Review of Sword Art Online

I don't know if I can really say anything about the series that countless anime youtubers haven't already said. I don't think it counts as spoilers to say the show peaks at the first episode; if I was only measuring the pilot it would get a glowing review. Sadly, the story and characters drop in quality by episode 2. Kirito is one of the most egregious audience stand-ins I've ever seen, and his steadily growing harem is as gross as it is baffling. The visuals are beautiful, but that can only carry a show so far. Honestly, you're better off watching the abridgement of theseries by Something Witty Entertainment - it's funnier and more emotional than the original show.