Higurashi Kai Episode 19 Discussion / Poll

[dspr8_rugged]

Giving this episode a 9/10.

What a way to start the final arc. I haven't laughed this much ever since Yakusamashi-hen with all the "running gags" and the auauau~ overload. Hanyuu is definitely cute beyond words. And she is pretty much serious this time.

Despite being short, Akasaka sure had quite some screentime. It won't be a surprise if he joins the cause this time, something that I thought he would do back in Minagoroshi-hen.

And Gin-sama appears again. I honestly thought Miyo ditched her off when she had a chance. Heck, she seems to be a bigger evil than Miyo herself.

Can't wait for the next one.

[FlareKnight]

An excellent way to kick things off for the final run against Takano's will. Throwing in Hanyuu as a distant relative of Rika to get her involved with the group. Was a bit strange that no one seemed to make mention of the horns. But maybe they thought it was some kind of cosplay and they weren't real? Either that or people were so taken in by Hanyuu's moe it didn't matter .

Was a surprise that Rika couldn't remember what happened last time around. She gave such an effort to imprint Takano into her being. But guess there isn't much power left in Hanyuu. Making herself solid is a big enough job as it is. But at least she could remember and because she is going to fight gave that information to Rika. Have to get some pieces for this fight there is no question there.

Surprised to see Akasaka back and ready to help. Finally he's going to play a role and try to respond to that cry for help Rika made those years ago. Might just be the one who can find the connection between Takano and the other group that want this annihilation to take place. Is going to require a monumental effort, but with him around anything can happen. A better stroke of luck than the world where his wife survived. While it's sad to have her die...he was around to hear Rika's request to be saved which matters.

Already making some moves by talking to Ire. Maybe get some doubts in his head and it could be a real pull to have him on side. Gotta love manga being the code word for private and serious conversations. In this case its' pretty smart though. Making use of the experience and thinking of her friends to try and find a strategy.

Rena...oh Rena. They even tried tying her down, but she still kept trying to take Hanyuu home .

[Eryops]

Originally Posted by ChrissieXD

Spoiler for Episode Events:

The last maybe 5 minutes of this episode confused me a little. I think it's like this. The silver haired woman is using Takano to her advantage, by destroying Koizumi's work. And that was what Mion was stating before the credit reel.

That was rather interesting. She had told Takano that she was a member of the Koizumi faction that was trying to avenge the exploitation of Koizumi's legacy, but it seems she was lying at that time and that her objective is the complete opposite. I guess that she's been lying to Takano all along and plans to betray her in the end, which is certainly something that Takano would deserve.

Originally Posted by k//eternal

Spoiler:

I'm wondering, are both of the names she gave real (one being her first name, the other being her last) or is she using a fake name with Takano?

If she's merely manipulating Takano then it would make sense for her to give a fake name so that Takano or anyone else can't track her down.

Originally Posted by cereal_killerxx

How in the world did you find out about it? I didn't think that Hauu had a website O_O

He posts his subs on /a/ in 4chan.

[k//eternal]

Spoiler:

The particularly interesting bit is how many layers of events occur outside the time loop. The gas disaster is news to Rika--but this time, that Takano doesn't REALLY win after all is news to us as well.

[GyroidFanatic]

Originally Posted by cereal_killerxx

How in the world did you find out about it? I didn't think that Hauu had a website O_O

He posts his subs on 4chan

[Blablabla]

Ha ha ha... Rena crazyness orgy in the ep. Funny as usual and Hanyuu is damn cute. Haven't seen such cute character since Fairy of Snow Sugar. Yeah, I understand Rena, I'd have liked to take her home, too.

Anyway something left me quite... disturbed :

Spoiler for about Rika ::

So !
Rika left her past worlds memories but still managed to tell the Tokyo Policeman that she will be killed... facts that only happened in the past worlds she lived in.
So... What the fuck ?

Was Hanyuu still a spirit when Rika met the policeman years ago ? And therefore she had her memories left and managed to tell him about her "prophecy" ?

[Solafighter]

Great episode!

