’The Apothecary Diaries’ Season 2 Episode 6 review: “The Crystal Pavilion, for the Third Time”

As dense as this series is, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 6 breezes by. In a whirlwind of political and intrapersonal deceit, we learn more about one of the Consorts as danger and threat permeate the inner palace. While “The Crystal Pavilion, for the Third Time” relies heavily on a case-of-the-week format, the result is undoubtedly gripping due to the tonal severity. 

Throughout the series, the writing has refused to shy away from the struggles women face in this world, no matter their position in the world. The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 6 is no different, showcasing how women of lesser power can become collateral damage in a game of influence. It also continues a significant trend of Season 2 — and the back half of Season 1: something important is happening behind the scenes in the rear palace. Something that suggests a slow crumbling from the foundation up. 

Once again, Maomao (Aoi Yūki) is summoned for help with an outsider problem, this time by Shenlü, whom we first met in Episode 5. She needs help locating a servant from Consort Lihua’s pavilion. The woman in question disappeared after her sick leave was denied, and considering the fragile ecosystem within the rear palace, they’re worried that someone running amok with a contagious illness could spell disaster. 

Maomao discovers the truth behind a woman’s disappearance.

But as is often the case, the truth is far more insidious. Shin, Lihua’s head lady-in-waiting, has forcibly quarantined the sick patient in a locked shed, using her illness to cover the stockpiled banned trade goods she’s been hiding. Namely, scented oils that can be used to create an abortion-inducing drug. With two pregnant consorts, the threat is apparent. 

This revelation highlights two critical pieces of information. The first is more personal. Shin is Lihua’s cousin and resents her ascension to power and influence despite their similar upbringing. She can’t fathom why Lihua would be picked while she wasn’t, and her anger leads her to haphazardly run Lihua’s pavilion despite the consort’s influence on the Emperor. 

Shin’s betrayal leads to a striking contrast as we watch Lihua stand up for herself, completely at odds with the resentful and withering version of her we first met. Emboldened, she shuns Shin, firing her before banning her from the pavilion. Despite the emotional tethers, there remains a sense of humor. Because as much as The Apothecary Diaries highlights women’s tribulations, it also ensures that it highlights moments of empowerment. Lihua is strong and feisty, ready to punch Shin before Jinshi intervenes. 

Someone is spreading unfavorable knowledge in the rear palace.

The second integral piece of knowledge is that there’s someone in the rear palace spreading this knowledge of how to create abortion-inducing drugs. Secrets layer upon secrets in The Apothecary Diaries as we continue to learn more about the intricate world and just how many people are trying to bring the current ruling down. 

For such a dialogue-driven episode, it also soars through animation. In particular, character animation. Director Norihiro Naganuma captures an expressive array of emotions across Shin’s face as she shares her rage and resentment. It’s an impressive, detailed feat that radiates her anger off the screen. The series excels when the detail shines as brightly as the enormous swaths of color and scenery. The lighting and shadow work are as strong as ever. Still, the magic is in the minutia shift in expressions, where a slightly furrowed brow suddenly collapses in on itself, and any attempt at a calm facade melts away. 

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 6 might not be the most exciting, but it’s another enlightening installment that hints at looming darkness. We don’t know exactly what is providing intellectual ammunition to certain players in the rear palace, but we know they can’t be up to any good. And it’s that foreboding, along with the ever-present levity, that makes for such a tirelessly gripping series. 

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 6 is out now on Crunchyroll.

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Images courtesy of Crunchyroll / Togo Animation Studio and OLM.