Finding the synopsis of 'When They Cry' interesting, I decided to give it a shot. I'm not a huge horror or mystery fan, but I do like both- and this sounded like it could be good.
These are apparently 4 episode arcs.
At episode 5, I'm less than impressed.
For a review, check the Anime's page & read what's there:
http://myanimelist.net/anime/934/Higurashi_no_Naku_Koro_ni
I'm not reviewing this per se- this is more an ongoing deconstruction/critique- so to follow will be spoilers, and perhaps 'super spoilers' (where I attempt to figure out what this whole thing is really about). I hope and expect to get this very wrong- I've seen 5 episodes of a 26 ep series- which is followed by a 'more revealing' 2nd season- but it should still be interesting. Maybe even 'fun'.
My hypothesis so far is that there is something like a religious cult at work here, which appears to be tasked not just with protecting the town and itself, but snipping off stray threads when they get tugged at. I'm putting Kuraudo Ooishi as the semi-informed local lead, with Sonozaki, Mion as his determined successor. With only conjecture to go on, I'm guessing most participants are primarily willing, but also split personalities- though 'induced sociopath' is a possible alternative. The needed use of the drug (which I'm guessing makes one suggestible) suggests any actual spiritual influence is non-existent, but the jury is out on that at this point. The same drug is likely used on the 'adherents' to make them irrevokably devoted- to the point where they would drug someone and command them to kill them.
My best guess on why Keiichi had to die (along with Rena (too close) and Mion (too weak)) is impossible to tell for sure- the two theories I have so far are either;
- A. Real controller wants to limit the girls distractions, which was Satoshi's downfall as well, or
- B. Rika (most likely, but possibly Satoko as well) wanted to remove competition, but didn't anticipate Keiichi actually losing, (Which would likely make Satoshi's death (if similar in cause Rena's fault) or
- C. Power play by Rika/Satoko to advance themselves. This would likely make Satoshi's death a product of Mion or Satoko's machinations.
There's really entirely too little info to make a good call so far. Also, everyone is stupid, which means anyone will do whatever furthers the plot, regardless of circumstance or previously shaped character.
The 'split personality' thing is pretty annoying as well. Maybe it's just supposed to be a 'malicious streak', or 'cunning visage'- but either way it's implemented pretty ham-handedly.
Onto Ep 5.