[FlareKnight]

Originally Posted by Blablabla

Ha ha ha... Rena crazyness orgy in the ep. Funny as usual and Hanyuu is damn cute. Haven't seen such cute character since Fairy of Snow Sugar. Yeah, I understand Rena, I'd have liked to take her home, too.

Anyway something left me quite... disturbed :

Spoiler for about Rika ::

So !
Rika left her past worlds memories but still managed to tell the Tokyo Policeman that she will be killed... facts that only happened in the past worlds she lived in.
So... What the fuck ?

Was Hanyuu still a spirit when Rika met the policeman years ago ? And therefore she had her memories left and managed to tell him about her "prophecy" ?

Can't blame Rena in the slightest. Think anyone would've wanted to take her home .

In terms of Rika. I've just been working under the assumption Hanyuu flung them back as far as possible to try and ensure every piece they could possibly have was at their disposal. While giving the information to Akasaka hadn't paid off in getting them saved before had to give it a shot.

Besides we saw it in the last arc. Akasaka got the warning about his wife and went back to save her. However Rika had only come around with a short amount of time before the festival.

Anyways now that Rika got that key information from Ire. She knows exactly how much is riding on winning this time. If they fail then the village will be annihilated and everyone dies.

[Kazuki_Kun]

Great ep, loved the Rena/Hanyuu bits.

One thing that's bugging me, though. Where's Shion? ;-;

[June 1983]

Rika doesn't lose her past worlds' memories, only the memories just before her death. She still remembers everything else.

I'm not sure exactly what else happened ... it looks to me like in this reality, Hanyuu was able to send them far back again, but I'm still uncertain.

HOWEVER ... even if this is not the case, I'm kind of wondering if even when Rika is sent back not very far, in the past her trips back in time have still happened?

What I mean is:

Earlier on, Rika goes back to, say, 1977. She tells Akasaka stuff in 78, dies in 83, and gets brought back again, and comes back maybe in 1978. Then in 1979. Etc, etc. But everytime she does back she's still going back and "merging" with a Rika who has already gone back in time.

The flaw I see with this is that it would result in more consistency in the events of the worlds. That is, there would be less variables as she was sent back with less and less time, because certain things would already be set in stone by the time she got back. Actually, that kind of makes sense anyway, because that's sort of what would have to happen if what Hanyuu is doing is sending them back in time and creating new realities each time, rather than sending them to alternate realities where different things are occurring. Since we don't really know at what point each of the chapters are taking place in terms of Rika's entire lifespan, the huge variances (Shion being there, Keichii not being there, etc) could be the result of however much time Rika was able to go back to in that reality.

In that case though, it wouldn't make sense for Shion not to be in school with them in Matsuribayoshi-hen when she was there during Minagoroshi-hen. So that kind of blows that theory out of the water. Well -- unless of course Shion isn't there because in this reality, Hanyuu really was able to send them back really far, and therefore different choices were made about her ...

[Shiroth]

Seeing as though this is the final arc... wow, we finally see Rena at full power. I do like how Keiichi looks good with neko ears....

Anyway, as expected this episode was no disappointment. We didn't even need telling that this was the start of the last story, the pacing and how it was all set out did that job for us. Especially Oishi's "I'LL GIVE IT ALL I'VE GOT!" and when Takano appeared. Not to mention Rika and her manga.

I seriously can't wait to see what's going to happen in the next few episodes, the wait each week is going to make this even more enjoyable.

Spoiler for Preview for episode 20:

Wow i just had to watch this preview, i couldn't help myself after episode 19. Oishi at a grave, and Rika crying? It looks like she's with Irie.

[FlareKnight]

Guess they felt it was important to try and hold Rena back from taking Hanyuu home. Going all out on binding her up, though it didn't help for very long .

Spoiler for Ep20:

The preview was pretty interesting. Looks like Rika will catch up with Asasaka right away. With both being light shirts it's not 100% but do think she's crying while holding Asasaka. Will have to be a real relief to have him there trying to protect her. Really am looking forward to episodes now with such a huge battle coming.

Looks like Ooishi is seeing that 'old man's' grave. This is his last chance before retirement so can understand him making a vow to try and solve it this time.

Also seems that everyone is pretty energized. Probably still working under the manga disguise. Though Rika will have to inform them of the truth sooner or later. And is there anyone else other than Teppei to call in?

