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It's interesting how some first-time viewers bashed the VN-players for complaining about pacing, character-developments and stuffs in the Episode 1 discussion thread, while some first-time viewers now are doing the very same thing.
GarLogan78 said: I loved Maria reading the letter :)
This...
Sheepdude said: 07th expansion does it again. Although it seems the game griefers won't be satisfied until the show becomes a thirty-hour long video of someone scrolling through the game text.
...this...
Jure said: Anyway, does anyone else think that Kanon is an asshole. Really, he spoke 2 times and he annoyed the hell out of me both times. Furniture? Go kill yourself, Kanon.
...and this.
Whoa, Jessica's scream... and wow, I feel terrible for Shannon...
Forever said: - 6 deaths already and we didn't get much to see of some of these 6 guys. I even have a hard time to remember which persons those 6 are. I mean Shanon and Battler's parents and the cook and Krause, but the 6th is not there in my mind, therefore it might have really been a bit too fast when a non-VN viewer can't even remember everyone that was killed after only 2 episodes.
By the way the text epitaph:
"Glorification of witch sage, and give him the gift of four:
All the gold of the required land,
Shower all the resurrection of the dead,
Lost Love Returns
And finally his eternal sleep. "
Action will unfold on "arcs"?(as in Higurashi)
P.S: did not play in VN ))
Forever said: - 6 deaths already and we didn't get much to see of some of these 6 guys. I even have a hard time to remember which persons those 6 are. I mean Shanon and Battler's parents and the cook and Krause, but the 6th is not there in my mind, therefore it might have really been a bit too fast when a non-VN viewer can't even remember everyone that was killed after only 2 episodes.
Seems like the show will be focusing heavily on the mystery and plot rather than character development. As long as people understand that, they will probably enjoy it a bit more.
I thought it was hilarious how even though there was blood all over her door, and people were missing, Natsuhi kept asking them to make breakfast. Her priorities suck.
well.. the 2nd eppy is twice as better as the 1st one... obviously because it brought some promising story development. However, a good plot is not enough!! So far Chiaki Kon totally failed as a director for this show. And I pray she won't direct Nodame 3 as she definitely failed the Paris Hen too..
Maria reading the Beatrice letter - awful
Battler seeing his parents dead - lame
that sudden George-Shannon scene... the show is really directed poorly.. once again, even though I didn't play VN, nor read the manga.. the pacing looks very rushy and shallow
the Lone Island Syndrome - that's how a good detective/horror story should be played ^^
PS. I just love that Ian Gillan parody in the ending)))))
mm... Its hinted that Frederica Bernkastel is a Umineko---- character, so that got me thinking... did her poems ever show up on the anime ver. of higurashi ---- ? and did she ever appear in any of the 2 seasons (besides the ending of the 2nd season).
Lol, Maria went a little crazy while reading the letter.
The ShannonxGeorge scene was so cute! Didn't have much hope in it, but it was still pretty awesome.
Aww, Maria was watching Higurashi near the end~
The end was just wow. 6 people are already dead. They really get to the point. Can't wait to see what happens next episode.
&& Battler's scream and Jessica freaking out in the end was pure lol
Sheepdude said: 07th expansion does it again. Although it seems the game griefers won't be satisfied until the show becomes a thirty-hour long video of someone scrolling through the game text.
Six of their beloved family members have just been killed in cold blood. What could the survivors be thinking? The murderer must still be on the island. Is it an outsider? Is it one of them? Is it the housing staff? Revenge must be on the mind, as well as concern for their own wellbeing. They could run away from the island, but they'd never find the killer, or be able to avenge their family.
It seems unplausable for a single individual to have killed six people overnight. Moreover, the killer couldn't be among the dead; after all, the corpses have been disfigured after death. What was the killer's motive? There has been talk about the distribution of wealth after the family head's death among the adults, and the suspicion of a hidden cache of gold as well as the legend of Beatrice. Which of these weigh into the equation, and to what extent?
