REVIEW: ‘My Dress-Up Darling’ Season 2 Episode 6 — “I’ll Make It Happen. No Matter What, With These Two Hands”

My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 6, “I’ll Make It Happen. No Matter What, With These Two Hands,” sees the cultural festival and the long-prepared-for beauty pageant arrive. Despite the leaps and bounds Gojo (Shoya Ishige, TP Bon) and Marin (Hina Suguta, Eternal Boys) have made in their cosplay endeavors, there are still some things they can’t do on their own. Luckily, they aren’t the only ones pursuing their current goal.

This episode’s central focus feels like the cultivation of much of what the season has focused on thus far. Here, we once again see Gojo faced with the realization that people don’t hate what he does. In fact, they love it. The encouragement and support he receives come from all corners of his life.

From a classmate helping them recreate Rei-san’s signature rainbow rose, to his grandfather taking care of dinner prep while he rushes to meet his deadline, Gojo is inundated with support. 

My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 6 is filled with positivity and powerful acceptance.

My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 6’s positivity comes through wonderfully in the visuals. From the heartfelt delivery of support from those around him to the powerful moments of acceptance that Gojo has when he fully embraces what is going on, the animation and visual design do all they can to drive home the key moments within the story. Even when the positivity goes a little astray. 

It would be easy for the narrative to deliver purely good vibes without imposing any downsides. Allowing the positivity to shine unblemished might make it feel brighter, but by doing so, it would sacrifice authenticity. By choosing a more true-to-life approach, the outpouring of interest in Gojo’s work isn’t all upside. It nearly overwhelms the often secluded young man in a critical moment. 

As Gojo prepares to do Marin’s makeup for the beauty pageant, the duo’s entire class shows up to observe the process of turning Marin into everyone’s favorite shojo manga character. This would be nerve-wracking for most people, but for someone who isn’t used to crowds in general, and who is still grappling with the fact that what he does hasn’t branded him a “wierdo” in their eyes, the moment nearly induces a panic attack. Only Marin’s gentle concern brings him back from the precipice, allowing him to lock in on what he’s doing. 

Every emotional beat hits perfectly in My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 6.

While the emotional beats hit wonderfully, the highlight of the episode goes to Marin’s on-stage performance. Again, the animation comes through, doing a great job of delivering a fluidity of motion that sells the coolness of the persona Marin adapts on stage. Every step, hand motion, and knowing glance from the character delivers perfectly. A striking contrast to the often clumsy protagonist.

Suguta’s performance also shines here. How Marin’s voice is transformed into one of suave confidence is the final element that makes the sequence shine. You can still hear Marin within the dialogue, just with the added elements that create the sense that the character has been preparing for her performance off-camera. 

Once the major beats of the episode have run their course, My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 6 wraps up its time with an after-party trip to karaoke. This sequence serves as a great narrative release valve, as it focuses in on humor over most other elements.

My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 6’s closing moments make a familiar trope come alive wonderfully.

This feels great, as the closing moments deliver a fairly predictable moment of failed flirtation on the part of Marin. While it’s nothing original, the delivery and playfulness of the moment allow it to come together wonderfully, despite its familiar elements.

My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 6 succeeds in every way. Heart, humor, impactful narrative, and gorgeous animation are fused together to craft the latest phenomenal episode of what has been a stellar sophomore season so far.

My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 6 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

Previous Episode | Next Episode