[Klashikari]

Originally Posted by June 1983

In that case though, it wouldn't make sense for Shion not to be in school with them in Matsuribayoshi-hen when she was there during Minagoroshi-hen. So that kind of blows that theory out of the water. Well -- unless of course Shion isn't there because in this reality, Hanyuu really was able to send them back really far, and therefore different choices were made about her ...

Just think what happened in Minagoroshi-hen in stark contrast with the other chapters: Akasaka believed Rika and saved Yukie, making him "useless" as he never heard the happy "murders foretelling".

When Rika "returns back in the time", any actions she did in the past is "set in stone". However, some factors can lead into different consequences.
Akasaka's situation is the best example.
Rika's action: warn Akasaka, asking him to get back to Tokyo.
Possibilities:
1) very very low: Akasaka trusted Rika's "intuition" and saves Yukie.
2) most of the time: Akasaka stays in Hinamizawa.

From point 2, there are various possibilities (Akasaka dies against the yamainu, etc).

AND THEN, some factors might make him remember about what Rika told him, the bizarre incidents in Hinamizawa.


Hanyuu's powers must be considered as a "reset the worlds, with factors shaping the most redundant points, while random factors kick in".
The later point is uncontrollable, and lead to some very different consequences (exemple: the "doll" scene).
When Hanyuu's "reboot" everything, changing into another "reality" or "dimension" (rather than timeline), the world itself is shaped with some randomization and "luck".
Thus, some events can be avoided and such. In such regards, Shion may or may not be with everyone, that really depends of everything. (as you can see, several batshit events might happen at the SAME TIME. I think some people might know what i'm talking about)

[Shiroth]

Originally Posted by FlareKnight

Spoiler for Ep20:

The preview was pretty interesting. Looks like Rika will catch up with Asasaka right away. With both being light shirts it's not 100% but do think she's crying while holding Asasaka. Will have to be a real relief to have him there trying to protect her. Really am looking forward to episodes now with such a huge battle coming.

Spoiler for Episode 20:

Yeah that makes sense, that scene we see in the preview will probably be just after she meets up with him again.

[Sorrow-K]

Rika's manga writing hypothetical to try to understand Takano's motives was brilliant on her part, and it was a very clever way to show the audience the motivations of the conspirators, particularly Suigintou. I'm really glad Suigintou, I mean Takagi, hasn't been forgotten in all of this, since I'd say she's the most important antagonist in all of this. Takano may have been the one who's actions caused the great disaster, but she also is having her strings pulled by an even greater manipulator. I'm just a bit disappointed that Takagi won't get the same amount of analysis as Takano got.

Overall, another amazing episode. Hasn't this series just been a gem.

[Fychan]

Originally Posted by Klashikari

Hanyuu's powers must be considered as a "reset the worlds, with factors shaping the most redundant points, while random factors kick in".
The later point is uncontrollable, and lead to some very different consequences (exemple: the "doll" scene).

Well, I think it is explained by now, but I wanted to make some examples...

Spoiler for OT - Examples:

Watanagashi - Minagoroshi Random factor: Keiichi wins the doll
Keiichi gives to Rena - Shion goes mad
Keiichi gives to Mion - Shion is happy

But while Minagoroshi had this Watanagashi random factor, it had Tatarigoshi's random factor: Teppei coming back home. While there is some factors that cannot happen together(like Rina dating Rena's father and Teppei coming back home, cause he only does that when Rina is dead), you can actually get all the bad random stuff in the same world.

Ehr... Tell me if I'm wrong, please

But... I though Rika's foretelling to Akasaka happened only in a few worlds. Is it something already setted?

As for the episode... I liked it, but even if I'm not a game player I felt some parts were rushed. Specially Rika's talking with Irie and Hanyuu...
But the last part is brilliant. Rika is a genius...
And it seems that Takano is going to be back stabbed I... feel sorry for her. But I really wanna see her reaction after HGD in others chapters now...

[Rias]

Rika fortells the exact dates of the 4 years of murders incidents, and her own death which she's not sure the exact date of. These murder events has always happened in every previous arcs.

