User blog:LaviBookman/Thoughts on Sword Art Online - Ep.5 (Spoilers!)

Where to begin? The intro didn't really seem to fit what the rest of the episode was about, but the rest of it? I can only describe it with two words: holy shit. Kirito and Asuna come across the death of a player within a town, starting a murder mystery plot. It was not put off as a random occurrence because towns are supposed to be areas where the players are safe from both monsters and player-killers. We also learn about Egil's item shop and his shady shop motto ("buy cheap and sell cheap"). We are also introduced to Kains' friend, Yoruko, who plays a role in shaping the murder mystery.

Saying much more would terribly spoil the episode, but the very last scene? Another murder within the supposedly safe area occurs.

The episode felt shorter than it actually was, which I'm taking as a good sign of great storytelling.