Synopsis[]
Need we warns ye that there be:
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This article contains spoilers.
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Arg!
Prologue[]
Shown: Hanyū Somewhat Suprised
If Not Stunned
Rain drops land on large leaves as the rains subsides and sunbeams form creating rainbows. A gunshot is heard as the scene jumps to the sky over the mountain, then focuses on the smoking barrel which also has rain drops on it. The scene pans to a frightened Satoko and Rika standing behind a concerned Mion. In front of her, Keiichi laughs. Behind him to his right stands a frightened Rena. The scene continues to pan to reveal Hanyū standing next to Rena, as Keiichi continues his nervous laugh as he stammers, "y-you missed!"
The scene shift to the shocked face of Miyo asking how she could have missed given the distance. She backs away still pointing the gun, only to be jumped by three members of the Banken. She drops her "Grandfather's scrapbook." As soon they start to apprehend her, she screams that she wants to take the scrapbook with her. More Banken running to assist step on it which increases her protests. One addresses her as "Major Takano" and informs her that she is under arrest. Takano rhetorically asks if they intend to blame her for everything. She ceases her struggle, and the Banken holding her let her go. She falls to her knees sobbing. As the Gang watch, one of the Banken demands that the stand and place her hands behind her back. She protests again, demanding that she wants to take the scrapbook. Another member of the Banken finally points a gun to her head.
The voice of Jirō interrupts them, and he approaches holding his identification as he reveals himself to be "First Lieutenant Tomitake from the Research Division." He states that he has come to take Takano into custody. When one of the Banken protests that head quarters ordered them to take her to Tōkyō immediately, Jirō claims that she has evidence of scratching herself which means she is displaying the final symptoms of the Hinamizawa Syndrome. This collectively shocks the Banken, but the apparent leader protests that she should have been protected by the preventative medicine. Jirō counters that if the man read his manual, he would realize the medicine is not "100% effective." He insists that they will not be able to interrogate her unless she receives immediate treatment, and he then adds that they must determine if she was of sound mine when she made her decisions, or if she was taken advantage of by someone in her delusional state.
Takano looks up and says, "Jirō-san."
Jirō orders them to take her to the Irie Clinic immediately and to contact "Lt. Colonel Irie" to have him treat her. The Banken comply and leave, the Gang stares, and Jirō approaches the now alone Takano. She falls into his arms saying his name then sobbing. He apologizes for coming late to her, then insists that she is not the villain she thinks she is, and she can start over and live her life as Miyoko Tanashi. She denies that she can since she has committed too many crimes. He assures her that he will be with her and they can, together, atone for the sins of Miyo Takano. The sun comes out fully, and the two walk away together.
Watching somewhat surprised if not stunned, Hanyū remarks that this miracle is more than enough for her. Rika responds that she has suffered so much to get to this point. Keiichi turns to Rena and asks if it is almost time for the festival to start. Rena brightens as she responds that she cannot wait, as Mion slyly adds that they have to make sure their "favorite rookie" – Hanyū – gets a lot of action. Hanyū chibi "Auu~s" in dispair. Rika adds that she is sure that Hanyū will face many, many penalties. Normal, she retreats in reaction with another "Auu~," but she vows that she will not just watch this time. Rika agrees that she will be a part of the festival.
Satoko takes Rika's hands into hers and asks that they will always be together. Rika affirms that they will, as the scene passes over the smiling Mion, Keiichi, Rena, then Hanyū, as the music and sunbeams swell, nary a higurashi is heard, and the scene transitions directly into the opening theme and credits.
First Half[]
Welcome to 1984, Satoko!
"We Have Cake! Kimchee! Delicious Kimchee!"
"Satoko loved Big Brother!" [Stop that. – Ed.]