[Matrim]

I guess I am the only who was quite disappointed by this episode. Maybe I was in too cynical mood when I watched it.

Hanyuu just decides to quit being just a spectator and takes a human form without much explanation. Why didn't she do that earlier? She remembered Takano being the culprit which has never happened before - way too convenient. Irie tells Rika about the contigency plan to exterminate Hinamizawa's population just like that. Mion is suddenly Sherlock Holmes and figures out the faction rivalry in the Tokyo group. Akasaka happens to return to Hinamizawa in time for the final showdown. Everyone "remembers' Hanyuu. Too many coincidences and convenient plot developments for my taste.

Hanyuu is way too moe-cute. I can't take her seriously at all.

And last but not least, too little screentime for Suigintou again.

[kingsky123]

Originally Posted by Matrim

I guess I am the only who was quite disappointed by this episode. Maybe I was in too cynical mood when I watched it.

Hanyuu just decides to quit being just a spectator and takes a human form without much explanation. Why didn't she do that earlier? She remembered Takano being the culprit which has never happened before - way too convenient. Irie tells Rika about the contigency plan to exterminate Hinamizawa's population just like that. Mion is suddenly Sherlock Holmes and figures out the faction rivalry in the Tokyo group. Akasaka happens to return to Hinamizawa in time for the final showdown. Everyone "remembers' Hanyuu. Too many coincidences and convenient plot developments for my taste.

Hanyuu is way too moe-cute. I can't take her seriously at all.

And last but not least, too little screentime for Suigintou again.

actually wasnt like nearly all the questions you put at explained at pieces =/ ? cept for everyone 'remembers' hanyuu.

also yes, she is a little god :P

[FlareKnight]

Originally Posted by Matrim

I guess I am the only who was quite disappointed by this episode. Maybe I was in too cynical mood when I watched it.

Hanyuu just decides to quit being just a spectator and takes a human form without much explanation. Why didn't she do that earlier? She remembered Takano being the culprit which has never happened before - way too convenient. Irie tells Rika about the contigency plan to exterminate Hinamizawa's population just like that. Mion is suddenly Sherlock Holmes and figures out the faction rivalry in the Tokyo group. Akasaka happens to return to Hinamizawa in time for the final showdown. Everyone "remembers' Hanyuu. Too many coincidences and convenient plot developments for my taste.

Hanyuu is way too moe-cute. I can't take her seriously at all.

And last but not least, too little screentime for Suigintou again.

Well maybe it was being in a cynical mood . Most of the things weren't touigh to figure out from my position.

With Hanyuu not taking human form earlier. They certainly went over why she wanted to get involved and quit just standing around. I'd guess that turning into that form takes up some real energy that she didn't want to use before. They had been waiting for the right world that could allow them to finally win. But Hanyuu realized that sitting around isn't going to get you the victory. Seeing how hard everyone tried and the encouragement to join them pushed her to fight. So even if it used up some of the reserves it had to be done.

For remembering Takano. Well most of the times they had been drugged up so of course they never remembered. We saw the connection earlier in the series with the food so drugs would probably work the same way on both. But the last time they had avoided that and Rika had done everything to burn that memory into her mind. While the low reserves prohibited Rika remembering and nearly Hanyuu, Takano in all her creepiness did a nice job jogging the memory.

I'd admit the Ire bit did seem a little easy. Do wonder what on earth Rika asked to get the answer out of him. But I guess because she encouraged him with giving Satoko the treatment a few episodes ago he felt more able to be open with her and tell her more about things.

Don't think Mion is too bad. As some said she has a lot of experience being in the Sonozoki clan and being prepared to be the head. So heavier things like political maneuvering and conspiracies might be easier for her to wrap her head around than for the others.

Akasaka...Well I'd go with the obvious that seeing Hinamizawa in the file of the case that had been dropped triggered the memory. Digging in a bit out he found that all the cases had turned out perfectly so he had to head out. Do think if they added a piece about him it'd be even more obvious why he was out there.

Maybe you could call some convenient, but it's not like there aren't explanations for them. Besides we're talking a small girl going up against Takano and a massive conspiracy like this. A bit of help from the powers at be 'even more than Hanyuu ' can't hurt things.