Apothecary Diaries: The Perfect Anime for Fans' Ultimate Desires
Apothecary Diaries: A captivating Crunchyroll anime set in a period of intrigue and mystery, sure to satisfy the cravings of any anime fan
Article Overview
The Apothecary Diaries is a historical anime series without supernatural abilities, which may make it harder for mainstream anime fans to get invested in.
The show adheres to the familiar format of other shonen and seinen series, featuring a protagonist with unique abilities who finds themselves in situations reminiscent of anime.
Every episode presents new challenges for the main character to overcome, while also delving into the intricate dynamics between characters, adding depth and captivation for fans of anime.
Warning: The following contains spoilers for Episode 4 of The Apothecary Diaries! The first four episodes of The Apothecary Diaries on Crunchyroll have established that it is a historical series without supernatural elements. However, it still delves into a range of intriguing topics and events. Unlike many Western cartoons, anime often features more complex storylines, but this is not the case with The Apothecary Diaries. As a result, it may be challenging for mainstream anime fans to become fully engaged with the show's initial episodes.
Nevertheless, Crunchyroll's The Apothecary Diaries follows a familiar formula seen in many shonen and seinen series. The protagonist possesses unique skills that set her apart from others and places her in situations where she must use these abilities in innovative and thrilling ways. Maomao, a servant girl in captivity, possesses extensive knowledge and expertise in medicinal arts that surpasses that of the nobles in her field. Due to her exceptional abilities, she directly serves the royal family. While Maomao may not experience traditional "leveling up" or have her statistics displayed in a digital format, she finds herself in situations reminiscent of classic anime, where her tasks, reputation, and relationships undergo significant development.
The Apothecary Diaries Grows in Complexity Early On
Each episode thus far has delved into the various challenges that Maomao, a servant apothecary, must address. Initially, she resolves an illness that affects the Emperor's concubines, subsequently becoming an official food tester for one of them to ensure the safety of her meals. This eventually leads to Maomao uncovering the solution to another mystery impacting the kingdom's soldiers, followed by a request to create an aphrodisiac for a high-ranking official. In the third episode, Maomao is tasked with solving the sleepwalking issues of a lower-level concubine, which introduces a different aspect to the series by exploring the secret love and plot between the concubine and her beloved soldier, adding depth to the experience of being a concubine.
Moving on to the fourth and most recent episode, while it presents its own unique challenge, it will particularly appeal to anime enthusiasts as it continues to build upon the affliction initially explored in the first episode. This alludes to a larger, more grandiose story, a common feature of many anime series. Similar to the third episode, episode four delves deeper into the dynamics of those affected, particularly rival high-ranking concubines of Maomao's current employer in different parts of the royal palace. Furthermore, Maomao is faced with the challenges posed by unfriendly ladies-in-waiting, while also taking on a more involved role, such as managing meals, compared to previous episodes.
The Apothecary Diaries Has Everything Anime Fans Want
Anime fans who struggle with historical dramas that lack supernatural elements can find solace in The Apothecary Diaries. While the series's unique art style may initially deter some viewers, it proves to be a delightful and worthwhile watch. Despite its serious backdrop, The Apothecary Diaries uses adorable and exaggerated visuals to amplify intense emotions, such as excitement, and employs familiar sweat drop animations to convey the frustration and embarrassment felt towards others' actions, much like other beloved anime classics. Moreover, despite its episodic structure, The Apothecary Diaries skillfully builds upon previous episodes, allowing for the development of complex relationships and the expansion of the main character's distinctive position, which are hallmarks of anime classics.
Stream on Crunchyroll now.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the anime "The Apothecary Diaries." On the one hand, I appreciate its unique historical setting and the intriguing mysteries that are presented in each episode. The main character, Maomao, is a strong and resourceful young woman who uses her knowledge of medicinal herbs to solve problems and help others. I also enjoy the anime's beautiful animation and character designs.
On the other hand, I find that the episodic format of the show can be limiting, and I would prefer a more overarching story arc. Additionally, the lack of supernatural elements may be a turn-off for some anime fans who are looking for more action and excitement. Overall, I think "The Apothecary Diaries" is a solid anime series that is worth watching, but it may not be the best choice for fans who are looking for a more traditional anime experience.
