Rosehearts. While having lunch in the cafeteria, Ace openly complains about Heartslabyul Dorm’s excessive rules, only for Riddle to appear and reprimand him for another violation. Despite his dissatisfaction, Ace reluctantly agrees to comply with Riddle’s commands.
The core of “A Mealtime Chat” revolves around Ace’s attempt to make amends with Riddle. Hoping to earn forgiveness, Ace decides to bake a marron tart. This seemingly simple act, however, becomes a focal point for the mounting frustration within Heartslabyul, as Riddle’s “Queen of Hearts’ Laws” are enforced with unwavering severity, placing significant burdens on his dorm members.
The Unbirthday Party and Rule 562
The efforts to bake the tart involve Yuuken (the protagonist), Grim, Ace, Deuce, Cater, and Trey. Their collective endeavor leads them to present the tart to Riddle, only for him to declare angrily that they have violated “Rule 562 of the dorm: ‘never bring a chestnut tart to an unbirthday party.'”. This seemingly arbitrary rule further highlights Riddle’s increasingly tyrannical enforcement of the Queen of Hearts’ laws. Consequently, Riddle collars not only Ace but also Deuce and Grim, expelling them from the dorm once more. This event pushes Ace to challenge Riddle for the position of dorm leader, though he ultimately loses.
Trey Clover’s Role and Riddle’s Transformation
Amidst the growing unrest, Trey Clover, who serves as the vice leader of Heartslabyul, continues to support Riddle. However, Episode 5 also hints at Trey’s growing concern. Flashbacks in the episode reveal a happier, friendlier Riddle, contrasting sharply with his current “temperamental control freak” persona. The episode concludes with Trey confronting Riddle, a look of confusion and horror spreading across his face as he realizes the extent of his friend’s transformation. This suggests that Trey may eventually be the one to challenge Riddle’s authority.
Deeper Character Insights and Foreshadowing
“A Mealtime Chat” also provides insights into other characters. Deuce Spade, for instance, reflects on his past as a “thug” who bleached his hair blonde and often got into fights, only to change his ways to make his mother proud. This backstory adds depth to his character and explains his desire to be a model student.
The episode further solidifies the notion that Riddle Rosehearts is progressively succumbing to a darker influence. A dark blot begins to form in his Magestone, serving as a metaphor for his descent into villainy. This development is significant given that Night Raven College is an academy founded by the “Great Seven,” legendary figures inspired by Disney villains.
Production and Release Information
“Disney Twisted-Wonderland The Animation” is an original net animation (ONA) series produced by Yumeta Company and Graphinica. The first season, “Episode of Heartslabyul,” consists of eight episodes and adapts the corresponding manga series. Episode 5, “A Mealtime Chat,” was exclusively available on Disney+ starting Wednesday, November 26, 2025 (JST). New episodes are released weekly on Wednesdays. The series features an English dub with actors like Paul Castro Jr. as Riddle Rosehearts, Max Mittelman as Ace Trappola, and Hunter McCoy as Deuce Spade. The opening theme is “Piece of My World” performed by the “Night Ravens,” while the ending theme is “Obedience” performed by the Heartslabyul Dorm members.
