Forget the overpowered heroes. A girl obsessed with poison solving crimes in the palace is the most compelling thing on TV right now.
It is rare to find a show that balances political intrigue, comedy, and genuine mystery as well as The Apothecary Diaries. Season 1 was a surprise hit. Season 2? It just cemented this show as a modern classic.
I just finished the latest arc, and I need to talk about it.
Maomao is the antidote to every boring, blushing anime protagonist. She is cynical, dangerously curious, and completely unimpressed by authority.
In Season 2, the stakes get higher. We move away from the "mystery of the week" format into a deeper conspiracy involving the Imperial court. Watching Maomao dissect a crime scene not with magic, but with basic chemistry and knowledge of herbs, is incredibly satisfying.
Aoi Yuuki's voice acting continues to be legendary. The way she shifts from bored monologue to manic excitement when she finds a rare poison is pure gold.
OLM and TOHO Animation are not slacking. The use of color in the Rear Palace is vibrant and suffocating at the same time, which fits the theme perfectly. It's a beautiful cage.
The background art deserves a special shoutout. Every room feels lived-in and historically grounded (even if the setting is a fictionalized China).
If I have to nitpick, the pacing in the middle episodes felt a little slow. There's a lot of dialogue, and if you aren't paying attention to the names of the various consorts and officials, you will get lost. This isn't a show you can watch while scrolling Instagram.
If you aren't watching this, you are missing out on one of the smartest scripts in the industry. It treats the audience with respect. It expects you to keep up.
Rating: 9/10
Who is this for? Fans of Sherlock, people who like smart protagonists, and anyone tired of generic action shows.
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll / Netflix India
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