Shown: Satoko one year older
The scene opens with an arial view of Hinamizawa, then Satoko pulls off the June 7th page to reveal "Friday, June 8, 1984." She stares at the calendar for a moment. She wears the "sailor" school uniform.[1] She calls out to Rika to hurry or they will have to run to school. Rika answers, similarly attired and similarly slightly older, and she formally apologizes for keeping her waiting. As they walk to school, Satoko feels her skirt and complains that she is not use to these hand-me-down uniforms from Mion. Rika stifles a yawn. Satoko playfully scolds her for being a sleepy head; Rika admits that she is still sleepy. Satoko notes that Rika has been spending late nights and asks her why. Rika insists that Satoko will laugh at her when she tells her so she cannot trust her just yet. Satoko complains about her keeping a secret from her, but Rika promises to tell her one day.
With the view of the outside of the school, Chie Rumiko greets the class. Inside, she directs the class representative to start the day. Keiichi rises and gives the order to stand. Kaieda rings the bell for lunch. Keiichi compliments Rena on her cooking which causes her to blush and deny. As Keiichi surveys her lunch and focuses on a hamburger, chopsticks snatch it, and Satoko smugly laughs her patented laugh and suggests that Keiichi not let her guard down around her. He denounces her as a brat, and their usual lunchtime bickering and banter commences. However, Keiichi stops and tells himself to remain calm. Rika reminds him that there is enough for everyone, and Keiichi relents and takes his seat. Satoko haughtily proclaims Keiichi dull since he became the class representative. Rika adds that she is also not used to him in that position. Rena laughs and notes that Mion had been the class representative for the longest time.
Keiichi takes a slice from his lunch glumly. He mentions that they have not seen much of Mion since she graduated. Satoko playfully reminds him that her high school is close by in Okinomiya, and he can visit her anytime he wishes. He admits that he thought of visiting but, "Mion being Mion," she started a Game Club at her high school that has kept her busy. Rika listens with a sad expression. There is a pause as they all look down, then Satoko notes that was inevitable, but still unfortunate. Rena sadly notes that their village is different. As the scene pans across the classroom, she observes that at a normal school, they would be separated by grade and class which would cause their relationships with classmates to change or even fade over time. Keiichi agrees. Rena then insists that Mion surely would not forget about them. Satoko dismissively asks why she would since the bonds they forged in their Club activities are far stronger. As Rika continues to stare sadly, Keiichi declares that it is their responsibility to make sure that the Club Mion started continues. With a view of a box of milk, Satoko agrees.
Shown: "Headband-Chan," "Twin Tails-Chan," and "Glasses-Chan"
"For Great Justice!"
With the bell signaling the end of the day, Keiichi picks up on this conversation by declaring that as President of "this illustrious club," he summons their daring combatants to assemble. Okamura and Tomita immediately answer. Keiichi reacts disappointed, and Rena similarly asks if they are the only ones for the day. There is a knocking sound, and the Girl with Twin Tails, accompanied by the Girl with a Headband, and the Girl with Glasses[2], asks if they can join. Rena eagerly accepts them, but Keiichi grouses that it still makes for a smaller group than usual. Tomita suggests that this is due to the Watanagashi Festival. Okamura agrees that most of the kids have to go home and watch their houses while their parents help with the preparations.
Not Shown: The Club excited by Keiichi's game
Satoko demands to know what Keiichi's arrangements of cards on a table means. Keiichi sheepishly responds to the disappointed players that it is a memorization game. Satoko retorts that that is not what she meant. She complains that the cards are brand new. Keiichi acknowledges this. Satoko continues to complain that without nicks on them there is no way to tell which card is which. Keiichi scolds her back that their will be no cheating and cites his first "Rule 2" that forbids it as he pats her on the head to her irritation. The trio of girl look at one another aghast as Keiichi teases Satoko by asking if she thinks she cannot win without her traps. She slaps away his hand patting her head, then boasts that she will demonstrate to him how her memory has grown and matured.
Two cards lay face down with another showing the six of clubs. Satoko concentrates as she struggles to remember where the other six is. Rena gives her encouragement, and Rika reminds her that Okamura just flipped it over. She finally decides but turns over the two of hearts. With the six of diamonds showing, Keiichi declares Tomita the winner. He blushes as he adjusts his glasses and claims it was just luck. Keiichi starts to identify the loser for the day, but the scene shifts to Rika patting Satoko on her head in consolation: "You couldn't even get a single pair!" Satoko explodes into a tantrum declaring that there must be some mistake.
