Kindaichi Shounen no Jikenbo - Dennou Sansou Satsujin Jiken (Ep 74 - 77)

This case, "Dennou Sansou Satsujin Jiken" (The Murder Case at Computer Villa) was shown over 4 episodes from 11 Jan to 1 Feb 1999 and is part of the Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo anime series produced by Toei which lasted from 1997 to 2000. Although I have yet to be able to watch all episodes of the anime so far, I have read the entire manga series which includes the older cases, new cases as well as the short stories. However, I have not read this case before because it is published in the novel format which I'm lacking in my collection. Thus, this is one of the few rare ocassions where I'm not aware of the case's resolution beforehand which I guess should be the main reason why I enjoyed this more as compared to other cases.

The story begins with Kenmochi finding a female corpse in a park who is believed to have drowned in the pond. This is especially bewildering because they are experiencing a freezing winter and it doesn't make sense for anyone to go near the pond under such circumstances. Due to this, Kenmochi has to forgo his ski holiday with Kindaichi and Miyuki.

Meanwhile, the two are lost on the snowy mountains due to a blizzard and find it difficult to go back to their lodge in the bad weather. After a long walk, they finally find a villa and ask for help just before they are about to freeze to death. To their amazement, they find that the villa is occupied by a group of people who are meeting for the first time after spending a year online in a chat room. As these people are detective thriller fanatics, they use nicknames of famous figures in such novels instead of their real names and plan to continue doing this. Kindaichi finds it strange to do so since these people are now meeting one another in person and doesn't see the need for them to continue using nicknames. In addition, the fact that they are more comfortable chatting with each other online even though they are physically together makes Kindaichi and Miyuki feel uneasy about their way of interaction with one another. Last but not least, the prohibition on them from finding out the backgrounds of these chatroom participants add an air of mystery to their gathering.

Although Kindaichi and Miyuki have the intention to return to their lodge, the participants ask them to stay behind since it is still snowing heavily outside. They reluctantly agree to do so despite the circumstances and ill-feelings as to the behaviour of these "acquaintances".

It appears as if these people are so reluctant to let one another know about their real names and backgrounds because they have been lying. For example, there is Sousho who is a salaryman always scolded by his boss for not bringing in enough sales but he lies that he's an entrepreneur who has a company making 50 billion yen on an annual basis. And there's another woman by the nickname of Patricia who is a hostess but lies that she's a manga author about to release her first book. They all have parts of their lives which they do not share with their online pals and paint a rosy picture of their circumstances as if they wish to seek acceptance from one another. However, this pretentious way of interaction goes from online to offline as sarcasm is evident from their way of speech even as they have met up. Even though they are equally guilty of lying about their identities, they are also suspecting others of doing the same and there's a strong sense of distrust floating around. That is why Kindaichi and Miyuki are not that comfortable with their way of dealing with one another.

The usual drift is that a murder takes place, a few more gets killed before Kindaichi finds out who's the killer. I won't be going into details about what happens from since that will mean having to post spoilers. All I can say is that the resolution is slightly more complicated than usual since it involves the making use of assumptions or blind spots of people to execute this almost-perfect murder plan. Well, the most common motive for killing in Kindaichi cases is revenge for one's loved ones and this case doesn't deviate from the norm too. Last but not least, the case which Kenmochi handles, is not a random event since that's also interwined with what happens at the villa.

One thing I find rather interesting is the depicting of human relationships online and offline. Well, using nicknames or divulging half-truths about one's identity is not really something new in this time and age but at the time this was made i.e. 7 years ago, the theme discussed then is still applicable in the present. As such, this should be something worth observing and thinking about while watching this case.

On the whole, I think this is pretty enjoyable to watch despite the not-so fine graphics since it's a pretty old production. Nevertheless, as a Kindaichi fan myself, I must say that this is something worth checking out especially for those who have not read the novel like me because you will be intrigued by the storyline. For those who have read the novel, it may be good to refresh your memory by watching this too.