I really enjoyed this episode.
I thought theinterplay between Shiori Ogiso and Miki Yakata (as the alien) was quite good, and very well acted. Shiori's character gave up her own chance to get ahead as a director, and instead chose the what was best for her friend, played by Miki.
And hats off to the two men in black (Shiori Iguchi and Mieko Sato)!