Anime Review The Apothecary Diaries
- Author Sinistra
- Creation date
"Being too good at one's job can sometimes be a curse," reflects Maomao, the protagonist, as the first season of The Apothecary Diaries concludes. Her deductive prowess constantly entangles her in minor conflicts and schemes. This, fortunately for viewers, results in an engaging episodic medical drama set in a fictional world reminiscent of imperial China. Despite her hesitations, Maomao stands out as the lead in this anime adaptation of the light novel by Natsu Hyūga and Touko Shino, captivating audiences with her presence.
The allure of The Apothecary Diaries comes from its dark beginnings: Maomao, kidnapped and forced into servitude, ends up in the imperial palace where the story takes place. Serving as a food taster and attendant to the emperor's concubines in the lavish Rear Palace, she uses her scientific knowledge and interest in poisons to unravel various mysterious medical cases among the concubines, nobles, and their servants. Her investigations alleviate the somber mood of The Apothecary Diaries' setting, as well as the persistent darkness of its imperial-era context, enhanced by Maomao's playfully antagonistic relationship with her supervisor, Jinshi.
Despite her attempts to avoid trouble and concentrate on her passion for experimenting with poisons, Maomao's curiosity consistently leads her into medical enigmas. The gripping adaptation by writer-director Norihiro Naganuma of Hyūga's tale ensures that each episode ends with a new vanishing, demise, or possible paranormal event for viewers to contemplate. These weekly mysteries interlace into a captivating plot, gradually uncovering the complexities of the Rear Palace—where the emperor's influence pervades every interaction, and where characters desperately compete for ascendancy.
With season 2 confirmed I can't wait to see what Maomao gets into in the upcoming season! If you are looking into getting into this anime you can stream the full first season on Crunchyroll!
The allure of The Apothecary Diaries comes from its dark beginnings: Maomao, kidnapped and forced into servitude, ends up in the imperial palace where the story takes place. Serving as a food taster and attendant to the emperor's concubines in the lavish Rear Palace, she uses her scientific knowledge and interest in poisons to unravel various mysterious medical cases among the concubines, nobles, and their servants. Her investigations alleviate the somber mood of The Apothecary Diaries' setting, as well as the persistent darkness of its imperial-era context, enhanced by Maomao's playfully antagonistic relationship with her supervisor, Jinshi.
Despite her attempts to avoid trouble and concentrate on her passion for experimenting with poisons, Maomao's curiosity consistently leads her into medical enigmas. The gripping adaptation by writer-director Norihiro Naganuma of Hyūga's tale ensures that each episode ends with a new vanishing, demise, or possible paranormal event for viewers to contemplate. These weekly mysteries interlace into a captivating plot, gradually uncovering the complexities of the Rear Palace—where the emperor's influence pervades every interaction, and where characters desperately compete for ascendancy.
With season 2 confirmed I can't wait to see what Maomao gets into in the upcoming season! If you are looking into getting into this anime you can stream the full first season on Crunchyroll!