Finally, the much anticipated series Umineko no Naku Koro ni has begun airing. I was really looking forward to it and was wondering how it will all turn out. I will say my opinion right now. This first episode had good points but also a lot of things that disappointed me a little. Let's get to the storyline of this episode.
Ushiromiya Battler, Rudolf, Kyrie, George, Eva, Hideyoshi, Maria, and Rosa are coming to Rokkenjima island for the annual family conference. Creators skipped the flight but we can see how scared Battler is from vehicles at least from their sail.
On Rokkenjima, they meet with the rest of the family and servants. Battler hasn't been to Rokkenjima for 6 years due to various circumstances, which might be explained later, so he hasn't seen her cousin Jessica for that long period of time. Last time he saw her they were both 12, so she has somewhat developed since then, and Battler wants to find out how much her proportions have changed with his own hands.
No success, though.
Date: 4th October 1986; Time: 12:00
Everything was pretty rushed in this episode and a lot of things was omitted. At least all the characters were introduced, apart from physician Nanjo.
Of course, the most important parts were there and the big portrait of Beatrice, the Golden Witch, was introduced as well as the epitaph. Though only a part of it has been told aloud so far.
Another important thing we learn about is the history of Ushiromiya family, particularly Ushiromiya Kinzou's miraculous achievements. He is said to have signed a contract with witch that bestowed him 10 tonnes of gold in exchange for his soul. But there is no evidence that this gold really exists, therefore family members call it "The Legend of the Golden Witch"
However, Maria vigorously proclaims that Beatrice exists. In order not to anger her, Battler eventually says that even he believes in the existence of the Golden Witch, Beatrice, even though he doesn't believe in her in the slightest.
Adults talk about splitting of Grandfather's assets after he dies. That discussion is pretty fervent, and Eva, Hideyoshi, and Rudolf try to corner their oldest brother and family heir, Krauss. But he has prepared himself for this situation and found out beforehand that his siblings are in financial problems. He then skillfully turns around the situation in his benefit and his siblings become pale with anger.
Battler and others go to the beach for picnic. Battler and Jessica speak a little bad of Beatrice which makes Maria anxious. She gives both of them one charm that is supposed to protect them from magic.
They return to the rose garden where they reunite with Rosa and look for a strangely withered rose that Maria found earlier in the afternoon and wanted to take care of. They can't find it anywhere and Maria starts to shout her "uu-uu". Rosa is enraged by that and when Maria doesn't stop saying that "uu" of hers, even after being told to stop doing it, Rosa smacks her face. Twice.
Maria stays alone in the garden and is found later by Rosa and rest of children. Maria is holding an umbrella, and when being asked where she got it from, she answers with a broad smile on her face: "From Beatrice."
Overall, it wasn't that bad, but it was all very hasty. However, that leaves more time to more interesting parts that will come very early.
What made me really happy is that they used the original background music from game. Somewhat altered "Stupefaction", and "Witch in the Gold". Both are awesome pieces. I hope we will hear more tracks from the game in next episodes.
The opening theme disappointed me a little. Opening from game was far superior. But I still like it because it has a similar feeling.
One more complaint, breasts. They are far more endowed than in the game and it just hurts my eyes. Really, this isn't supposed to be any ecchi, fanservice anime, so there's no reason to make their chest so gigantic. Especially Natsuhi's bust, I thought it would explode at any moment.
I'm looking forward what the next episode will bring to us. I hope the tempo will let up and everything will slow down. Otherwise, we won't be able to enjoy the upcoming events to the fullest.
DannyChoo.com
