I thought her death be something a little more drawn out and more melodramatic like getting mortally injured during battle and they cry while watching her die. The way it played out though is best described as like something out of a horror movie. Suddenly, swiftly, and unapologetic. Akemi gives her cool warning in the end like 'I told ya so' then Magia starts playing... and I'm just staring at my computer screen with my jaw still hanging open.
And that's when this anime became purely awesome to me.
Episode 4 didn't leave as big of an impression on me but man, that Kyoko chick is a bit... unnerving. Very nice and well placed black out between her last two sentences at the end there. The witches and spaces are most definitely getting creepier... it might get to the point when I have to stop watching this show late at night.
I'm with Nick, I think Sayaka is going to be another tragic character. Her rashness is understandable (though I think her crush was just being a self pitying asshole) but she doesn't seem like she's going be able to handle both the pressure of being a PM and not receiving any recognition for the sacrifice she made. She's definitely going to end up breaking and regretting her decision. Madoka... yeah, she'll more than likely form her contract close to the climax, which I actually really like. It's refreshing to see the main character take the backseat for a change and letting the other magical girls shine.