Okay, so after last week’s little episode of background, we’re back to the island and get another clue to what’s going on with this series. This series’ set-up is indeed a bit like Higurashi, but with slight differences. Most notably that Higurashi focused at different people with each arc, while in Umineko instead keeps on looping the same story with perhaps one or two slight differences that we’re not even sure of.
So this episode shows a bit more of what happened in the first half of the first episode, with the big difference here the appearance of Beatrice. At this point, it’s still not clear whether these events happened exactly the way they did in the first arc, or whether Beatrice conveniently inserted herself into the story to make it seem to Battler that she indeed existed.
Since Higurashi also was a really layered story, I also suspect something similar to happen here: the basic world has no magic whatsoever, but outside of it Beatrice’s power has free range, and her ultimate purpose seems to be to have everyone acknowledge her, and my guess would be that she tries to make everyone believe that she has magic, while in fact she doesn’t have any at all in the “real world”. This episode would then show that she managed to get accepted her powers apart from Battler, which is probably going to be the main focus of this series.
If this indeed turns out to be true, then that must mean that Beatrice is a very talented illusionist. The way that she seemed to make Maria close her eyes while turning the candy back seems to suggest that, and I assume that she used some sort of trick to prevent Maria’s mother from seeing it. While it’s a bit far-fetched, the butterflies then could be the product of some sort of optical illusion concerning holograms.
This episode also paid a bit of attention to Maria and her mother, and learn that Maria may have an issue of multiple personalities that run in her family. Perhaps Kinzou is also bothered by it, or his mysterious wife could be the key in this. It also could have spontaneously appeared with her, but in any case you could see that the two of them were related to each other in this episode. Maria’s mother at one time is the worried and caring mother, and the next moment she starts beating her own child. With that, it’s somewhat understandable for Maria to develop a split personality as well. With the way she seems to be closed in her own world, her ramblings about Beatrice could be blamed on her imagination running wild.
In any case, while this episode did build up, I liked it a lot. Beatrice could have been a bit less stereotypically evil, but overall it was a very nice episode. Oh, but one thing: I know that we’re not supposed to expect much from the graphics in this series, but could the creators in the future please try to give Battler a less constipated face when he’s angry? This isn’t Dragonball Z, or anything.
Oh, and to close off, I want to put a little disclaimer here: THIS POST IS ABOUT THE ANIME VERSION OF UMINEKO. If you want to say something about events that happen after this episode, then GO FIND A BLOG THAT COVERS THE VISUAL NOVEL AND PUT IT THERE.
I really hate to put up this warning, but I’ve personally gotten really tired of all of the visual novel fans flaunting their superior knowledge to us simple mortals who haven’t played the game yet. I’m interested in seeing the speculations of other people who haven’t played the games yet, and are also in the dark of what’s going on here. What’s the point of hearing the speculations of someone who already knows what’s going to happen?!
And sure, normally I’m not such a Nazi with this. A subtle hint of what’s going to happen next of course isn’t bad, but the problem arises with popular franchises as this one, when seemingly every single fan of the visual novel is keen to drop a small hint of what’s going on. With hundreds of “small hints” like these, it just doesn’t remain fun anymore. Not to mention the few not-so-subtle hints that float among them.
I know that I’m confused, but isn’t that the whole point of this series? Then what are you doing trying to clarify things that were meant to be completely mind-boggling?
Rating: * (Good)]]>
Umineko no Naku Koro ni – 07
The events could be the same as the first time, but now Rosa got the letter which was to be read at dinner, while Maria got another one she wasn’t supposed to open. Shannon also accepted George’s proposal much more fervently, so there are several minor differences that will probably make a bigger impact upon the story.
The soundtrack is growing on me.
And man, Rosa is kinda… angry.
I agree that the VN readers need to learn when not to say something. Let the anime tell the story at its own pace.
That disclaimer was unfortunately necessary but I agree, it’s for the best.
Now, about the actual episode…I thought it was a good one too, if also somewhat slow in terms of pacing. Didn’t think we’d avoid seeing more murders, going by the example already set by the first arc, but that’s fine, it helps to build up and provide a sense of suspense for whenever new deaths actually happen. It would be funny if we had an entirely bloodless arc, but I’m not betting on it.
It does seem important to think about whether Maria’s and Rosa’s mental state is also responsible for their ability to “see” magic and Beatrice…but then the other relatives had to see something else too, in order to accept the witch, whether it was an elaborate trick or perhaps something else (the ten tons of gold, maybe…nah, that doesn’t seem entirely convincing). There’s also Shannon and Kanon, plus the old servant seems to know something too, going by that brief conversation with Jessica.
