Quote Originally Posted by Yukimura
In any event, I noticed something I don't think enough people have remarked on so far, namely that Beatrice is a total babe for a cougar. I love her dress and her general style. I am especially fond of how she seems so fond of playing with her pipe while talking trash and cackling at the poor cast members.
I think that for all our recent disagreements, you and I can agree on one thing completely.

Beatrice is also a most excellent sadist. She is kind of creepy in her schoolgirl outfit. It lacks the refinement of her normal dress that fits in with all the odd and elaborate outfits that the family all has on.

Quote Originally Posted by Kraco
Still, seeing how the story is again fully progressing from the start and with a new setting with Beatrice herself visibly present, I kind of fail to see how Battler and Beatrice's gamble is supposed to take place.
I see it as a game of chess. If it was just Battler trying to prove the murders from last time were possible as a human, it wouldn't be very fair to Beatrice. She has to be allowed to move her pieces as well. So while Battler gets to play it over with a bit of knowledge from the last time and a hardened resolve, Beatrice has made a preparatory strike by physically showing herself this time. Kanon and Shannon both know she 'exists,' and the adults are forced to admit that she is real. She simply arranged for them to meet her by giving the letter to Rosa.

But Battler isn't playing just by himself. Shannon cut a portion off Beatrice's amusement a bit by declaring that she wants nothing from Beatrice, that she will tempt her own fate, rather than relying on the supernatural. Also, not even hesitating or thinking about her social position, she accepted the ring immediately. I can't say I'd be surprised if Beatrice decided to discipline Shannon by killing George instead.


It was easier to see this time why Maria wants to believe in Beatrice and the Golden Land so much. Rosa is a bitch. She may, "come back" as Maria puts it, but it does really change that Maria's mother is completely bipolar, and deep down Maria must be miserable. She's putting all of her hope in Beatrice's existence and that the Golden Land will be a place she can happily live. Maria may act like a spoiled brat, but that doesn't excuse Rosa's behavior.

What I really don't understand is why Kanon is so completely obsessed with being furniture. Shannon has felt the same way, and has someone to support her...just like Kanon would if he only reached out. Instead, he's sealed himself into the idea that he's furniture, and for whatever reason, doesn't want to escape from that description.