TBS offers a rare look at the lives of female ex-cons in the eighth episode of occasional drama series, "Joshi Keimusho Higashi Sangoto" ("Women's Prison East Number 3 Block"; Mon., 9 p.m.).

Three prisoners at a women's prison that doubles as a textile factory are called into the warden's office and told they have been approved for parole. Hanae (Pinko Izumi), Mao (Chikako Kaku) and Chiharu (Aki Nishihara) are moved to a prerelease facility until the time comes for them to be released.

Hanae, who learned how to operate a forklift while she was incarcerated, gets a job at a storage facility. Mao is hired as a hostess at a high-class Ginza bar by the owner, who happens to be an old acquaintance. Chiharu moves in with her parents and is unable to find work.