This new Netflix rom-com is the perfect wholesome series to snuggle up with during the Christmas holiday season. The eight short episodes tell the story of Dash and Lily, two lonely teens in New York City brought together by a red notebook and a series of dares. The story is adapted from Rachel Cohn and Devid Levithan's novel Dash & Lily's Book Of Dares.
The series may not always make sense, but the central characters learn a lot about themselves as they explore the city and get to know each other. They click instantly and continue sharing their thoughts through the notebook. They both love reading and the arts, so they often write in a literary manner. Otherwise, they're saying something wise or listening to advice from loved ones.
"Sometimes Words Aren't Enough."
Throughout the series, Lily struggles to come to terms with her feelings for Dash - first, because she hasn't even met him, and second, because she's never felt this way before.
She's tried to put in words on paper, and she tries to tell Dash in the last episode at The Strand, but finally, she decides to kiss him. She explains that sometimes, words aren't enough.
"Imagine You're In New York, And It's Christmas."
The series begins with Lily's elusive voiceover narration. At this point, neither Dash nor the viewers have any idea who she is. In fact, the first impression of her isn't entirely accurate because it's her brother who writes the first clues.
Nevertheless, Lily is the one to introduce audiences to the story. "Imagine this: you're in your favorite bookstore, scanning the shelf where your favorite books reside, and there, nestled between the familiar spines, sits a red notebook."
"Merry Christmas, You Beautiful, Angry New Yorker!"
At the start of the series, one might argue that Dash is an angry New Yorker. He has no patience for Christmas or people who like Christmas, calling it "the most detestable time of the year."
But towards the end, as he's buying tickets to "Collation," his views have completely flipped. A man in line behind him is impatient, but Dash is not perturbed. He cheerfully and sincerely exclaims, "Merry Christmas, you beautiful, angry New Yorker!"
"Listen To Your Mochi."
This is one of the most valuable lessons Dash learns in the series. He's always so preoccupied with his many ideas, and when Sofia messages him, he becomes even more distracted.
Lily encourages him to quiet his mind and to "listen to his mochi" (he happens to be making mochi). He repeats the quote to himself several times throughout the series, which sometimes makes others around him confused.
"Argue For Your Limitations And They Are Surely Yours."
Mrs. Basil E is probably the wisest character in the series. She's a tad eccentric, but she has many great stories to tell - not all of them appropriate for her young great-niece.
Nevertheless, she does give Lily (and Dash) a lot of useful advice. When Lily has troubles with her grandfather, Mrs. Basil E simply advises her to argue for her limitations.
"Have You Considered What You'll Do If The Person In Person Isn't The One In Your Head?"
Once again, Mrs. Basil E is ensuring that Lily considers all of the important matters. She seems to be so excited about her Notebook Boy, even though several others around her have expressed their disapproval.
Mrs. Basil E hasn't decided for herself yet, but she wants Lily to be happy. She knows that, without having met him, Lily has no doubt set high expectations in her head. She encourages Lily to consider what she'll do if Dash doesn't live up to them.
"I Like Looking For The Rainbows."
One of Dash's dares for Lily is to go to "The Break Room" - a title Lily misunderstands. This is a creative space where customers literally break their creations to release their negative emotions.
As Dash says, when one can't find the rainbow, the only thing left to do is stand in the rain and scream. But Lily can't bring herself to destroy her creation, especially not when it's a muppet of Dash. In the notebook, she replies to him, "Sorry, Notebook Boy. I like looking for the rainbows."
"This Is Fate! This Is The Magic Of Christmas!"
For such a pessimist and cynic, Dash is sure quick to embrace the Christmas spirit. He's almost over-enthusiastic by the end of the first season, so much so that he wants to tell everyone his good news about finding a girl like Lily.
In fact, he explains the extraordinary circumstances of someone locating her missing boot on the "Mommy app" to everyone who can hear at the cinema. Not everyone is happy about him holding up the line to the ticket booth, but Dash doesn't care.
"I Believe!"
At the start of the series, Dash is an avid hater of Christmas. He no longer believes in love, either, it seems. However, early on, Lily sends him to Dyker Heights, where she helps him believe. The word "Believe" literally glows to life before his eyes.
"Do you still believe in me?" Lily asks via the notebook. And Dash does. Still, he takes a while to embrace the Christmas spirit. When he rushes out of the cinema, he fiercely hugs a Santa and shouts, "I believe!" before running off.
"You Gave Me New York."
The sweetest quote of the show has to come at the end of the series when Lily meets Dash at The Strand. At this point, they've been through highs and lows, and both want to start their relationship properly.
Lily rushes to the bookstore to find it decorated with tinsel, baubles, and Christmas trees. Upstairs, she finds a whole spread of New York foods, including some of the foods they lead each other to. Lily is amazed and Dash proves that he really does get her.