For probably the first time in Higurashi, an episode totally focuses on one character. And all of the events happening center around this character, perhaps meeting up with Tomitake and Takano is the only scene that didn’t involve her in some way. Keiichi also plays for narrator again, which is interesting, seeing the nature of the show. And yet again, each of the characters acts a little bit different. I’ll get to this at the end of the post, when I discuss the differences from the previous arcs. Tomitake is perhaps the only one who really stayed the same. In any case, you just can’t help to feel sorry for Satoko. I’m no exception to this, and I loved the episode.

We start out one morning, three days before the Watanagashi, and Satoko seems to have called in sick. Everyone is worried about her. Keiichi, Rika, Mion and even Rena (we never get any paranoid actions from her). Then the OP rolls. Keiichi helps a couple of kids get their football back, and then Oishi runs into him. This time, Oishi isn’t looking for Keiichi, but he’s looking for Satoko. Keiichi refuses to tell Oishi about Satoko’s condition, and then Oishi gets evil for the first time in the anime, trying to strangle Keiichi. He eventually manages to get his information from a couple of little girls.

It also becomes clear that Keiichi’s the heir of the Maebara-estate. Apparently, his father is a rather famous artist. Anyway, Irie, or the Director, manages to save Keiichi. Apparently, Oishi and Irie aren’t friendly with each other. Later, Irie tells Keiichi a few facts about Satoko’s past. Apparently, after their parents’ death, she and her brother were taken in by her aunt and uncle, though they were heavily abused. Apparently, the aunt was the victim of last year’s Watanagashi, being beaten by a drug addict. Her uncle then moved away. Though he still visits them (this becomes clear when Keiichi hears a rumour from a couple of boys).

That evening, Keiichi decides to pay a small visit to some kind of house. I seem to have missed something here, as it’s not the same house that was shown in the sixth episode. Or do Rika and Satoko live apart after all? Anyway, then he manages to run into Irie and Satoko. Apparently, Irie met up with Satoko while she was bringing some groceries homewards, and it was just too much for her to carry, so he offered her a lift.

Satoko then looks too sad. It’s not done in an over-the-top way, so it’s just perfect. You just can’t help to feel pity with her. Especially when you see her bruises, and you see her begging to Keiichi to not interfere and compares Keiichi with Satoko (apparently, the two had a lot in common). Still, at that moment, she is in disease/demon-mode. She just reacts totally different from Mion, Rena and Shion when she does.

Irie also has problems with this, but he manages to convince Keiichi to stop. The two of them talka bit later. Apparently, Satoko wants to survive on her own against her uncle, without anyone’s help. This is why the child welfare agency hasn’t interfered yet. Apparently, she really lives on remembering Satoko.

Keiichi then wakes up at the next morning, and then he runs into Tomitake. Apparently, he was planning to go with Takano to the shrine two days before the Watanagashi. This was the first time that Takano talks about the fact that she has seen him before. She also mentions that Keiichi’s the heir of the Maebara estate. As the two of them don’t have to fill in Keiichi about what happened at the Watanagashi, the three of them could speculate a bit. Takano suggests that someone could be using the Watanagashi-murders as a cover.

At school, Keiichi confronts the others with the fact that he knew that Satoko didn’t have a cold. And yes, everyone knew what was happening. They decided to cover it up with a lie, in order to not make other people worried. Still, they get sad when Keiichi mentions it. Then Keiichi asks Mion to listen to him for a bit. He then asks her to make the next Watanagashi-victim Satoko’s uncle. I’ve got some small problems with this. He just knows too little in this arc to be suspecting Mion to be the murderer. He also just assumes that Mion’s a murderer, and thinks about totally other things. Still, it was adorible to see him wanting to safe Satoko. The great thing about Keiichi is that he’s crazy enough do all kinds of things that people would normally consider incredibly risky.

In any case, Mion refused. And she told Keiichi that she’d never do anything as killing. This brings up an interesting issue. Remember episode eight? In there, Mion confessed that she was the center of all of the Watanagashi-murders. Sometimes, she was directly involved. At other times, she wasn’t. At one of these times, she was lying. At the moment, I’m guessing that she was lying when she told Keiichi that her family had nothing to do with the murders. After all, we know that she’s able to lie in order to hide truths that don’t need to be known.

The next day, Satoko seemed to have returned. Apparently, someone called the child protection agency. She and her uncle managed to convince them that there was a misunderstanding. Satoko did this willingly. This only makes her case even sadder and more awesome. It is then revealed that the uncle isn’t even blood related. Satoko’s mother seemed to have remarried another guy, whose brother was the uncle. Even her father used to abuse her.

