Marwile watches SAO Part 21 "The Sleeping Knights"

And here we have the first SAO episode of the year. Somehow I didn't realize how long this would go when I started these reviews/reaction blogs. Though it feels weird starting to type this without having anything bad to say about the episode... This might be the first time actually...

So we start with Yuuki introducing Asuna and us to the rest of the remaining Sleeping Knights. I wasn't able to remember six new foreign names in such a short time (and I'm not sure it'll be worth it) so I'll just be listing them by their obvious traits. So lesbian loli introduces us to cocky redshirt, shy glasses, big guy, secretly sadist and obvious lesbian no. 2. And what they need Asuna for: They want to beat a mob boss alone on their own (usually you take about 7 parties with about 7 people each) and they want Asuna as their seventh party member. And their reasoning makes even sense. They've met in a different game and have been friends for a long time, but because they fear they won't be able to spent much time together soon they want to literally engrave their names in history. When defeating a mob boss the names of everyone gets engraved in a big stone monument, but if multiple parties participate only their leaders are listed, hence why the alone part. Asuna promises to help them even without any reward. She asks why Yuuki didn't choose Kirito, though only gets a cryptic answer of "him noticing her secret".

After leaving someone literally pulls the plug on Asuna forcing her back into the real world. Four arcs ago that would have killed her. And who else but her mother reminding her that she disapproves of her gaming. Did I mention I hate her?

The Sleeping Knights decide to check on the boss to prepare for the battle. Before the boss room they find three invisible players and chase them off before challenging the boss for the first test round. We also get some banter between the Knights and as a big surprise they have actual chemistry. The boss battle goes about as well as expected, meaning they lost so fast we didn't even see the battle.

Though afterwards Asuna realizes the mysterious players were scouters from a different guild, who watch the others fight the bosses to learn their techniques so the guild can properly prepare. The Knights are understandably upset at realizing they were probably also responsible for their previous failed attempts. But Asuna has a plan, quickly rushing in right now before the guild can organize their parties.

Luckily when they reach the boss room again only about half of them are there. Unluckily they are blocking their way to the boss. And when Asuna's attempt at diplomacy fails, Yuuki straight up challendes them to a fight with the other Knights ready to help and even Asuna being inspired to help. But then the remaining players are approaching from behind. But (man, many butts) a certain black coated swordsman rushes ahead of them to aid the Sleeping Knights.
Goddammit, Kirito!
Alright, alright, can't complain about him here. His entrance was cool enough, it makes sense for him to be there for the boss and it's good that he sides with his girlfriend than the big masses. So he gets a pass and doesn't pull this episode down. And admittedly it was a nice episode. I'm kinda looking forward to next week...