Poor mortals indeed. Just look at some of the Umineko-VN topics on asuki and see how they all look down on newcomers when they themselves most likely torrented the game to begin with… I know from personal experience that it’s hard to resist spoiling it, but it can get pretty ridiculous.
@Camario: I wouldn’t bet on it either. No blood would mean no chance for Beatrice to show off her “magic”, which she needs to do if she wants to convince Battler of her existence.
I dunno what Beato did to convince all those people in the chapel at the end of the episode. Heck, she even convinced Kirie. But at least about the candy we can be pretty sure that, after having Maria close her eyes, she just switched the candy with the one Maria gave her. Rosa was a bit behind Maria so it would be easier to trick her. The question is, as psgels has already pointed out, what the heck is up with that butterfly? It could well be just Rosa seeing things – her state of mind at that moment is pretty shaky after all. Or maybe Beato can conjure butterflies (with gold-coated wings) out of her ass like regular magicians do with doves.
I think everything before the point where “Meta-Battler and Beatrice” appear and declare the game “ready” is supposed to be equal between “Turns”. I´m not so certain how much “Meta-Battler” actually sees but I assume he basically sees the same stuff as we do.
After you had seen episode 5 you said you were disappointed because you ‘knew’ it was Beatrice after all. I agree with you, either when watching the anime or playing the game, that it’s totally normal to be confused and that this is also one of the key aspects that make the franchise so interesting, so why couldn’t you just wait and see how things would develop instead of already saying that you’re disappointed?
I absolutely understand the wish not to see spoilers here or elsewhere they don’t belong, but in cases like the aforementioned some novel readers are just kind of sad that you didn’t like the best episode of the series up to then (my and I suppose lots of other novel readers’ opinion) and want to give some hints why this series isn’t as simple as you might think at that point.
However, as I said, when the hints become less subtle and almost spoiler-like they might destroy the upcoming events. This is why, to some extent, I can understand your need to write that disclaimer.
About the episode itself… I loved it, up to now my favorite episode on par with episode 5. Deen finally managed to make better use of perspectives, lighting and facial expressions (constipated Battler is constipated… the expressions in the novel are even more eccentric, that’s the way umineko is) and yeah… as a novel reader >_> … I really thought I was like… standing in the novel itself, so I found it to be really well done this time.
I hope you don’t mind if ‘people like me’ read your entries and maybe also comment on them since personally I think it’s always interesting to know how viewers without previous knowledge perceive the anime version since my and other readers’ opinions and expectations are always biased and I just hope that this series is also enjoyed by ‘anime-only’ viewers.
MARIA DID IT
A lot of VN players are also probably worried that some of your confusion might come from some of the cuts that were made and will negatively affect your enjoyment of the story. The biggest fear of every VN player is that the anime won’t live up to the VN or that anime watchers will judge it based on some anime-only anomaly. That said, it’s true that a lot of people aren’t aware of how much extra information they’ve gained from playing ahead and aren’t very good at figuring out what you know or don’t know.
I also think it’s important for both anime watchers and VN players to realize that the process of speculating is not going to be the same. VN players have had the benefit of going through an entire arc before coming up with their theories, while anime watchers have to do it several times per arc. Because of this, there will be things that anime-watchers will come up with that VN players haven’t thought of and there will be other things that will get answered within a few minutes of the following episode. People need to keep this in mind when they’re speculating or hint-dropping.
I am someone who read all the Visual Novels from mineko so far but I won’t spoil you so don’t worry.
Indeet, it’s (for me) very interessting to read the blog of someone who don’t know what happens next. I really like to see you impressions of this story and see what you think that happens next. So far, your guesses aren’t bad (actually neither the ones who read the VNs really know whats going on), so I like too see if, and where you will come up with some explanations or theories to solve the riddles of this show.
Ok, psgel, you’ve summed up exactly what I was thinking while watching this episode. This means that we can’t understand what’s happening for the moment, like in higurashi with the different occurences. So we’ll have to stick up with the slow pace, that will release the different pieces of the story.
The only hint I can think of is about the eyes of the characters. Beatrice has blue eyes. Only two people among the ones on the island have blue eyes: Shannon and Battler. And these two can be Beatrice under disguise(Battler because he’s one of the 5 last men standing, and Shanon because her supposedly face was smashed, and the only thing that could identify her was the ring). That’s all about I can think of.