There's also the issue of the blood markings on Natsuhi's door and on the shed. Does the scorpion charm have any bearing on the door markings? What is the significance of the magic circle? To have created it must have taken a long time, and the time window for the killings is only about six hours. Is it the work of Beatrice? Will the family be taken in by superstition, or will they cling to a logical explanation?
Only rarely can a show get so much moving in just the first two episodes.
Battler will have to answer all this later ;). If you don't understand don't worry.
I really liked the way this episode went. The beginning did seem a bit rushed but it felt like a typical "build up before the blood bath" that we often see in horror movies and anime, so it's understandable.
Now I haven't played the VN. And I'll probably pick that up after the show but there is one question that is lingering in my mind.
Shannon, Krauss and Rosa are all noted in MAL's character database as being "main" characters. The fact they died so early and yet they are still considered pivotal characters in the story either means:
a) These characters aren't dead yet.
b) They still have relevant roles in the story even after death.
Also the fact that so many people were QQing about Rie Kugimiya voicing Shannon leads me to suspect that she'll appear again later. Why would anyone complain about Shannon's voice actress if she only had 2 episodes worth of dialogue. It boggles the mind.
I'll need to go back and watch the episode again, to get a better gist of the story and pick up on the more subtler nuances and plot developments. But that was the one thing that jumped out at me. Of course knowing 07th Expansion, I couldn't be more wrong. I guess I'll have to see.
Shannon, Krauss and Rosa are all noted in MAL's character database as being "main" characters. The fact they died so early and yet they are still considered pivotal characters in the story either means:
a) These characters aren't dead yet.
b) They still have relevant roles in the story even after death.
Also the fact that so many people were QQing about Rie Kugimiya voicing Shannon leads me to suspect that she'll appear again later. Why would anyone complain about Shannon's voice actress if she only had 2 episodes worth of dialogue. It boggles the mind.
Those who complains about the lack of development of characters or sudden slaughter of as many as 6 characters should know that it is carefully intended.
07th Expansion's stories has an unique style, which I think is familiar to those who know Higurashi no Naku koro ni.
The story on the whole is made up from 2 parts, the former part is Problem part and latter Solution part. Each parts consists of 4 episodes. Readers or watchers are supposed to solve the problem on their own on the first part and check it on the second part.
It is highly possible that the development of characters are to be done in other episodes.
The original author, Ryukishi07, challenges the reader if they can seek out the secret of the world. As for Higurashi, he says that the correct answer rate was only 1% as for the first episode.
This spoiler mentions only the structure of story, and not such spoiler as WHO killed WHOM and HOW for WHAT end, so don't be afraid too much opening this spoiler box.
hopperjp said: Those who complains about the lack of development of characters or sudden slaughter of as many as 6 characters should know that it is carefully intended.
07th Expansion's stories has an unique style, which I think is familiar to those who know Higurashi no Naku koro ni.
The story on the whole is made up from 2 parts, the former part is Problem part and latter Solution part. Each parts consists of 4 episodes. Readers or watchers are supposed to solve the problem on their own on the first part and check it on the second part.
It is highly possible that the development of characters are to be done in other episodes.
The original author, Ryukishi07, challenges the reader if they can seek out the secret of the world. As for Higurashi, he says that the correct answer rate was only 1% as for the first episode.
This spoiler mentions only the structure of story, and not such spoiler as WHO killed WHOM and HOW for WHAT end, so don't be afraid too much opening this spoiler box.
Except that the original novel gave us characterization, set up the mood and didn't rush, sure.
Well this was much much better than the first episode and I hope it stays that way. I've really warmed up to the opening and ending now. I don't have any idea who died except Jessica's dad and Shannon though so I should check that. Nice though I liked it.
To reiterate everyone that died.
Dead:
1. Rudolf: Battler's dad
2. Kyrie: Battler's step-mom
3. Rosa: Maria's mom
4. Krauss: Jessica's dad
5. Gohda: Head cook
6. Shannon: Servant of Kinzo and George's fiance
The only parents that are still alive are Hideyoshi and Eva (George's parents) and Natsuhi (Jessica's mom)
Of Kinzo's children Krauss, Rudolf, and Rosa are all dead. Only Eva is still alive, all of her siblings were killed.
