Higurashi no Naka Koro Ni 1st Season = DONE!
Now on to the second season.
As macabre and somewhat gross as that series somehow is, it's a really really excellent series for the simple reason that even after 26 episodes, not a damn thing is explained. But they are clever that they do this in a way where it still remains interesting and you are still poised on the edge of your seat while you wait to see what happens next.
There was someone whom I didn't like who actually lived and breathed that series, however I picked it up because I wasn't going to let people I disliked ruin potentially good series for me because honestly? That's letting them win.
If you have a strong stomach, I'd definitely recommend this series. However the last three episodes involving Rena almost made me yark, that's saying something. (hint for those who've watched it: it involves gross crawlies..)
I have no favorite pairings for this series, and I don't really have favorite characters. They are all strong in their own right, however if I haven't picked up a favorite character now, I may never. Who knows and who can say.
And even if you are not a moe fangirl, the series takes the stereotype of moe and completely shoots it into hell. After a while you realize that they are moe.. but godawful creepy and it just isn't all that cute and attractive. This series does a good job of tricking you every single time, lulling you into a false sense of security before whacking at your brain with a dull kitchen knife.