Worth the Binge | ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ achieves greatness

Throughout its tremendous first season, The Apothecary Diaries has proven a formidable anime adaptation. It is one of the few series in the past year to be picked up for an entire 24-episode run (along with Undead Unluck). The anime makes a meal of each episode. Where some series have been caught up in flashbacks and filler (see, again, Undead Unluck), The Apothecary Diaries packs each and every moment with intrigue, character development, and insight into the wider world these characters inhabit. Produced by OLM, the animation is superb, from the lush historical setting to landscapes that utilize bold, contrasting colors. With loveable characters at the forefront and profound, intensive lore, the series delivers confident, patient storytelling with abundant heart. 

Spoiler warning for most recent episode

Based on the Japanese light novel series written by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino and later adapted into two manga series, the worldbuilding of The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) is immense. With the recent Episode 19, “Chance or Something More,” the series shifts into high gear as we approach the end of the season. Maomao (Aoi Yūki) putting herself in direct danger to save Jinshi (Takahiro Sakurai) demonstrates a stake shift in their dynamic. The mysteries surrounding his place in the palace remain, and so too does the tension now that we’ve learned that Lakan is Maomao’s biological father. Still, even with all the questions raised, we’re never left wishing for the narrative to hit the gas. Instead, the show and its restraint better embellish the story as we fully immerse ourselves in their ongoing plights, regardless of the end goal. 

What It’s All About 

The Apothecary Diaries, set in a fictional country based on Imperial China, follows a young apothecary, Maomao. When we first meet her, she’s working in the red-light district with her adoptive father, friendly with local courtesans. In the first episode, she’s kidnapped and sold to the Imperial Palace as a servant, and she is determined to keep her head down and out of sight. Due to her innate curiosity, she rises in the ranks to solve the mystery of illnesses striking the emperor’s children. 

For a portion of the series, the show adopts an episodic, case-of-the-week approach as Maomao continues to solve mysteries for the royal court. Working with Jinshi, an influential eunuch (the only men allowed in the rear palace) she learns more about the instability of the royal court and the imbalance of power. As she gets to know the emperor’s concubines, many servants, and officials, the more the world expands. 

But the series is at its best when it digs into the thematic and narrative throughlines, such as Jinshi’s status as a eunuch clashing with acts of nobility he takes part in. Similarly, Episodes 17 and 18 drew beautiful, moving portraits of the disparity between the wealthy and poor in the palace. Maomao was well acquainted with the hardships of the red-light district as opposed to the comforts of the rear palace. These insights and small, crucial developments allow for some of the more decisive moments as characters are forced to reckon with their place in society and the ability — or lack thereof — to enact any semblance of change. 

These thematic underpinnings also allow for better character development. Jinshi begins as something of a besotted fool, enamored with Maomao’s complete disdain for him despite his beauty that allures most men and women. But the peaks beyond his facade offer a more significant emotional pull as we realize how much of a front he’s putting on to maintain social control. Similarly, Maomao’s struggle in Episode 18 is much more potent because, up until this point, she’s been aloof, dry, and not prone to excitement unless it regards herbs and poisons. To see her crack, however minimally, highlights that despite her experience, she’s still young. 

It’s not a question — it’s worth the binge 

There are so many reasons why The Apothecary Diaries is worth binging — especially as we approach the end of the season. The characters, specifically Maomao and Jinshi, are endlessly lovable in their contrasting nature. Maomao usually simply puts up with Jinshi, clinically appreciative and awed by his beauty but unaffected by it. The animators clearly enjoy drawing her, from over-the-top reactions to the chibi-style effects. Often depicted with cat ears and eyes in those chibi moments, the series hones in on her standoffish personality unless her curiosity is piqued. 

With character designs by Yukiko Nakatani, each character is distinctive. This is further highlighted by costume designs that tell their own story, from courtesans dressed to appeal to men to concubine gowns that express their individualistic personalities. Directed by Norihiro Naganuma with assistant director Akinori Fudesaka, the series is visually sumptuous. This is seen both in crucial moments within the palace walls and the ornate architecture on display and detailed through the use of lighting and the aforementioned landscapes and color contrasts. The use of strong, vibrant oranges and warm purples creates unusual pallets, bold and delightfully unique. There’s no single element that specifically stands out as something new compared to other anime, but the final picture creates something highly individualist. 

Even the score composed by Satoru Kōsaki, Kevin Penkin, and Alisa Okehazama instills greater life into the series. Utilizing traditional instruments, the effect is haunting and grandiose. Each piece of the series helps transform it into one of the best, most consistent anime of the past year. 

Final Thoughts 

The Apothecary Diaries weaves its stories with fluidity and intrigue as we continue to know these characters and their motives better. Maomao and Jinshi continue to develop into more robust, more realized individuals through mutual and independent storylines, their paths intrinsically linked. Balancing intense moments of comedy with significant drama and mystery, the genre juggling is tremendous. With superb animation and a gripping storyline, The Apothecary Diaries is an absolute standout, and it’s only getting better. 

The Apothecary Diaries is available now to watch on Crunchyroll. 

---

Featured images ©Hyuganatsu, Imagica Infos./”The Apothecary Diaries” Project. Featured image designed by Jon Negroni.