Any episode where Alex/Connor is the main focus is automatically a great episode. Connor Lawson's acting is on top form in this episode and proves how great of an actor he is! The subtle moments between his character and Emily Burnett's character, Charlie, are perfect too. The scenes with Alex and his mum are really emotional and are well performed by Connor and Dani Arlington (Aileen).
However, the episode is let down by the unnecessary side plots that had no connection to Alex and his mum whatsoever, and it just kept ruining the tension and emotion that the scenes with Alex and his mum were having. Alex's storyline was strong enough to run on it's own steam for the episode.