When the new higurashi season was announced, at first, I was very skeptical.
Why on earth does higurashi of all series need a continuation?
The original ending in Kai was a perfect conclusion to the franchise and why would I want to witness
these beloved characters suffer again after achieving their strenuous hard-fought victory?
So, I feared Gou would be a cash-cow ruining higurashis great legacy as one of the few
spectacular horror anime.
Though after I completed Gou, I had mixed feelings on its quality.
On one hand, I despised the lack of horror and tension as I never felt on the edge of
my seat.
Also, I didn’t appreciate the casual breaking of many established rules of the original
series.
However, the last section of Gou revived my interest with the addition of featherine and
the grand reveal of satako being the evil mastermind.
Now, were in sotsu, the season which encompasses answer arcs to gou akin to kai with when they
cry.
And let's just say, Sotsu has been a blast!
It’s far more engaging than Gou but that’s expected considering it’s revealing the
truth of the mysteries.
With the latest arc answered “wataakashi-hen”; the spin on the sonozaki twins arc in when
they cry.
However, rather than Shion being the batshit insane yandere, Mion the composed and brave
twin has finally succumbed to hinamizawa syndrome.
Now first of all, a major critique I had with new higurashi was how it ignored the originals
established rules.
So, I expected to despise the corruption of Mions character because I’m still mixed
on Satakos development from a tragic innocent abused girl, to a pyscho yandere obsessed
with rika.
However, Sotsu has managed to shock me with its quality.
The fans have always questioned what would Mion be like under the influence of the h173
virus and it seems 07 ryukishi has decided to answer our question.
Though compared to Shions arc in OG higurashi, it’s still outclassed, but that’s expected
because watanagashi-hen is easily the best arc in when they cry.
However, Wataakashi-hen has done a phenomenal job displaying Mions character; debatably
one of the best depictions in the series.
The way she succumbs to the h173 virus is very unique compared to any other character.
As most people's mental state gradually degrades until they finally snap.
However, Mion manages to retain some of her sanity despite how cruel she becomes.
It’s almost as if Mion is constantly fighting for her sanity because she never takes joy
in her deplorable actions.
She’s always in notable pain and regrets as she massacres her loved ones and this a
fascinating contrast to Shion.
Because shion took pleasure in her crimes and was quite creative with her torture devices.
There was never a semblance of sanity left in Shion; hell, she even admitted to becoming
a demon to her friends.
Now which of the yandere twins do I prefer?
Well, shion obviously because I already mentioned how much I adore her arc.
Shions progression into insanity was by far the best executed and I find her twisted reasons
for massacring her village the most compelling.
Shions love for Keiichi because of his resemblance to Satoshi which consequently resulted in
Shions paranoia getting the best of her, as she feared Keiichi would suffer the same fate
as satoshi is way more interesting than Mions development into insanity.
Mions paranoia is similar to Shions as she fears Keiichi is being hunted by the village
but with the exclusion of Satoshi, it doesn’t hit as impactful as it should.
If Sotsu elaborated on the enigma of satoshi, it would be understandable why Mion is so
paranoid of the village using oyashiro curse as the scapegoat for their crimes.
Nevertheless, while Mion may not be as terrifying as Shion, she’s just as ruthless if debatably
not more.
Those kill scenes were easily some of the most brutal in the franchise yet!
I’m glad the censored they nail torture scene because I still have PTSD from the OG
scene in when the cry.
Though, it seems Mion amped the torture up tremendously with how disfigured the mayors'
body was.
Also, Rikas death was legit hilariously disturbing.
I never would’ve imaged I’d see someone die by being flushed down a freaking toilet!
One positive new higurashi has for it if you love higurashi for the gore is how cartoonishly
brutal it is.
Though nevertheless, now let’s talk about Satako.
I’m still kind of mixed on Satakos development but I’m beginning to accept Satako as the
selifsh evil witch she is.
It’s hilarious how cartoonishly evil she has become.
At first, I was sympathetic towards her because nobody should endure those horrific conditions
at this prison of a school.
Though now, she’s indulged in the misfortune of others so much that it’s a game for her.
It’s depressing witnessing her taking delight in finding creative ways to torture her friends.
Considering these guys fought so hard to free her from the abusive situation with Teppei.
However, I guess since Satako has obtained the power to fix it herself, her friends are
worthless to her now.
Though this will likely heavily backfire on her as friends will eventually remember these
loops assuming 07 is not breaking another established rule.
For instance, in the opening her friends are looking quite devious and remember sotsu opening
is in Satakos point of view unlike Rikas in Gou.
So, I can infer Featheirne will betray Satako down the line after Rika unveils the mystery.
This means these answer arcs are leading up to that giant cliffhanger and after Satako
murders everyone, her luck will run out in the next loop as Rika and the gang remember
Satakos misdeeds.
Now how will things play out after that?
I have no idea, Satako is irredeemable in my eyes, though if 07 can make Takano, one
of the evilest characters of all time redeemable then he’ll find a way to make satako redeemable
as well.
I just hope satako doesn’t get a slap on the wrist; I want her to suffer the same way
she delightfully took pleasure in everyone else's misfortune.
Knowing featherine, she’ll likely be amused at Satako getting a brutal montage of retribution.
Though overall, Wataakashi-hen is still outclassed by oniakashi-hen.
That was legit one of the best arcs in the franchise and I feel Wataakashi-hen suffers
from a lack of buildup and poor pacing.
Though it’s expected considering Sotsu is only 15 episodes unfortunately.
Nevertheless, I’m enjoying the fantastic twist in sotsu.
I didn’t expect the construction man to be ooshi allies; that was a nice twist from
they being the mountain dogs.
I hope Sotsu keeps this momentum and executes the finale.
However, before I end the video, I do have one more minor complaint; Satako injecting
the virus into Mions ass was cheesy and quite ridiculous.
Other than that, Wataakashi-hen is good.
Nevertheless, how do you guys feel abou Wataakashi-hen?
How does it compare to watanagashi-hen and is it better than oniakashi-hen?
Let me know in the comments; also, since you made it this far, consider liking and subscribing
if you want more higurashi content, the support is much appreciated.
And have a great day!