My Dress-Up Darling Episode 4 - For Her Smile

My Dress-Up Darling episode 4 isn’t as comedic or teasing as the last episodes, but hands down, it is just as amazing. This episode is proof that the show’s writing is so good because it feels so emotionally realistic. I have a lot of love for this show now, and my appreciation for it just keeps growing.

For example, I think a lot of people can relate to the stress Gojo went through — from finishing the cosplay costume, caring for his injured gramps, managing the shop, to studying midterms altogether. It’s a lot of things to do! It especially sucks when you’re anxious about expectations and then it all comes crashing down.

Personally, I think the most incredible part of My Dress-Up Darling episode 4 is how Gojo spirals down, recovers, and eventually pushes through. When Gojo broke down into tears of doubt, I really felt that. It was such a vulnerable, frustrating, sad, and relatable moment. But then, he remembers his grandpa’s words and finds strength in them. This flashback memory is what brings him back and it’s an extremely emotional and wonderful scene.

“Of course it’s hard! Love for the craft won’t sustain ya. But that said, love for the craft helps ya keep going when the going gets tough. And when I see our customers smile, that’s when I’m grateful for pushin’ through. Wanting to make them happy is what gives me strength when things are at their hardest… “

What’s more, we have Marin who also cries when she realizes her mistake and the hard work Gojo went through. There was never a two-week deadline after all. Suddenly, it makes all the past tension just disappear into thin air. The ending of My Dress-Up Darling episode 4 is too precious when Gojo — eyebags and all — finally fulfills Marin’s dream of becoming Shizuku-tan. Both of their smiles are totally worth it.

As someone who loves a good rom-com, those small moments of “catching feelings” are everything to me. We had one back in episode 2, and we had another one again now. It’s so cute how Marin gets flustered even though Gojo is a tired mess. Actually, Gojo calls her right away after he finished the dress. Kinda sweet, don’t you think? Oh Gojo, you deserve all the sleep you need after this.

Appreciation for Gojo and Marin

All in all, My Dress-Up Darling episode 4 is a precious and powerful episode. Hats off to CloverWorks and to the author for this. I am really enjoying it — the pacing, writing, music, and animation. (Chef’s kiss!) The dressing up and make-up part was adorably cute.

From this episode, you know that gramps is a good man and that Gojo is an absolute best boy. I’m also glad that Marin truly treats and appreciates Gojo right. I mean, she could have easily blamed the misunderstanding on him but she didn’t. If you think about it, this miscommunication happened because of their distinct introvert/ extrovert personalities. Gojo is shy and doesn’t want to impose or disappoint, meanwhile, Marin is outgoing and spontaneous, probably thinking Gojo is on the same page as her. (They never re-clarified the last episode’s conversation after all.)

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — Marin and Gojou are an endearing pair. Their characters have a lot of depth. They both have amazing traits and some flaws too. (Both very best girl/boy materials.) I can only imagine how more open they’ll be to one another from here on out! I can’t wait to see more of them, especially now with their new cosplay.

The next episode will air on Saturday, February 5, at 24:00 JST. The English subtitled versions will also be available later on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Bilibili in select regions. If you enjoy watching the anime (and love our best boy and best girl), don’t forget to vote in our weekly polls.

Images via Bilibili
©Shinichi Fukuda/SQUARE ENIX, Kisekoi Committee