"I'm sorry, Kirito, I didn't think this would be such a big deal, this is crazy."
"Maybe I can get a cut of the tickets?"
"No."
FULL EPISODE SPOILERS AHEAD
Just like last episode, this episode begins with last time's final scene. Man, talk about a confusing first sentence. Not entirely sure why we needed to be reminded that this episode would start with a monumental event like the leader of the biggest guild versus Kirito the best solo player in SAO, but whatever. Before the opening, we learn that Commander Heathcliff also has a unique skill known as the "Divine Blade" that maximizes offensive and defensive skills--basically lets him activate God-mode constantly. I would say that's an unfair mechanic, but Kirito has the advantage of using two blades all the time, so I'll retract my argument.
To say that a lot happens this episode would be an understatement. It's a standout episode for Kirito and Asuna as well as featuring our first duel and has a pretty harrowing moment in the middle that both frustrates and wrenches guts. Watching it for the first time is different than watching it again because you know what's going to happen, so in that regard the scene isn't as strong, but it's still good.
And for all that happens this episode, you never feel like things are rushed. It all flows naturally, progressing through the events in a good, cohesive manner.
The episode really begins with the duel between Kirito and Heathcliff, and for the most part, it's a very even duel. The two are both probably the strongest players in the game, or at least its best fighters. And since one is all about offense and the other is all about defense, it's clear that there would be a standstill. However, it becomes a little more clear that the two are holding back slightly, Kirito more-so than Heathcliff.
When Kirito gets an open shot on Heathcliff, something happens as time seems to slow only for Kirito and Heathcliff puts up his shield than cuts Kirito, ending the duel. To add to the suspicion, the Heathcliff gives Kirito a very angry look, as if he were exposed and had to initiate some fail-safe to protect him. Hmm... Interesting. It does open several things up to mystery, but it also doesn't address it. Typical of SAO, you can expect this to be resolved later on, though. It's a good little mystery that lingers in the backs of viewers minds.
So enough about that, let's have an endearing moment with Kirito and Asuna. Can't ever have enough of those, right? No. The answer is no. Asuna asks Kirito about why he doesn't want to join guilds anymore and Kirito tells her about the Moonlit Blackcats and about the guilt and blame he carried. Asuna tells him to forget all of that when it comes to her, since she isn't allowed to die, as she has to keep him alive. It's another heartwarming moment between them that shows the pretty much bloomed love they share for each other. For Kirito to come out about the Moonlit Blackcats shows that he has supreme trust in Asuna, as well as carries a deep bond with her.
But enough of that, let's get into the meat of the episode. Godfrey, an officer in the Knights of Blood Oath tells Kirito that he has to start training (despite Kirito being much stronger) and has Kuradeel join them so that Kirito and Kuradeel can make up. You know, that's not a half-bad idea. They are going to be working together a lot more and to built a stronger guild you need to forge more understanding between players. Good guy Godfrey!
Except he gets killed the next instant by, guess who? Kuradeel, yeah, that's not much of a shocker. When Kirito takes the drink first you kinda face-palm at how ignorant he was about who he was with. This is the guy you singlehandedly embarrassed, and in a game where there are psycho killers running around, stuff like that lingers. So, yeah, Kuradeel poisons them and kills Godfrey before moving onto Kirito, but since Kirito is so high-leveled it takes a longer time for him to whittle down Kirito's health.
Kuradeel reveals that he is part of Laughing Coffin (hence why that Laughing Coffin member was there in Episode 7, oooo past foreshadowing) and that's where he learned how to keep paralysis going for so long.
Now, this scene is tense. And I understand that Kirito is a very high-leveled player, so his HP wouldn't drop as quick as others because of healing skills or armor or whatever. I just have a tough time believing that his health bar would slow down significantly when it hits the read. I mean, it goes through the green quick, slows up at the yellow, and all but stops at the red, which is typically the shortest of the health-bars. It seems that the only reason this was done was because he's the protagonist, so he's not allowed to die.
It also buys time for Asuna to fly in and save the day, knocking back Kuradeel and restoring all of Kirito's lost health. It just seems a bit much to me. When you're watching it for the first time, yeah, it'st tense, but then you kinda take yourself out of the scene and realize "well, shoot, Kirito's pretty much invincible then." Which isn't a bad thing, but, don't make it so obvious. Asuna could have shown up when his HP hit the red initially, not when he was at freaking 1 HP like he was against Gleam Eyes. It pretty much alleviates any worry the viewer may have when Kirito is in combat against something.
Asuna's arrival was also pretty obvious. I mean it's not like Kirito was going to be a ghost like Grisalda. But that would be something.
Just as Asuna is going to put on the killing stroke, Kuradeel slaps away her sword but Kirito, no longer paralyzed, steps in and gets his hand cut off while it serves as a shield to protect Asuna. Then, he uses the Dragon Fist to punch through Kuradeel and kill his opponent.
No, really. Kirito pulls back a fist that turns golden, screams, and punches Kuradeel through the chest. It might be called Dragon Fist but why the heck wouldn't one call it the Dragon Fist? It's cooler than "oh he used a Sword Skill on his hand to make it powerful" or something like that.
The two, tired, crumple to the ground. Asuna blames herself for all the bad that's happened to him and tells him she wants to stay away from him to keep him safe, but forget that. Kirito kisses her (FINALLY) and the two make-up, professing their love for each other. Kirito then asks Asuna to spend the night, which she spins in the complete opposite direction as after dinner that night she begins undressing and holy moley there are a lot of questions raised about what would have happened if Kirito hadn't told her he only meant to sleep over, not, sleep together.
And those are questions I will not ask because I don't have to and don't want to.
So, after all the confusion, Asuna heads to bed and Kirito sits at her bedside. The two agree to stay away from the front-lines for fear that something may happen to them, and Kirito tells her that there is a little forest on Floor 22 that they can get a little house on, a small quiet house. Then, he asks her to marry him, and Asuna tearfully agrees, ending the episode.
I can't help but feel accomplished when Kirito and Asuna agree to get married. I mean, when you're rooting for the two the entire show and they finally get over their differences and gut through everything they had to, it's this lovely little moment that is truly heartwarming and puts a huge smile on your face. I mean, so far, it's the most intimate moment between the two and you can really feel the love and intimacy the two feel. In a game all about death and survival is key, to see two young lovers find peace and solace in all of it is truly magical.
This is probably the most compact episode of SAO thus far, but it's also the best one so far. Combining great action in the beginning with tension almost immediately afterward and topping it with the romantic scene makes this a wonderful episode. It contains everything that's been great about the show so far into one episode.
Next week, we meet a character that will change the lives of Kirito and Asuna and the lives of you and me. Because darn it this character is cute and awesome.
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