Shown: One Year-Older Rika
Keiichi pats the cards and starts to announce the next player, but Rika interrupts him and pleasantly apologizes that she needs to return home. This surprises Rena, but Keiichi asks if she has to practice her offertory dance. She confirms this and adds that she has to swing a large hoe. When she bids them all farewell, the scene slowly focuses on Satoko who stares at her.
With a view of the rice paddies, Rika is heard saying that Satoko could have stayed and played. Satoko asks why she lied to them since she knows that she does not have practice that day. Rika merely smiles and emits a "Miii." Satoko continues that she can understand why Rika would want to leave since the day's activities were lacking. Rika responds that Satoko knows her well. After walking a bit more, Rika adds that Satoko is correct that the game that day was "a little too wholesome for us." She then claims that playing against Satoko has stained her pure soul as dark black as Satoko's! Satoko looks at her shocked; Rika responds with a playful "Nipaa~!"
Shown: Satoko Declares Dramatically
Satoko blushes and declares that this is the Rika she knows and loves! Rika continues that everyone loves Keiichi and Rena, so it makes sense that the Club would change with them leading it. Satoko concedes that she thinks it is good that more members of their class are joining them. "However," she adds with a pause, then dramatically declares that the forbiddance of traps is intolerable. Without her stage to perform on, her skills will surely atrophy. Rika encourages her to hone her skills by unleashing her traps on Keiichi. With glee, Satoko agrees and vows to drop a rain of washbasins upon him. Feigning pity, Rika laments that "poor, poor Keiichi" will be squashed flat.
They look over the area as Rika observes that Hinamizawa has changed over the past year as have they. She thinks it is good; Satoko understands but admits that she is a bit sad to see the changes. Their hands touch, then clasp, and the two recommence walking together holding hands. Whilst there are no higurashi, there are crows crying as the scene fades to black.
Second Half[]
With a view of the Irie Clinic, Irie's voice is heard seriously declaring that not only is it not good, it is alarming. Inside, Rika reacts with surprise, and Satoko asks what is alarming. Irie matter-of-factly responds that it is Satoko's uniform. He felt that a maid outfit would better suit her. He laments that Mion would not agree. Satoko flatly celebrates the fact that she did not. Rika reminds him that they are actually there for Satoko's check-up. Brought back to reality, Irie apologizes and reminds that over the past year, Satoko's Hinamizawa Syndrome has drastically improved. Satoko credits Irie's continued presence in Hinamizawa. She happily notes that she has progressed from three shots a day to only one. Looking at the results, Irie responds that she will not need the shots anymore. To Satoko's surprised question, he affirms that her tests are negative. He declares that she is cured of the Hinamizawa Syndrome. Both Satoko and Rika react in a surprise which, if she was there, would send Rena into Cute Mode. Satoko asks if he really means that she is cured. Irie explains that he will run another set of tests, but he believe she is. Tears of happiness form in Satoko's eyes which would send Rena into Take Home Mode if she was there.
However, Rika looks at her with concern.
The block calendar shows, "Weekend, June 6, 1984."
Rika sits in the clinic's waiting room with a similar despondent look. Irie calls out to her. He triumphantly declares that the test results are unchanged. Still serious, Rika reminds him that he once said that once someone's syndrome progressed to a certain level, their symptoms could only be suppressed, and they cannot be cured. Irie responds that he did; however, it seems that the cause of the syndrome has somehow changed. He then reveals that he has seen similar improvements in every person in the village. He then adds that it started a year ago. Rika repeats as a question, "one year ago." Irie asks her if something happened then, but she shakes her head as she claims that she has no idea, then adds a "Nipaa~!" Irie laughs as he recognizes her response, then he walks away. In her Adult Voice, Rika responds to the now empty waiting room that a certain someone who spend a thousand years distrusting humans, finally opened up.
