REVIEW: ‘RWBY: Ice Queendom,’ Episode 5 – “Awaken in a Dream”

RWBY: Ice Queendom is an action/fantasy anime produced by Shaft. Having confronted Weiss in her dream, only to be driven out by her, Ruby is forced to get help from the rest of RWBY. But will Ruby, Yang, and Blake be enough to free Weiss from her nightmare in RWBY: Ice Queendom Episode 5?

While Ruby may not have managed to save Weiss in her first entry into her dream, she did manage to learn a lot. Armed with this knowledge, the group’s return visit is already looking more hopeful. But as the squad searches deeper into the city of dreams the Nightmare has built for Weiss, more questions arise that have no clear answers. 

RWBY: Ice Queendom Episode 5 delivers some interesting insights and moments to the show’s growing narrative as the trio makes their way through the now familiar dream setting. While this makes for some enlightening moments of storytelling, all in all, this episode proceeds a bit too slowly. With so much of what we see being retreaded from the last episode, this story feels like it easily could’ve gotten more accomplished than it does. 

The biggest narrative element that comes from this episode sees Ruby growing into her role as team leader. Despite having the title, Ruby is able to demonstrate an all too often overlooked element of leadership. Namely, she is able to listen. When Yang or Blake brings up counterpoints that are better than what she originally planned, she is able to accept the other’s suggestion with little resistance. A key to being a leader is knowing when to let someone else take the lead. 

The animation throughout RWBY: Ice Queendom Episode 5 continues to deliver the smooth look and feel that the previous episodes have established. But while the show continues to look great as a whole, there is a moment in this episode that truly stands out. 

While making her way through the city once more, Ruby comes across the talking door that holds the “sillies” prisoner. While we once again see the members of JNPR held there, their behavior is a bit different. This is particularly true for Pyrrha, who performs a song as Ruby looks on. 

The animation in this moment is stunning. It lifts the lovely musical number with its gorgeous complimentary visuals. The way Pyrrha’s hair flows around her as she sings her sad melody is artistic brilliance—a truly captivating example of what can be created when great visuals and music are brought together in such wonderful harmony.

When all is said and done, RWBY: Ice Queendom Episode 5 manages to deliver a few highlight moments, despite an overall meandering pace. I hope that the show manages to utilize the foundation this episode lays down so that the next installment can get back to the energy that made the first several stories click so well. 

RWBY: Ice Queendom Episode 5 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.