Kudos to ufotable for excellent animation and production levels and Urobochi Gen for writing the original Fate/Zero novels. The first hour long episode have definitely matched up on all the pre-hype and excitement of whats probably one the top and darkest shows yet this year.
Myself, I have prior knowledge to the actual events of this prequel, having read through the novels briefly and playing the original PSP games, but I loved the entire 48 minutes + long build-up. All type-moon fans must feel for Sakura, after seeing her getting corrupted by the cesspool of disgusting bugs at the young age, and more horrible things later in the F/SN storyline. Kariya's portrayal as the only one who cares for Sakura in that cursed family makes things more complicated but with a heartfelt consolance, given that he gave up the family's dark practices, but only to end up giving all his life to bid and save Sakura, who is his childhood friend and love, Aoi's other daughter from Tohsaka Tokiomi. Yes, for all who didnt know in F/SN, Sakura and Rin are blood-related sisters. Kariya's current situation makes it only worse, when he is corrupted beyond salvation and only has 1 month left to live.
The true reason behind Kirei's introduction into the war, and why Kiritsugu is too revealed for masses. Kiritsugu fears someone he does not understand, after going through Kirei's personal records, it furthers solidify his fears for that man. No doubt, Kirei would still remain the chief antagonist until the F/SN timeline. Why the Holy Grail has chosen Kirei to the war, a man who has 'no' ambitions for the grail, was more or probable, to give Kiritsugu the thrill and reason why he will strive harder to realise his dreams of the obtaining the grail. Heaven's Feel was also brought up in the episode, novel readers know damn well what it is.
Entire episode was great build-up and introduction to all our masters, Kiritsugu, Tokiomi, Kirei, Waver and Kayneth at this moment. These events and characters ultimately have an impact on the later F/SN timeline, with Illya being the actual daughter of Iri and Kiritsugu, and Shirou would actually end up fighting her along with Saber, who is Kiritsugu's servant also revealed in F/SN. I cant believe Tokiomi for allowing the adoption of Sakura by Matou, it just goes to show how sickening his real character is, and his eventual fate was nothing but befitting. Waver and Kayneth's danglings will result in the birth of 2 masters in them.
Top quality animation from one of the better studios, the whole master-servant summoning process at the end of the episode had all my hair standing. Solid delivery and whats better, is the BGM by Kajiura Yuki, which just adds another layer of awesomeness.
OP and ED themes have been equally impressive, I am loving both songs, because they fit the show a bit too damn well. Nice to hear LiSa again after Angel Beats. I am really excited for this show, a relative first despite knowing majority of the story already. I am so sold.