Jinshi’s heritage has been a long time coming, with plenty of subtext and hints that all but reveal the truth. But The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 12 finally makes it plainly clear. The revelation, with beautiful composition, speaks to the power, and potential Jinshi (Takeo Ōtsuka) wields. All the while, said character argues with Maomao (Aoi Yūki), highlighting the integrity of his relationship with the apothecary. For good and bad, Jinshi is his truest self in front of Maomao.
But before the big reveal, we must deal with the frog in the room.
The cave sequence between Maomao and Jinshi is likely the most iconic scene in the manga. The anime softens the moment to a degree, though it doesn’t shy away from the situation the two have found themselves in. Maomao, lying atop Jinshi after their failed escape attempt in Episode 11, realizes Jinshi isn’t missing a key part that would make him a eunuch.
It’s a hilariously sequence. Between Maomao’s internalized horror at realizing the burden of this terrible secret to Jinshi trying to get her to move. Jinshi, hoping that her accidentally realizing he isn’t a eunuch will make it easier to tell her the truth about his position, begins to talk before she abruptly cuts him off. It was a frog, she says, nothing more.
Their bickering about whether or not said frog transitions to Jinshi hovering over her, frustrated by both her dismissal and taunting as well as not being able to share with her his truth after waiting so long to do so. It’s a slippery slope moment that could easily paint Jinshi negatively but is handled with care instead. It doesn’t progress into something more as he leans away from a potential kiss. And the two are saved. The scenery surrounding them offers texture and distinctive lighting. Even more fun, however, is the hint of their character color stories — purples and greens — echoing on the walls.
The Apothecary Diaries plays with expectations.
There might not be much romance in this instance. But it is vital to their story moving forward.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 12 deals with the consequence of Jinshi not telling Maomao the truth as she continues to put the pieces together, much to her dismay. She doesn’t want this knowledge that could cost her her safety. Honestly, she’s likely been putting it together from the start, no matter her reluctance to accept the truth.
What’s great about the mystery of the week format this time is how it builds into something that bridges together other open-ended plots. The feifas, Western weapons, suggest an assassination attempt on Jinshi. Maomao thinks back to the two foreign convoys who wished to see the Moon Fairy dance. The two were likely the inspiration for the story Gaoshun told about the two sisters where the one would sneak away. Did they deliver the feifas? Did they orchestrate the assassination attempt while one tried to get closer to the current emperor?
It’s an excellent way to suggest potential answers without committing to them just yet. Even better, the writing doesn’t bury us under overwrought explanations. It simply teases out Maomao’s theories while leaving them open-ended enough for greater discussion.
The truth about Jinshi is revealed.
Maomao, overjoyed by Jinshi’s gift of the ox bezoars, still refuses to acknowledge or listen to Jinshi as he shares his secret. And while it’s frustrating for Jinshi as a character, it allows some necessary levity. Her disinterest and refusal to listen speak to her acknowledged inability to understand the emotions of others easily. It could have adverse effects down the line, but it makes sense for a character who, more often than not, is trying to stay off anyone’s radar.
However, any ambiguity about Jinshi’s story evaporates in the closing moments. Gaoshun, too, was hopeful that Jinshi would reveal his secret to Maomao. Because Gaoshun knows that Jinshi’s position in the Rear Palace is temporary. And Maomao is too helpful to let go. Jinshi is the Moon Prince, their nation’s emperor’s younger brother. The reveal of his lineage and name drives the point home, as we learn that only two people in the land have the character “Ka” in their name, the emperor and Jinshi.
The sequence, set below a blazing moon, beautifully illustrates the point—a point mirrored in the OP and the scene where Jinshi masquerades as the Moon Fairy. His place in the story has been evident since the start. The way others speak about him and the rich tapestry of scenery that falls around Gaoshun amplifies that fantastic epic quality. As the first Cour of season 2 ends, the tone suggests a pivotal shift.
Electric and charged with potent intensity, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 12 is the perfect juncture in the road. Both Jinshi and Maomao are in denial, and both will have to reconcile their positions as greater mysteries continue to reveal themselves.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 12 is out now on Crunchyroll
Images courtesy of Crunchyroll, Toho Animation, OLM
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The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 12 - 8/10
8/10
Based in New England, Allyson is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of InBetweenDrafts. Former Editor-in-Chief at TheYoungFolks, she is a member of the Boston Society of Film Critics and the Boston Online Film Critics Association. Her writing has also appeared at CambridgeDay, ThePlaylist, Pajiba, VagueVisages, RogerEbert, TheBostonGlobe, Inverse, Bustle, her Substack, and every scrap of paper within her reach.
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