I am of course also one of the VN readers, and my intention was mostly to keep your interest in the series sparked, because I think it can grow on you really fast if you let it.
I agree it’s difficult not to accept things at face value, that was the only reason why many people where a bit…confused, when you seemed to dislike the ending of the first Game.
But well, new Arc, new Chance.
And as marebito already said, it’s interesting to see how anime-viewers interpret certain events, because they are two so different mediums.
I agree with blkmage that many people are worried that anime only viewers might have a lessened enjoyment of the show, because of things that were cut, BUT I think that it is totally irrelevant, because it’s not like telling you what was missing will heighten your enjoyment in any way…maybe except it’s a minor thing.
I remember that many of us people enjoyed Higurashi without the constant nagging of VN readers who told us how superior the novel is and what’s missing all the time.
Of course that may come afterward when people are finished, and of course many people me included read the Tips on Animesuki to get a better understanding…but I fully understand you putting up that disclaimer, but like many other VN readers I hope it’s still okay to post here and maybe give you a nod that good things are still on their way with this series.
Oh and I just wanted to point out, that some people translated Tea Party information from the official anime website.
It’s a nice little graphic that recounts what happened in the first 5 episodes, so maybe that may help keep things a bit fresh.
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/8959/webtea1p.jpg
but in cases like the aforementioned some novel readers are just kind of sad that you didn’t like the best episode of the series up to then (my and I suppose lots of other novel readers’ opinion) and want to give some hints why this series isn’t as simple as you might think at that point.
But it’s not the place of the novel readers to “ensure” the enjoyment of the anime watchers. It’s up to THE VIEWERS. I’m sure the thousands of ‘ANIME SUX NOVEL IS BETTER’ mantra going on would clue people in already, so I wish people would give it a break. As a first-time viewer, it’s annoying, tiring, and totally not fun. Leave the mystery up to the people watching the anime. You were exactly like this during your novel reading time too. Consider yourself lucky that you have no other readers ruining everything for you during your reading time like the novel readers are doing to the anime viewers right now.
And it’s true that the novel readers are getting really annoying. “Oh I wonder how the newbies would feel” “You think they would GET it??” “The anime viewers are missing out” Put a cork in it already. It’s not helpful, it’s not your place to I KNOW I’m missing out but the more they spew out, the more they’re driving me from the game which I’m half considering it as garbage with the way novel readers are treating it as the Holy Grail.
@frellar:
Come on, if you’d read marebito’s whole post you would have understood that he wasn’t refering to himself but other VN readers.
I understand how it’s getting really annoying for the anime only viewers…so don’t expect that every VN reader is against you.
There is a wide mass of people that just can’t accept them as two different things, I agree, and they just can’t shut up over how much better the VN is…but it’s not like everyone of us is like that.
I think it’s understandable when readers want to keep the interest of anime viewers sparked, that’s what marebito wanted to say I think. He didn’t want to defend people going around spoiling and nagging all the time.
If you want to see what’s really annoying, take a jump over to Animesuki’s Umineko corner and read 3 pages of complaining how Beatrice is missing her ‘moe fang’ (a little pointy tooth which she shows in the VN) and how it is ruining her character….THAT is annoying.
Or people complaining over many, many pages, how there are so many IMPORTANT things missing, which mostly consists of their personal preferences…THAT is annoying.
Or people going and telling anime only viewers how they can’t relate to any of the characters…while it is impossible for them to tell after having read the VN…THAT is annoying.
But please, at least hear a VN reader out before throwing him into the same corner as those people.
chronokoe : I wasn’t talking about marebito, I was just talking about the general novel readers. “You” = other people, sorry for the obvious confusion.
This:
“Or people going and telling anime only viewers how they can’t relate to any of the characters…while it is impossible for them to tell after having read the VN…THAT is annoying.”
Is who I’m referring to. And yes, THAT. is annoying.
Good that you are blogging this. I haven’t watched Higurashi so I am not used to this style. This episode left me confused. I don’t know what to think. I initially thought that they would show the same scenes with more information, but the scenes themselves are different. And Battler’s denial of Beatrice being a witch is also hard to understand. At least your theories seem plausible.
I’m a VN reader and I must agree that the spoilers are getting excessive >currently happening.
And on AS there’s no reason for them to be saying ANYTHING in the first-time viewers thread >
I’m a VN reader and I must agree that the spoilers are getting excessive O_O. There’s no need to say anything beyond “it’ll get better” or explaining something that’s currently happening.
And on AS there’s no reason for them to be saying ANYTHING in the first-time viewers thread.