I seriously can not understand how on Earth they have not read the entire epitaph yet in the anime. That was seriously something they could NOT skip. This is the epitaph of the witch written by Kinzo that's under the portrait of Beatrice. The one that's mentioned in the letter from Beatrice. It is not a spoiler and will REALLY help you in understanding whats going on.
My beloved hometown, the bountiful river running through it. You who seek the Golden Land, follow it's path downstream and seek the key. If you follow the river downstream, you will find a village. In the village, look for the shore the two will tell you of. There sleeps the key to the Golden Land.
He who lays his hand upon the key shall travel under the rules below.
At the first twilight, you shall lift up as sacrifice the six chosen by the key.
At the second twilight, the surviving shall tear apart the two who are close.
At the third twilight, the surviving shall praise my honorable name on high.
At the fourth twilight, gouge the head and kill.
At the fifth twilight, gouge the chest and kill.
At the sixth twilight, gouge the belly and kill.
At the seventh twilight, gouge the knee and kill.
At the eighth twilight, gouge the leg and kill.
At the ninth twilight, the Witch shall live again and none shall be left to live.
At the tenth twilight, the journey shall end and you should reach the Golden Land.
The Witch will praise the wise, and should bestow four treasures.
One shall be, all the gold from the Golden Land.
One shall be, the resurrection of the souls of all the dead.
One shall be, even the resurrection of the lost love.
One shall be, to put the Witch to sleep for all time.
Sleep peacefully, my most beloved witch, Beatrice.
Also, here's Beatrice's letter that Maria read:
Welcome to Rokkenjima, everyone of the Ushiromiya family. I am serving Kinzo-sama as the alchemist-adviser of this house and my name is Beatrice. I was serving him obeying a contract that extended for many years but, today, Kinzo-sama sentenced the end of that contract.
Consequently, during today, I’ll have my duty as alchemist-adviser of the family to come to a closure, so please be understanding of that. Then, I must explain one part of the contract to everyone here. I, Beatrice, did loan a vast amount of gold to Kinzo-sama but with a certain condition.
As for that condition, he will return me all the gold by the end of the contract. And as an interest, I can accept everything of the Ushiromiya family. Upon hearing this, everyone will probably lament as Kinzo-sama is being too merciless.
However, Kinzo-sama, in order to give a chance to leave the wealth and fortune to everyone, added a special clause. Only when that clause is satisfied, I’ll eternally lose my right to collect the gold and the interest.”
――Special clause――
When the contract ends, Beatrice will have the right to collect the gold and the interest. However, if a person who disclose the hidden gold of the contract appears, Beatrice must eternally and completely abdicate of this right …From now on, the collect of the interest will be performed but, if whoever one person among everyone can satisfy the special clause,
Everything will be returned including the part already collected.
Furthermore, as an outset of the collect, I already have received in my custody the “Finger Ring of the Head of the Ushiromiya Family” that indicates that he succeeded the inheritance of the Ushiromiya family.
Please, confirm with the wax seal.
About the hiding place of the gold, Kinzo-sama already publicly announced it at the inscription under my portrait. The conditions are equal to all the people who can read the inscription. If the gold is disclosed, I will return everything. With that, please, enjoy to the fullest your battle of wits with Kinzo-sama.
I’m praying from the bottom of my heart that tonight turns out to be an intellectual and yet elegant night.
Zedrane said: I seriously can not understand how on Earth they have not read the entire epitaph yet in the anime.
I'm pretty sure they didn't reveal the entire epitaph because there's a later scene where they read it. And that scene is a lot more important. They probably thought it'd be redundant to have it read twice so they cut the first. Unlike the visual novel, there's time restrictions. They have to cut away redundant parts in order to have time for more important stuff.
Zedrane said: I seriously can not understand how on Earth they have not read the entire epitaph yet in the anime.
I'm pretty sure they didn't reveal the entire epitaph because there's a later scene where they read it. And that scene is a lot more important. They probably thought it'd be redundant to have it read twice so they cut the first. Unlike the visual novel, there's time restrictions. They have to cut away redundant parts in order to have time for more important stuff.
