Episode 5 "Getaway"

"The information changed. If it changed, then I can save Hinazuki."

In a surprising turn of events, after his seeming failure to save Hinazuki from her childhood abduction, Satoru is thrust back into the present. In the aftermath of the sinking feeling that maybe Satoru cannot change the fate of either Hinazuki or his mother, "ERASED" episode five is still somehow wrought with anxiety.

That is to say, "ERASED" continues to be a masterful look at how to sustain tension from beginning to end.

The highlights of "ERASED" episode five involve both moments of high tension and low tension, ultimately pointing to how insanely perfect this anime series is able to balance plot and character. The first highlight of course is Satoru's necessity for escape - he's now a murder suspect. There's the tension of not knowing if he'll get caught.

But the most important part of this tension surrounding getting caught by the police is its effect on Satoru's psyche. He knows that he's not a criminal but there's the hint of guilt because of his REVIVAL ability. One might think the limited information of how his ability works is a pitfall, but I believe that the lack of information is on purpose.

The audience is as clueless as Satoru about how things will turn out.

It's the looming unknowns, the dates, the times, the killer's identity, and the details that all make you both want Satoru to figure things out and dread the idea of what will happen if he doesn't. In hindsight, the desire for Satoru to succeed is further bolstered by the fact that Hinazuki's own efforts to allow Satoru to save her.

Overall, I have a lot of anxiety while watching "ERASED," fearing the worst and hoping for the best. The series has managed the most incredible balance in terms of low and high tension in both plot and character development.

In short, the pity and fear is too strong to ignore for more than the mandatory waiting period of weekly episodes.