At least the anime’s getting better so some of the big loudmouths are starting to shut up a bit.
(sorry, I used an emoticon involving an HTML symbol so it got cut out the first time :/)
“And on AS there’s no reason for them to be saying ANYTHING in the first-time viewers thread.”
They seem to think they’re being ‘helpful’. iI have to agree it’s getting tiresome to see VN readers butt in trying to ‘direct’ you to the right way. They should worry about their own enjoyment first before fussing over the ‘mortals’.
One thing I found strange in this ep is that Beatrice doesn’t wear the long dress she usually wears, instead she has the same school girl dress of the blonde girl. Maybe it’s only to tell the flashback Beatrice from the current Beatrice, but I found it suspicious
I had a similar speculation: Beatrice is really a disguised Jessica after some voice training and acting classes, and Jessica’s role is why she was in contemplation in front of Beatrice’s portrait. I don’t really put much credence in it, since Jessica would have had to move to the dining room in a real hurry, and the interactions with Kanon and Shannon are not at all like Jessica.
Yeah… I really loved the visual novel, but that’s why I think it’s best for anime-watchers to be able to enjoy the story without spoilers.
@chounokoe
where did you find that image??? amazing job i really want to thank the one that makes that traslation =)
I’m glad that you haven’t dropped this series yet. Though I would have continued to watch it anyways I always appreciate your input.
This episode was more exciting for me than the last arc, it really drove things forward in more of a way of battle compared to the last arc.
Though Beatrice seems to be in control of the game’s components, she most certainly must rely on the outcome of the game based on the “players” own convictions and final beliefs. Regardless her magical power seems to be stronger than before, since she can now be an active player to the point where others can take notice of her.
I am loving this series on a different level from Higurashi, it’s premise is different and though the feel can be the same it’s just enough to pull in the same fan base while maybe converting a few more who were not interesting in what Higurashi had to offer.
Good writing in my opinion.
I loved watching this series! I also enjoyed the appearance of ‘Rika/Fredrica’ and seeing characters from Higurashi playing on the TV that Maria was watching.
I haven’t read any VNs or any other material which can aid me in my understanding of whats going on here, but fresh from the anime, i was under the impression that Beatrice is really a witch. BUT,not a full fledged one. She is, after all still a Human. And it seems like her main goal was to have everyone believe and acknowledge in her being a witch (which made her really really ecstatic when even Kyrie surrendered in the chapel). It has been mentioned that believing in something makes it work. Believing that Beatrice is a witch will make her a witch. As for the epitaph, the sacrifices have been made and all, but i guess that the only way for the resurrection of Beatrice (even after all the sacrifices have been made and fulfilled) is to have everyone believe she’s a witch. The one stopping her now is Battler. Thus, it is Battler who is delaying the fulfillment of the epitaph-cum-riddle, and the losing of the game.
I did suspect Maria before, but i might be taking that back with what happened in III-I Castling. But i stand by Battler in that the murders are committed by human(s). How they are done, however, i have no idea as of yet.
Another issue is what Battler know and what he can see. I doubt he is shown the murders taking place – i think his knowledge is also limited to what Battler-in-situation knows as well.
For now, i am thinking of the role of Magic in the anime.. It seems like magic can be learnt, if the master is used as an example. He isn’t a wizard or a witch, but he studied magic so extensively that he is capable of reproducing it on his own. Wow to his highly trained servants!
I like it that family members are tattooed in the house crest, but i have been trying to get a closer look on the tattoo inked on Shannon’s leg.
Also in the arcs, it seems like we focus on individual members in the story on each round. And whichever member we focus on, that member dies last, or is spared from the first sacrifice of 6 people. So far, we have focused on only the wives though..(even in usual dinner conversation scenes in the anime), not so much on the brothers/sons/husband. This goes both ways – the last adult to die in the first arc is Jessica’s mother, whom we started to focus on after the other adults are first sacrificed, and she goes to meet the master. In the second arc, its Maria’s mother we focus on, this time right from the start. And in the third arc that is just starting, its Eva. Even when all the adults are together talking, the female characters gain alot more screen time and dialogues. I don’t know what this means, but its just an observation. (If i have no idea what to think, i’d rather just observe every detail first, ya? lol)
When Battler was brought into the study to meet his grandfather and Beatrice in the second arc, i think his questions are valid – what is Beatrice’s goal in the first place?
I have enjoyed myself so far, and i look forward to more of the episodes. I really take my hat off to the makers of Umineko for their wonderful storytelling. =D