It would have taken like1 minute to read. They could have fit it in.
Zedrane said: I seriously can not understand how on Earth they have not read the entire epitaph yet in the anime.
I'm pretty sure they didn't reveal the entire epitaph because there's a later scene where they read it. And that scene is a lot more important. They probably thought it'd be redundant to have it read twice so they cut the first. Unlike the visual novel, there's time restrictions. They have to cut away redundant parts in order to have time for more important stuff.
It would have taken like1 minute to read. They could have fit it in.
1 minute is a lot. 1 extra minute would have made the first twilight a lot better. More time for Battler's breakdown and allow them to start goldenslaughter at the beginning instead of jumping to the middle.
@ BubbleBoy: Someone already said something earlier in the thread that kinda, if you think about it enough, exposes and doesn't expose the villain. =3
But I really can't take the stress anymore, so I'm going to find that first episode of the VN someone said's like a free demo and has an English patch. I'm just praying the gore doesn't give me nightmares like Higurashi did. Those were some awful dreams, I almost cried when I woke up. .,.;
Looks like exorcism will be necessary.. Unfortunately, aside from the members of their household, nobody else is on the island and more importantly, nobody else knows that they went on that island in the first place.
Maria got an umbrella from Beatrice in the garden, while looking for the marked rose in the rain. She was also handed a letter to be read after dinner and it turns out that the letter involved the hidden location of the gold which is also key to take everything back from the witch regardless of the broken contract but taking money for the witch without a contract is obviously something of extreme difficulty. And thus... 6 deaths in one night.
I don't care about the five old men but... Sayo-chan was amongst the dead. It happened too damn quickly. First, Sayo-chan reunited with everyone, then plays with Maria. After all that, she got proposed by George and.. The next morning, 6 people went missing along with Sayo-chan. They were all murdered in the shed. *shocked* But.. Sayo-chan has nothing to do with the inheritance and bad blood between those guys, why does she have to die along with them!? ( ; _ ; )
Next episode...
Although 12 people remaining along with the old leader of the household who seemed to have came up with such a twisted idea of giving everyone, regardless of whether they are a member of the household or outsiders a chance at the 10-ton gold. One-winged eagle seems to be his symbol along with everyone else. Considering that most people had witnessed the bloody magical circle and the deaths of 6 individuals, many of which are related in a way.. Obviously, nobody will be able to handle Beatrice and her demons after all this. Then again, was there a difference before the incident?
Taking a look at the cast of seiyuu, I noticed the names of the demons as Lucifer, Satan, and Beelzebub.. Those are all high-ranking demons. A battle that took Hitoshura forever to beat is obviously going to be out of league for these unarmed civilians.. Now, I wonder.. How will Battler manage to defeat them with just wits?
Last episode was like an ecchi love comedy yet this episode turned out to be something completely different. So, this is the popular Umineko series..
Kira01 said: Looks like exorcism will be necessary.. Unfortunately, aside from the members of their household, nobody else is on the island and more importantly, nobody else knows that they went on that island in the first place.
Maria got an umbrella from Beatrice in the garden, while looking for the marked rose in the rain. She was also handed a letter to be read after dinner and it turns out that the letter involved the hidden location of the gold which is also key to take everything back from the witch regardless of the broken contract but taking money for the witch without a contract is obviously something of extreme difficulty. And thus... 6 deaths in one night.
I don't care about the five old men but... Sayo-chan was amongst the dead. It happened too damn quickly. First, Sayo-chan reunited with everyone, then plays with Maria. After all that, she got proposed by George and.. The next morning, 6 people went missing along with Sayo-chan. They were all murdered in the shed. *shocked* But.. Sayo-chan has nothing to do with the inheritance and bad blood between those guys, why does she have to die along with them!? ( ; _ ; )
Next episode...
Although 12 people remaining along with the old leader of the household who seemed to have came up with such a twisted idea of giving everyone, regardless of whether they are a member of the household or outsiders a chance at the 10-ton gold. One-winged eagle seems to be his symbol along with everyone else. Considering that most people had witnessed the bloody magical circle and the deaths of 6 individuals, many of which are related in a way.. Obviously, nobody will be able to handle Beatrice and her demons after all this. Then again, was there a difference before the incident?