Then, the fivesome has lunch, and the best scenes since the first arc are shown. Everyone who couldn’t feel pity with Satoko after that scene should be labeled as an emotionless bastard. Rena gets giddly first (awesome as well ^^), and then Keiichi pets Satoko a bit. This reminds her of Satoshi, and Satoko gets paranoid, pushing Keiichi away with enormous force. She also throws up a bit. The episode ends with Satoko repeating “gomen nasai” over and over. I absolutely loved this. :)

A thing I wonder is about Rena. She has been infected/her demon has awakened. Then why isn’t she chasing Keiichi with a large machete, or something? What causes her to react differently from the first arc? I guess it would be Keiichi pushing her. After last episode, Keiichi totally stopped suspecting her, which was something that he did during the first arc. In that case, her reaction is totally different from Mion, who just needed the slightest emotional disappointment in order to literally slaughter the entire neighbourhood.

I’m wondering what’s up with Irie. This arc shows that he really is a nice guy, without any malicious intentions. In that case, what were his intentions at the fourth episode? Why did he send so many men in order to save Keiichi? Cos’ disease theory would fit right in. Keiichi had the disease at that time, and couldn’t think clearly. At that time, Irie was trying to cure him, and he asked the help of Mion and Rena in order to inject some antidote, though he completely misunderstood them, and beat them to death with a club. But still, this does leave some open holes. Even for hallucinations, some of them were just too natural.

But then again, if Keiichi really was infected, this would also explain what drove Satoshi away. Satoshi just had the exact same disease Keiichi had in the first arc. There was nobody to support him, so his disease kept getting worse. Then, at the night of the Watanagashi, he killed his aunt, then he realized that he was going into the wrong direction, and ran away from Satoko. Probably trying to protect her. He also took his saved money, as he did prepare his trip. At the moment of the anime, he either died, or he’s still alive somewhere. Living his life, thinking of Satoko.

If you view it like that, then it appears that the first arc was actually a crucial introduction to the anime. It didn’t focus on Rena at all. It focused on the disease! It showed how someone, infected by the disease loses himself more and more. When you compare this to the following arcs, at which Keiichi doesn’t become paranoid AT ALL, you can deduct that the disease can actually be prevented, provided that there are other persons who actually treat you with care. In the first arc, Rena and Mion tried, but failed. Their last attempt, to use the syringe, failed miserably. In the second arc. Mion never got any support out of anyone, so ever since Keiichi gave the stuffed toy to Rena, she’s been fighting against her disease, and losing. That means that during this episode, Satoko already was awakened because of her uncle, but she managed to fight her disease, and she managed to not lose herself in the process. Now, with what happened at the end of this episode, this balance has been destroyed, as Keiichi reminds her too much of Satoshi. Keiichi will now have to do his utter best in order to be able to save Satoko from killing herself by means of the disease. I also fear for the uncle now.

There’s just one part about Higurashi I hate. You just KNOW that the next arc will focus around Rika. There is no other way. Even though I’d love to see that, it’s just too directed, which is not good for a show like Higurashi. We’ll probably get to know more about her mother who commited suicide, and what the mysterious illness was that struck her father. (any bells ringing at your end as well? *wink, wink*). The fifth arc will then focus on Rena. The more I see this, the more I begin to believe that she indeed did not enjoy sufficient background. This will probably be given in the fifth arc, so that the sixth arc will be the one to tie all strings together.

I’m also wondering. When Satoko’s mother and step-father fell off the cliff, only the step-father’s body was found. What happened to the mother’s? There’s also no clue about what happened to Satoko’s real father. Has he died in the meantime? It would seem logical, after all, otherwise Satoko would’ve moved in with him already.

Differences with previous arcs:
- Keiichi actually values Satoko’s life above that of his own. He’s even more humane than he was at the previous episode.
- Rena is either paranoid, worried or giddly. She never has serious- or detective-mode on like in the second arc. Her disease actually fades. We don’t see any paranoid reactions from her, when you compare it to the first arc.
- Rika’s even cuter than before.
- Satoko is acting more and more angsty. Her disease gets active, in contrast to the previous arcs.
- Mion is actually concerned and serious, in a non-angry way.
- No Watanagashi during the second episode of the third arc.
- Rika does not mention the fact that she participates in the Watanagashi.
- Takano mentions that she’s seen Keiichi in the hospital (interesting note: there has yet to be a mention of the link between Irie and Takano).
- Keiichi meets up with Tomitake two days before the Watanagashi, instead of the day before in the second arc.
- Oishi does not want to talk to Keiichi this time. Oishi is also seen working on a case before the Watanagashi has taken place, and his personality is totally different. After all, the case involving Satoko is more personal, so he doesn’t have to be nice, and fill Keiichi in with information, like he did in the previous arcs. I’m wondering what will happen after the Watanagashi. After all, Keiichi will be an important witness again, having seen Tomitake and Takano whilst at the temple.
- I’m not too sure about this one, but does Takano carry a camera in the first two arcs? In any case, this is the first time she mentions it.
- The fact that Keiichi’s the heir of the Maebara family, and that that gives him some status, is mentioned for the first time.
- Chie-sensei is actually shown and mentioned. She played an incredibly small part thus far, I believe she was only mentioned in the first episode. And is it me, or does she looks a suspicious lot like Rena? Wasn’t she some kind of relative to Rena?

