WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Episode 7 of Higurashi: When They Cry - Sotsu, "Curse Revealing - Part 1," now streaming on Funimation.
Higurashi: Sotsu continues to shed light on Satoko’s actions throughout the main time loops explored in Gou. The first two arcs have revealed a much more callous, calculating Satoko who's more concerned with winning and completely oblivious to the consequences of her actions. Now, starting with Episode 7, the “Curse-Revealing” arc sees her up to her old tricks once again. While this saga should provide viewers with some significant details and revelations, events kick off on a familiar note -- with Satoko’s sights now set on Rika.
By revisiting the events of Gou, Sotsu continues to explore the incredible strain placed on Rika throughout these new time loops. Having previously failed twice, Rika’s mental state continues to deteriorate as her usually chipper and optimistic façade collapses. This is touched on in Gou but isn’t really explored in depth until the “Cat-Deceiving” arc. Episode 7 of Sotsu really drives home Rika’s sense of hopelessness, leaving an eager Satoko waiting in the wings and ready to strike.
After leaving the Sea of Fragments, Satoko approaches Rika outside the Furude Shrine. When she breaks down, Satoko is quick to comfort her. Similar to what happened in Episode 3 of the “Cat-Deceiving” arc, Satoko gaslights Rika, continually suggesting her struggles are a result of her desire to leave the village behind.
In both conversations, Satoko brings up Oyashiro-sama, whom she believes to be Eua. She seems to partially rationalize her actions by focusing on Rika’s perceived failings as a priestess. At this point, Higurashi fans know her motivations are incredibly self-serving, but it's worth noting that Satoko does consider Eua to be a sort of Godly figure.
Eua’s real identity remains one of Sotsu's biggest mysteries. Though fans are eager to see what happens between Satoko and Rika, there’s a much larger riddle at hand. As far as Rika is concerned, Hanyuu is the real Oyashiro-sama -- but some similarities hint at a potential connection between the two. She might be on Satoko’s side right now, but Eua’s true intentions could be revealed soon enough.
Once again, Satoko tries to remind Rika of the good memories she’s made in Hinamizawa, appealing to her sentimentality. In doing so, she reminds Rika of her own hardships and gradually brings her to tears. Her breakdown seems to please Satoko and, coupled with her treatment of Mion in the last arc, really drives home how sadistic she’s become since meeting Eua.
Episode 7 isn’t the first time Satoko has tried talking things out with Rika. As with her previous attempts, nothing is really said to address the issues at hand. With Rika feeling cornered and vulnerable, Satoko seems to have the advantage in their battle of wills. The “Curse-Deceiving” arc had its fair share of twists and surprises in Gou, and it seems like the next few episodes will be just as impactful to the rest of Higurashi: Sotsu.
