This post should’ve contained my impressions of episode 12 as well , but due to a certain incident in Kyoto in which a 16 year old girl killed her father with an axe, it seems as if the broadcasting companies have put a back seat to future episodes of Higurashi and to the last episode of School Days as well. The whole "violent TV produces violent children" argument has raised its ugly head, but this time, I’m not buying it. 

Personally, the only reason I can understand a young girl becoming so mentally unstable that she kills her own flesh and blood,  is if she suffered severe emotional and physical abuse under that family member. Not to say that I condone violence, but it pisses me off to see parent figures who think their children are mere objects. On the other hand, it pisses me off even more to come across stories of kids who think they have the right to take away life on selfish childish whims.

Needless to say, things like patricide and matricide are unheard of in my house. Parents in my family tend to instill respect into their children in the form of fear and corporal punishment. So basically, if you did something wrong, no one would stand up for you, dad would tell you to get the leather belt that was soaking in the tub, and you’d have to fish it out of the tub in all it’s heavy soaking glory, hand it to daddy, then stand there and take it. Mom would then go into the kitchen, your siblings would laugh at you from behind slightly cracked-open doors, and then through pain and embarrassment you’d learn never to do the same crap again. 

But, in anycase, back to our tragic heroine Satoko and my thoughts on the episodes. Spoilers lurk, so read at your own risk, and don’t blame me if you read something you wish you hadn’t.

Heeeeeere’s Daddy!~

Goddammit, I accidentally erased the rest of this post. @&#*&*(@^#%! (Damn you, blogsome!)

Until I find the strength to regurgitate it, you must simply satisfy yourself with this screenshot of Houjou Teppei, the handsome, charming, and clever uncle of our friend, the recently turned-masochist Houjou Satoko.

Admire his sunken brows, receding hairline, and magnificent jaw! NOW can you see why Satoko left behind her happy life living with Rika to reconnect the bonds of familial love with this man?

Wow, talk about a miracle to surpass all miracles. (Continue Reading…)

Ahh, the power of friendship. A lot was revealed this time around, Hanyuu makes her debut, and we find out why the scenarios in Higurashi have been repeating themselves like a broken record. Rika reveals her ability to "see the future" and Keiichi witnesses first hand just what Rika is capable of, with surprisingly little to no doubt doubt in Rika’s "prophecies", especially when they come true.

We also find out that Satoko is battling a serious illness, unbenownst to her and to Keiichi and the crew, with only Rika, Irie, and Takano in the know. Dr. Irie also seems willing to do anything within his power to save Satoko, another reason for him not to be a suicide candidate, but then again the Hinamizawa cops were never exactly Sherlock Holmes’ descendants.

Major Difference Between this and Previous Arcs

Keiichi exercises the power of choice, going against the predetermined fate that Rika is afraid to break, changes the game and chooses to give the doll to Mion instead of Rena.

Still, how will Rika find a way to keep Tomitake alive on the night of the Wataganashi festival?