’The Apothecary Diaries’ Season 2 premiere review: “Maomao and Maomao”

Unsurprisingly, it takes mere moments for The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 1 to pull us back in. For those who weren’t aware of the immense popularity of the light novel series written by Natsu Hyūga and illustrated by Touko Shino or the two manga series, the popularity of Season 1 came as a surprise. Produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM, the series is visually alluring with rich color stories and narratively layered. Add to that immensely lovable leads with Maomao (Aoi Yūki) and Jinshi (Takeo Ōtsuka), and The Apothecary Diaries was an instant hit. 

“Maomao and Maomao” picks up immediately after the events of Season 1. With the conclusion of the garden party, Maomao can return to her life as the official taster for Concubine Gyokuyou. The passage of time is cleverly — charmingly —  depicted through Gyokuyou’s daughter. The series begins with her birth. Now, she races around, ready to explore the Imperial Palace beyond the walls of her room. 

For the most part, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 1 plays the essential, if expected, role of table setting. But it does so marvelously as this enriching world instantaneously enchants us. Set in a fictional country based on Imperial China during the Tang dynasty, the animation allows itself to play with the tapestry of colors and the vibrant excess of costuming and architecture. The royal court operates in direct contrast to the red-light district in which Maomao grew up. The visuals mimic that opulence, even if it’s sparse in the premiere. 

Maomao helps modernize the Inner Palace.

The main narrative follows two threads. The first in the growing popularity of novels in the rear palace. Initially, this is a way for Maomao to introduce, essentially, smut to the women in the palace. One of the more engaging aspects of The Apothecary Diaries is the delicacy and grace with which it handles sexuality and womanhood. Because of her personality, Maomao speaks of these novels frankly. It will only benefit the inner court if women are more assertive and informed about sex rather than being ignorant. 

And the women take to these novels, especially when Jinshi brings more — those less salacious — are brought into the inner court. It exemplifies the duality of Jinshi in a single moment. He plays the aloof fool when necessary but also is always listening. He knows that bringing in this kind of entertainment will only bolster the women in the court to want to learn to read and write. We see this when Maomoa’s friend asks her to help her learn.

The second main thread involves a cat. Maomao, due to her name and disposition, often gets catlike animation. We see this early in the episode when she hisses as Jinshi, her eyes becoming feline. So it’s an easy, cute story beat to have her take care of the one palace stray. Once Maomao has cleaned up the cat, the Emperor allows it to stay for the sake of his daughter’s entertainment. They even give the cat Maomao’s namesake, much to her chagrin. 

Maomao and Jinshi remain the series heart in The Apothecary Diaries Season 2.

But more than anything, the cat story allows for broad humor, as Jinshi finds himself drawn to it due to its likeness to Maomao. He’s unable to hide his affections. Maomao and Jinshi have a wonderful dynamic because it’s a push-pull relationship. Maomao still barely tolerates him, though. At least, she thinks as much. Because there’s marked improvement when looking back to their beginnings. She might not realize they’re friendly, but we do. While Jinshi is smitten with the apothecary, he’s also exasperated by her antics. His actual age and teenage angst come through the most when he’s with her. 

All of which is to say that her worrying about talking about castration in front of him is hilarious. Both because we know the truth that he’s not a eunuch, making his reaction all the funnier. But also, because of that direct pan to the sausages she was about to offer as a snack to make up for her mess up. It’s deliberately obvious, a heightened bit of humor in a series that so often aims for subtlety. 

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 starts strong, even if it takes its time. While Maomao returns to her regular duties, there’s an inescapable sense of change in the air. Things are changing from the quietly revolutionary decision to help illiterate women in the inner palace learn to read to the rare allowance of a palace pet. And it’s hard not to see Maomao as the obvious impetus. She might see herself as a mere small cog in the machine, but her influence has been mighty. 

Aided by a gorgeous OP that hints at all that is to come, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 1 is off to a formidably strong start. The textured framing and animation remain strong, and the abundance of color adds necessary vibrancy. While not much happens regarding significant plot points, it’s a welcome return to this rich world and charismatic characters. 

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 1 is out now on Crunchyroll.

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Images courtesy of Crunchyroll.