The scene shifts to a view of Hinamizawa at night. At the Sonozaki Main House, Kimiyoshi observes that they do not have many opportunities for the three heads to meet anymore. Sitting up in her bed, Ōryo suggests that people would be worrying if they knew they were meeting. Kimiyoshi turns to Rika, who dutifully sits some distance away, and asks what she wished to discuss. She responds that she has something wants them to do for her. Ōryo gently asks her to spit it out. Rika continues that when they attend the Watanagashi Festival, and the scene cuts without revealing her wish. Kimiyoshi responds that he understands her request and agrees. He turns to Ōryo and says that it is something that must be done, not just for the old people, like themselves, but for the young people as well who are their future. Ōryo looks down and calmly tells the two to go ahead. However, Rika politely insists that it will not work without her. Kimiyoshi turns towards Ōryo and says her name, but she replies that she will repeat that he and Rika may go right ahead. She then curls up to go to sleep.
At night, the paper calendar shows "Sunday, June 17, 1984."
People happily mill about the festival stall, then the taiko drums start. Rika performs her dance. At the end, she bows and receives applause from the audience. Keiichi turns to Rena and Satoko and suggests that they head down to the river. However, the taiko start again to gather everyone's attention. They look and then the audience reacts as Ōryo and Kimiyoshi join Rika on the stage. He asks for their attention for a moment. He reminds them of the Dam War. However, he continues, the scars from that war still run deep in the village. This causes Satoko to blush and look down a bit. Rika then states that it pained Oyashiro-sama to see those scars. Kimiyoshi continues that unless they change, these scars will leave a stain on the village. The older folks do not want to see this happen, and he then indicates that Ōryo agrees which generates surprised murmurs from the crowd. Therefore, Kimiyoshi concludes, he declares the Dam War over and any ties any person or group may have to the war are hereby broken. Satoko looks up in surprise. Rika continues that she is sure people have heard stories about Oyashiro-sama's curse, particularly on those who trespass into Hinamizawa and those who choose to leave. She insists that the stories are not true. She insists that Oyashiro-sama has watched over the village for a very long time, but now he is happy and has gone back to sleep. Ōryo then speaks up to affirm that Rika speaks the will of Oyashiro-sama. She looks up and dismisses the idea of a curse. Rika repeats that there is no such thing as a curse.
The crowd appears to accept this. Ōryo calmly adds that now a new wind can lift the sails of the village.
Sunny views of the village follow with birds chirping and nary a higurashi. Rika stops walking and calls out to Satoko. Satoko asks her what she wants, and Rika states that she has a favor to ask her: "will you come shopping with me?" Satoko excitedly denies that it is a favor. She asks if Rika is heading to Seven Mart, but Rika corrects her that she is going to Okinomiya today. Confused, Satoko wonders if Rika found some good sales.
Not Shown: amazon.jp
In Okinomiya, the two walk into a bookstore. There is a pan of books and magazines. Looking at a display of 1984 calendars priced half-off, Satoko comments that she cannot remember the last time Rika went to a bookstore. She then reaches out and pulls out a guide for "Five-Minute Meals," as she asks if Rika plans to buy a new cookbook. Rika walks past her and directs her to follow. She finds herself in a section for entrance exam study guides. She asks Rika whatever could she need in this section. Rika pulls out one and hands it to Satoko to Satoko's surprise. She asks Rika what it is, and Rika responds that there is something she has dreamed of doing for a very long time. Satoko looks at the book and realizes it is an exam preparation manual for St. Lucia's. She turns to Rika and starts to ask if she means, and Rika smiles, blushes, and nods. She then adds that she wants to make that dream come true with her.
Satoko appears stunned and emits a shocked, "Eh?!"
The scene cuts to black as the credits run with a new theme: Fukisokusei Entropy.
Post-End Titles[]
Adult-Voiced Rika returns to announce the next chapter.
