The highly anticipated fifth episode of Disney Twisted-Wonderland The Animation, titled “A Mealtime Chat,” plunged viewers deeper into the escalating tensions within Heartslabyul Dorm, shining a spotlight on the tyrannical rule of Riddle Rosehearts and the growing rebellion among his dormmates. Released on November 26, 2025, exclusively on Disney+ and Hulu, this episode further explores the stringent “Queen of Hearts’ Laws” and the desperate measures students take to navigate them.
The Tyranny of Riddle Rosehearts Deepens
The episode picks up immediately after Ace’s ill-advised complaints about Heartslabyul’s overly strict rules, only for him to discover Riddle Rosehearts himself standing directly behind him. This encounter sets a tense tone, with Riddle sternly reprimanding Ace for yet another perceived violation of the dorm’s extensive regulations. While Ace reluctantly agrees to obey, his frustration, shared by other dorm members, continues to simmer beneath the surface.
Riddle’s unwavering enforcement of the “Queen of Hearts’ Laws” is a central theme, highlighting his transformation into the “Crimson Tyrant” who places heavy burdens on his students. The episode showcases several of these arbitrary rules, such as Rule 271, which dictates leaving the table within 15 minutes of finishing lunch, and Rule 186, which forbids eating hamburgers on a Tuesday. This oppressive environment underscores the metaphorical “dark side” that Riddle appears to be embracing, as power corrupts him in an academy founded by characters inspired by Disney villains.
Ace’s Attempt at Reconciliation and the Marron Tart
In a bid to make amends and perhaps appease Riddle, Ace decides to bake a marron tart to earn forgiveness. This seemingly simple act becomes a significant plot point, involving Yuuken, Grim, and Deuce in the endeavor. The group embarks on a quest for ingredients, leading them to the botanical garden where they unexpectedly encounter Leona Kingscholar from Savanaclaw Dorm. This brief interaction highlights Leona’s own hot-tempered nature, showcasing a physical threat contrasting Riddle’s magical power.
The baking process itself becomes a focal point, evolving into a “mini-baking show” as the students work together. Trey Clover, the vice-leader of Heartslabyul, assists them, revealing his unique spell, “Paint the Roses,” which he uses to imbue the tart with various flavors based on the participants’ favorite foods. This moment also offers a glimpse into Trey’s past, showing a happier Riddle trying Trey’s desserts when they were younger, suggesting a different dynamic to their relationship before Riddle’s current strictness.
Deuce’s Revelation and the Escalating Conflict
Episode 5 also provides significant character development for Deuce Spade. While initially presenting as an honor student, a confrontation over broken eggs reveals his past as a “baka ex-delinquent” who bleached his hair blonde and often got into fights. His desire to change and make his mother proud drives his efforts to be an exemplary student. Yuuken and Grim encourage Deuce, advising him to use his regret to achieve his goals.
As the episode progresses, the severity of Riddle’s rules becomes even more apparent. Upon returning to the dorm, Ace, Deuce, Grim, and Yuuken find that many students have been collared with Riddle’s “Off With Your Head” unique magic. The culmination of their efforts with the marron tart backfires when Riddle declares it a violation of Rule 562: “never bring a chestnut tart to an unbirthday party.” This leads to Deuce and Grim also being collared and thrown out of the dorm. The episode concludes with a look of confusion and horror on Trey’s face as he confronts Riddle, realizing the extent of his friend’s extremism, hinting that Trey might be forced to challenge Riddle in the future. Ace, now collared, decides to challenge Riddle for the position of dorm leader, albeit unsuccessfully in the immediate aftermath.
Episode Details and Streaming
“A Mealtime Chat” is the fifth installment of Disney Twisted-Wonderland The Animation: Episode of Heartslabyul, an eight-episode first season. New episodes are released weekly on Wednesdays, with English subtitles and dubs available. The series adapts Book 1 of the original mobile game’s main story, “The Rose-Red Tyrant,” and covers chapters 9 through 14 of the game’s narrative. The opening theme for the anime is “Piece of my world,” performed by the Night Ravens, while the ending theme is “Obedience,” performed by the Heartslabyul Dorm members.