Overall, now I know for sure: there is a disease, not a demon. All of the events happening in Higurashi can be logically explained. Still, I do have a few questions. First of all, where did the disease originate? It appears that people already carry the disease, and that sad emotions are able to trigger it to become active, making the victim paranoid, causing visions and making them not afraid to kill others. Is this hypothesis true? And what are Tomitake’s and Takano’s part in this? And what about Mion’s tattoo? (Wild Theory: what if the Cicadas are actually the ones who spread the disease? It would at least explain the title of the series.)

An episode dedicated to the prinnies. A good idea? Not really. The prinnies are just starting a revolution and Laharl is there to stop it because he wants his food. The comedy-part was a bit neglected here, unfortunately. Still, I liked Flonne’s ideas. She seems to be getting some influences from Laharl after all.

Doods.

This episode managed to deliver the same hate/love-relationship that we’ve gotten used to. Laharl runs into a little girl who pretends that she’s his little sister. In order to unmask the girl, Laharl tries to make her feel comfortable, and that’s where the episode blunders. Laharl either is an incredibly good actor, or his actions were a bit too sincere… Everything revolving around the two of them trying to fool each other was just too much over the top. The ten minutes that it took up could easily have been turned into one.

Still, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy the rest of the series. Especially the climax was brilliant. I’ve never seen such a brilliant use of a Deus ex Machina since Brian fell off a tower and got saved by aliens. (cookie for those who can identify the reference) Etna’s sarcastical view and Flonne’s continous preaching and brilliant voice acting also really helped, and don’t forget the oh so wrong crossdressing of the male captain.

The story in this episode also was pretty well written. There was nothing wrong with the motives of the bad guys, and it seemed that they indeed prepared a lot. The only things wrong with the episode were the fact that Laharl just randomly wandered in without a reason, and the illogical acting of some of the characters.

Okay, screw the multiple proposals. Screw all the people who are to conquer Firiel and Roux. Screw Roux’ and Firiel’s crumbling relationship, only because Roux doesn’t want to get her involved. Heck, even Firiel crying was not needed to make this episode absolutely awesome. All I needed was Adale in bunny-ears. I’m never really into these things, but OMG, she really looked OMG Kawaiiiii in these things. I finally understand why people can have such huge fetishes about these little fluffy bunny-ears.

In any case, I’m beginning to to get more and more used to Firiel’s naivety. It really can give this story some awesome twists (which, by the way, this episode demonstrated clearly). I just loved all of the people trying to manipulate her. After all, she IS the weakest link in the battle of the throne. And I haven’t even mentioned Adale’s fangirling (Omega Kawaiiiiiiii!!!).

The creators really managed to turn Duke Riez into such a scary person. Especially how he tried to persuade Firiel, and made her cry this way. I’m not too fond of the Eusis who happened to walk in at just the right moment, but he made up for this blunder after making Firiel cry once more. I wonder what would’ve happened when the Deus ex Machina stayed away from this anime. In any case, the OP shows Riez transformed into some kind of monster, so we’re going to hear more and more from him. I also love the fact that he and Leandra aren’t working together. It adds such a nice twist to the story.

Apart from the Deus ex Machina with Eusis, there’s just one complaint I have about this series, but that mostly lies on my side. There were a number of things which I just couldn’t remember that happened. For example, I never knew that Riez was the one who took pity on Princess Elilin’s doleful spirit (I take that that means that he killed her). And at a number of times, the king and queen are mentioned, as if they were alive. Wasn’t the fact that they were both dead the reason that this whole tragedy started? Leandra also calls Roux Hermes Trismegistus. I originally thought that this was the leader of the bad guys, but apparently, this is wrong as well, and I have no idea what this term means.

Anyway, about Roux and Firiel: I’m loving their relationship more and more. Roux seriously loves Firiel, he shows a couple of moments of weakness, but he’s also determined to not let her get into any danger. So sad. I’m hoping that Firiel can beat some sense into him, later in the anime. Their relation is one of the few relationships between main characters that I actually like (which is very rare. I always keep hoping for the shy side-character to conquer the main character).

I also just loved the backgrounds. Okay, they may suffer from a bit too much lightning, but it does give the anime a very unique feeling. I like to see such a thing in a show. It’s so much better than just keeping to the standard anime-artwork. By bringing in some subtle differences, some beautiful things can be brought on screen.

