this is the one episode in fruits basket that i can say i fully enjoyed and could relate to.
it's refreshing to see the story told from the point of view of somebody who's on the other side of things, who isn't all ~special snowflakes~ tohru and who isn't a member of the zodiacs. detracts from the favoritism and mary sue aspect of the story, you know?
and maybe it's just because matoko's story strikes a chord with my heart. i've totally been in her position before. and for her to "grow up" and accept the fact that loving someone means being happy that they're happy, i can respect that.
that is what makes this episode one cut above the others.