Story:
-As the intro suggested, ep5 sure start with a climax. Beato forfeits, LD steps in as gamemaster, Battler refuses to play, and Berun steps in to play for him: which makes the game starts later than usual (the time when Battler decides to play the game again) Although I've not been acknowleding LD's version until the witches' trial, now I think it's an interesting world to challenge.
-Showing more of Natushi's backstory is definitely interesting, giving it a Meakshi-hen feel. Perhaps that's why ep5 also gave us a bunch more questions than answers.
-Rokkenjima Syndrome + Yaminu reference...looks like the story is seriously going to have a different solution than Higurashi (so much for the "serious speculation of Rokkenjima Syndrome theory", I was actually following that theory for a bit before ep5.)
-Finally more emphasis with Knox and the Fantasy/Anti-Fantasy/Mystery distinction. Using the 10 commandments, I think some people who have came up with their deductions throughout ep1-4 have to refine their claims in order to fight for the "mystery" side. Personally my arguments for ep2-3 has been alongside of those, but I think I still have some stuff left after crossing out all the stuff that the commandments do not allow
While I was quite annoyed by that at first, as it seems like the world HAD to obey those rules all of a sudden, I realized that the story needed that a long time ago.
-Shannon = Kanon theory out of the door…it was an interesting theory.
-Another weird point is that (perhaps they explained it and I didn’t read it), how does Natsuhi knows the other fantasy people besides Beatrice? Beatrice, I can see how, as she’s the portrait and legend of Rokkenjima. As to Ronove & friends…are extra flavour added by the game master?
-3 way battle between LD, “Beatrice”, and Berun. Although it’s shown who “Beatrice” was before Oct 5th, who is the “Beatrice” in the 2nd day? If it’s the same one, that means Natushi should be behind something. Or perhaps that’s the “Beatrice” created by gamemaster LD? Interesting analogy using the three kingdoms…
-??? with new Beatrice...finally approving the popular Battler = culprit theory!?
-Finally an epsiode that doesn't have a lot of filler stuff (like ep4's recollections). However I didn't like the pace of some of the chapters. For example, the witch trial was reaching such a climax, just to have Erika to step in in real life and back to a slow pace. I think that part, with Natsuhi's confession, should've been left to tea party (tea party itself is short anyway) ??? also dragged on a bit before getting to the main point, to analyze Knox's ten rules, and finally having Battler to counterattack, but it did lead up to another climax. Popping in flashbacks here and there didn't help either.
-It's true that Beato, or fantasy, lost in the main story...but it's a story made by LD to begin with. I guess it can be agreed with as long as it works with Battler's true aim now (finding out absolute truth). Seriously, what is Berun and LD really trying to achieve? Berun just want to finish the game, but LD only hoped to draw it out, no? What is she trying to achieve by giving Battler (well he did earned it...but only after LD's game) new power and control over the kakera?
Characters:
-Can't say I like Erika much She's nothing like Rika, and actually I enjoyed it more when she's losing than when she was winning
That means she's a good antagonist, I guess
-Come to think of it, this epsiode (main story) is really just about Natsuhi and Furudo Erika. Battler shows up from time to time, but most of the time it's just Berun-Battler in the real world. It would be nice to talk more about the other characters.
-I'm actually liking LD more and more per epsiode...for some reason that I don't really know for now
-As for the other new characters, I do like Drannol. She's an intersting character, have quite an active role during the deduction scenes, and her blue/red swords are interesting. Perhaps Van Dine will show up in ep6?
Overall, it's a great episode, much better than ep4. I loved the rush at the very end, resurrectedreplayer, and TSUBASA (ver hope), but not so much the singing part.