Taking a look at the cast of seiyuu, I noticed the names of the demons as Lucifer, Satan, and Beelzebub.. Those are all high-ranking demons. A battle that took Hitoshura forever to beat is obviously going to be out of league for these unarmed civilians.. Now, I wonder.. How will Battler manage to defeat them with just wits?
Last episode was like an ecchi love comedy yet this episode turned out to be something completely different. So, this is the popular Umineko series..
Hohoho, this is still the less interesting part.
Also:
About the demons. They aren't actually Lucifer, Satan, and Beelzebub. They're named after Lucifer, Satan, and Bellzebub.
I dunno man, I was quite put off by the whole presentation of this episode :(
Everything seemed so forced, there better be a good explanation for whatever is happening. I mean, wow they killed off 6 people in the second episode? That's just....I mean how many episodes does this series have? What. Are they gonna kill 5 more people in episode 3?
I absolutely don't like the crazy eyes especially when it's coming from Maria - I think it's completely unnecessary. And I generally don't like Maria, her character is just so off. Either she's a really badly composed character or there better be a good reason for her to be like that. I mean one moment she's speaking in her childish way and then when she's reading the letter she speaks as if she's 10 years older.
I'm really curious in seeing how this is going to carry on with 1/3 of the characters gone...*sighs*..we'll see~
robbydesu said: I dunno man, I was quite put off by the whole presentation of this episode :(
Everything seemed so forced, there better be a good explanation for whatever is happening. I mean, wow they killed off 6 people in the second episode? That's just....I mean how many episodes does this series have? What. Are they gonna kill 5 more people in episode 3?
I absolutely don't like the crazy eyes especially when it's coming from Maria - I think it's completely unnecessary. And I generally don't like Maria, her character is just so off. Either she's a really badly composed character or there better be a good reason for her to be like that. I mean one moment she's speaking in her childish way and then when she's reading the letter she speaks as if she's 10 years older.
I'm really curious in seeing how this is going to carry on with 1/3 of the characters gone...*sighs*..we'll see~
This series is going to be 26 episodes long, 99.999% certain. Maria is supposed to be all normal and cute one minute then go all wacko serious crazy the next. She does that a lot.
And if you want to know how many people are gonna die next episode....
This episode was much better than the first. While the pacing is still fast compared to the VN, it was good. The only parts that bothered me was the ingot scene and the last scene. Too bad Goldenslaughterer didn't start from the beginning but I'm glad it was used. And Daisuke Ono's acting in the Drama CD was much better than it was in this episode, though that might have been because the shed scene was cut short.
bubbleboy352 said: 50 bucks says Krauss' (sp?) the bad guy. i don't care if he just died, this is anime. it'll happen somehow.
PS. never played the game. no spoiler intented.
but if i'm right; BAM! WHO CALLED IT?!
Ehh I dunno.. something about Eva is really fishy to me. I'm putting my money on her being the bad one. But I've never read the VN so I don't really know.
bubbleboy352 said: 50 bucks says Krauss' (sp?) the bad guy. i don't care if he just died, this is anime. it'll happen somehow.
PS. never played the game. no spoiler intented.
but if i'm right; BAM! WHO CALLED IT?!
Ehh I dunno.. something about Eva is really fishy to me. I'm putting my money on her being the bad one. But I've never read the VN so I don't really know.
If you really want to know it's
The Mackerel
actually I don't feel like spoiling, tell you one thing though....
Wow this episode is awesome, 1 of the best anime so far this year! Really scary....who was killed? Can't make up the faces...did Battler's parents get killed?
GodOfSpeed said: Wow this episode is awesome, 1 of the best anime so far this year! Really scary....who was killed? Can't make up the faces...did Battler's parents get killed?
Yes, I suppose it'd be a bit difficult to make out their faces. Krauss, Rudolph, Kyrie, Rosa, Gohda (the cook) and Shannon were killed, if I recall correctly.