The Apothecary Diaries anime premiered on October 22, 2023 with a special release of the first three episodes. The anime quickly gained popularity, trending on Japanese Twitter shortly after its premiere. With a slice-of-life tone, the anime has found a niche following. Cour 2 will bring together all the separate mysteries of the Imperial Palace.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for The Apothecary Diaries series.
The Apothecary Diaries cour 2 will finally reveal the actual perpetrator behind the incidents
The Apothecary Diaries has quietly surpassed expectations and emerged as one of the most overlooked gems of the fall 2023 season. Episode 12 chronicles Maomao's dismissal from the imperial palace, followed by Jinshi's decision to reevaluate and ultimately purchase her freedom from the brothel, bringing her back to work in the imperial palace under official circumstances.
Cour 2 PV unveiled several significant characters that will play a major role in the overarching story, such as Suiren and Lakan, who shares a particularly close bond with Maomao. Cour 2 will kick off from episode 13 and interconnect all the events from Cour 1. It will then unveil the true plot unfolding within the Imperial Palace.
Maomao as depicted in the anime (Image via TOHO Animation)
The story is an adaptation of the light novel "Cour 1" by Natsu Hyuga, featuring Maomao's experiences in the imperial palace. Set in 15th-century China, the narrative primarily delves into minor incidents within the palace and Maomao's detached method of uncovering the truth behind them.
The image above features Maomao and Meimei as shown in the anime (Image via TOHO Animation).
The anime is now accessible for streaming on Crunchyroll, excluding Asian regions, and on Netflix for viewers in Asian regions. It is currently undergoing the process of being dubbed in English, with only 9 episodes dubbed as of now. Episode 13 is scheduled to be released on December 30, 2023, marking the official start of cour 2.
The Apothecary Diaries episode 12 recap
Maomao as shown in the anime (Image via TOHO Animation)
In episode 12 of The Apothecary Diaries, the aftermath unfolds with Fengmin's guilt being exposed, leading to palace layoffs. Maomao is faced with dismissal due to her association with Fengmin. Desperate, she turns to Jinshi for help and after much consideration, he agrees to pay her a substantial severance fee.
Forced to return to Hanamachi, Maomao and her sisters attend a noble's party as courtesans. There, she encounters the distressed Jinshi who questions her about her role as a courtesan. Their conversation ends with Jinshi proposing to buy her from the brothel, leading to a complex turn of events.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z netizen, I'm thrilled about the upcoming second cour of The Apothecary Diaries. The first cour was a delightful surprise, offering a unique blend of mystery, slice-of-life, and historical elements. Maomao's character is particularly intriguing, with her sharp wit and determination to uncover the truth behind the incidents in the Imperial Palace. I'm excited to see how her relationship with Jinshi develops and how she navigates the complex web of palace politics.
The anime's visuals are stunning, capturing the essence of 15th-century China with meticulous detail. The character designs are also top-notch, bringing Maomao and her companions to life with vibrant personalities. The voice acting, both in Japanese and English, adds depth and authenticity to the characters. Overall, The Apothecary Diaries is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition, and I can't wait to dive into the second cour and unravel the mysteries that lie ahead.