Overall, I loved this episode. Also Adale. Even though she didn’t play any role plotwise, she just looked and acted way too cute in all of her different outfits. ^_^

This episode marks the end of the Ensei arc. He reveals why he came, and takes off at the end of the episode. Unfortunately, my crappy Japanese skills weren’t enough to find out why he came in the first place, but apparently, his task was to deliver something. Ryuuki also managed to produce a law that approves women to take the national exam, which brings Shiurei another step closer to her dreams.

We start with Ryuuki finally finishing the complicated law. After all, such a law, which permits women to enter the palace requires a huge change in culture, so it has to be prepared very carefully. When Ryuuki finally manages to finish it, he gets a big smile on his face. After all, he’ll be able to see Shiurei again. ^^;

We then turn to Shiurei and Ensei, visiting the grave of Shiurei’s mother. It appeared that she was an amazing person in Shiurei’s eyes. It also seems that the day afterwards will be either her birthday, or her death’s anniversary. Shiurei asks for Ensei’s family, though then it appears that they’re all dead. Shiurei also still hasn’t recovered from her death, as she turns emotional for a moment.

We then turn to the next day, to a very interesting conversation between Ryuuki, Kouyuu and Ran. Ryuuki, with his happiest and most childish voice, presents his plan. He let Shouka proofread the plans, just in case. Apparently, it has one major flaw,as Ryuuki screams when he finds out Shouka’s comments. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch what that one might’ve been. Back to Kijin, Kei, Shiurei and Ensei: they get bothered by a couple of lawbreakers who apparently took a wrong turn and ended up in Kijin’s office. Ensei then shows everyone his powers in battle by smashing one of these guys with a chair.

Afterwards, Kijin and Ensei have a small talk, and somehow they say something that ends the both of them up having tea at Shiurei’s. Afterwards, even more unexplainable things happen, as Ryuuki, Kouyuu, Seiran and Ran sneak into the gardens of Shiurei’s house. There, they meet up with Ensei, who had been waiting for them. Then, a bunch of outlaws appears out of nowhere and the five of them then have to knock these guys out. Still, it was very amusing to see them doing this while just continueing their talk. As if these guys didn’t exist at all. ^^

Then, Kijin and Kouyuu have a strange conversation, and Shiurei sees what happened in her back yard. Ryuuki is extremely glad that she’s back. They wonder where Ensei went, though apparently, he took the opportunity to shave himself (I read somewhere that he hated to shave, which only makes this scene more funny). When he gets back, Shiurei needs a bit of time to recognize who he is. Ensei then bows to Ryuuki, and explains who he is. Apparently, he’s some kind of important warrior. He then gives Ryuuki a few items. They don’t say me anything, but they must have some kind of value. In any case, everyone talks a bit (which is not too good when trying to follow a raw) and Shiurei ends up cooking dinner for everyone. Ryuuki then takes this opportunity to ask Shiurei what happened to the ice, flowers, eggs and straw doll that he gave her, and it seems that she managed to find good use for them. ^^

Ryuuki then gives Shiurei a branch of a tree, which makes her remember the first episode. She even cries on this, after which the ignorant Ryuuki feels confident to kiss her again. Do I still have to mention that Shiurei’s not too happy with this? (So funny ^^) Anyway, the next morning, Ryuuki, Kouyuu and Ran say goodbye again, but not before Ryuuki tells her that he managed to introduce a law that allows women to take the national exam (don’t ask me how). Ensei also says goodbye, as it seems that delivering the package to Ryuuki was his only task. He takes off again, to somewhere unknown.

Then Shou Taishi (the old advisor guy) closes the episode, with even more unexplainable stuff. I managed to read somewhere that he is indeed one of the eight sages, which does explain his transformation in the sixth episode. He now does something to a bottle of insence, in order to make its smoke turn into another guy. I’m not surprised if that were to be another of the eight sages. Apparently, he was needed for something.

Ah well, the series has passed its 25%-mark. And so far, I’m very happy with it. Especially the quirky characters turn this into an awesome anime. There’s also so much more to the plot than that what we’ve seen up till now. After all, Shiurei can now take her exam and become a goverment official. What will happen afterwards? We’ve still got twenty-nine episodes to fill.

Some of questions for this episode:
- Why did Ensei have to deliver the package in the first place, why did he stay with Shiurei for so long, and why didn’t he just go straight to Ryuuki when he had the chance?
- What happened to the eight sages after they disappeared? Apparently, some of them died and some of them stayed alive. But is there any reason for that? And why did Shou Taishi need the other sage-dude to come back?
- How exactly did Shiurei’s mother die?
- Why were those outlaws near Shiurei’s house, why did Ryuuki know about it, and why didn’t they send a squad of soldiers to take care of them?
- How did Ensei meet up with Seiran?
- Will Shiurei be able to immediately take the exams, or are there special dates for people to take it?