Characters[]
In order of appearance
- Hōjō Satoko
- Furude Rika
- Sonozaki Mion
- Maebara Keiichi
- Ryūgū Rena
- Furude Hanyū
- Takano Miyo
- Tomitake Jirō
- Irie Kyōsuke
- Chie Rumiko
- Kaieda
- Okamura Suguru
- Tomita Daiki
- Headband-Chan
- Twin Tails-Chan
- Glasses-Chan
- Sonozaki Oryō
- Kimiyoshi Kiichirō
Referbacks and Forwards[]
- "The Bitch is Still Back!": the episode is essentially a flashback from Finale of Matsuribayashi-hen where Tanako fires her gun at Hanyū and misses. There are some changes between the two scenes which may prove significant:
- Takano does not scratch her neck nor does her neck appear to show scratches.
- Jirō has a much longer conversation with the Banken to convince them to let him take her into custody.
- "Rain on a Tin Roof Sounds Like a Drum!:" throughout the anime series, Miyo's fortunes and rain are linked. In this, sunbeams fall on her after Jirō promises to forgive her. In another version – Arg! – the rain continues. . . .
- Keiichi X Mion: despite comedic claims in manga version of Matsuribayashi-hen, as well as her sister's infamous claim that Mion still has the one she loves in that arc, as well as other instances described on her page, it thus far seems that in this world Mion did not develop a relationship with Keiichi during her final year. Sonozake Akane is disappoint.
- Keiichi X Rena: thus far, it also seems that Rena has not pursued Keiichi either.
- From The Continuity Department: with the initial viewing When They Cry Wiki opined that since it seems inconceivable that Rika, as well as the rest of the Gang, would go on for a year knowing that Satoko packs a gun and a serious case of iriditis without comment, this appears to be either a continuation of the original Matsuribayashi-hen, or, more likely, a similar world. This is all explained in later episodes, Arg! Spoiler there be!
- "Where in the
WorldHinamizawa isCarmenFurude Hanyū?": as above, her disappearance after 1983 requires explanation. There are arcs that take place just after the events of Matsuribayashi-hen, such as the obvious Saikoroshi-hen, and various more comic arcs, and in these Hanyū remains a part of the group. Stay tuned! - "Everybody Ought to have a Maid!": Irie's legendary predilections are noted in his page.
- "Let Us Go, You and I, to . . . St. Lucia!": as its and her page explain, this is the boarding school Shion attends. Previous arcs of this season suggest then affirm that the post-Matsuribayashi-hen Rika attends and enjoys it. The rest is Arg!
Trivia[]
- Exam Hell (試験地獄・shinken jigoku): though this could go in Cultural References as well as the Referbacks and Forewards sections, since there are details that may explain events of this season as well as add context to events in previous arcs, and something is needed for Trivia here it be. This linkpoo and this one give nice overviews of the Japanese education system as well as the entrance exams which include entrance exams for middle school. Hence Rika's sleepless nights: she has been studying for St. Lucia's exam. Manga depictions of events right after Matsuribayashi-hen have comic references of Shion tormenting her sister to prepare for her high school exams. It appears her work paid off at least for the high school in Okinomiya. Keiichi previously broke under the pressure to succeed and maintain his position in his middle school.
Cultural References[]
- Taiko (太鼓): traditional drums.
Memorable Moments[]
- "'Til the landslide brought me down": a running theme is maturation and acceptance of the change that comes with it. All of the main characters seem to accept this in their own way save Satoko.
- "A Girl Does Not have a Name!" the three anonymous girls in class appear throughout the series, including previous seasons.
Quotes[]
- "This miracle is more than enough for me." – Furude Hanyū
- "My, it's a secret not even I can know?" – Hōjō Satoko
- "The game today was a little too wholesome for us." – Furude Rika
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ Viewers will note that her hair is shorter in this scene. It is longer in the back in all other scenes. This may be intentional.
- ↑ Since they keep appearing in this series, as well as previous series, they might as well have some identification. Nothing else is currently known about them to justify their own pages.