Article Overview
The Apothecary Diaries is a standout anime in the packed Fall 2023 season, offering court intrigue, Chinese esthetics, and a twist on the detective formula.
Maomao, the lead heroine, captivates audiences with her wit and brilliance as a mad scientist. Her sharp tongue adds to her charm, making her an unforgettable and highly entertaining character. Alongside a talented ensemble of supporting characters, the interactions in The Apothecary Diaries create a truly distinctive and compelling viewing experience.
Don't overlook The Apothecary Diaries on Crunchyroll during the crowded Fall 2023 season. The first few episodes prove that this anime is a must-watch, especially for fans of court intrigue, Chinese aesthetics, or a fresh take on detective stories. What sets it apart is the charmingly eccentric lead heroine, Maomao, who is both a mad scientist and a master of witty remarks.
Despite the wide range of genres available in Fall 2023, The Apothecary Diaries manages to make a mark. The animation is bursting with personality, featuring unique visuals, comedic moments, and a memorable cast that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you're a fan of fantasy, isekai, rom-coms, racing shows, magical girls, or mecha, this anime has something to offer.
The Apothecary Diaries' strong cast makes it unforgettable
The central figure in the anime is undoubtedly Maomao, and this season, there isn't anyone quite like her. She is far from being a driven, idealistic protagonist with ambitious aspirations. Instead, Maomao is worldly and cynical, quietly practicing medicine and experimenting with poisons on herself. Her wry inner thoughts are both relaxing and perceptive, making them enjoyable to listen to. However, her apathy is only rivaled by her obsession with medicine, and witnessing her excitement over disregarded herbs creates a unique charm. Whether she is on guard or relaxed, Maomao is always entertaining.
Still, Maomao's qualities are further enhanced when she is surrounded by an exceptional supporting cast that knows how to keep her grounded. Jinshi, the administrator of the Rear Palace, and Gyokuyou, an imperial concubine, serve as authoritative figures who know how to push Maomao's buttons and bring out the best in her. Additionally, the young apothecary showcases her expertise as a remarkable anime detective. Furthermore, Maomao's interaction with her colleagues, including the other ladies-in-waiting, adds a dynamic element to the narrative, as they become the subjects of her playful banter. While the Rear Palace is rife with intrigue, the animators at Toho and OLM skillfully infuse the series with comedy, ensuring that each character's facial expressions perfectly convey their emotions.
The Apothecary Diaries exudes charisma and confidence. It fearlessly depicts the harsh realities of a royal harem connected to a nation's emperor. The casual discussion of aphrodisiacs and the fate of potential heirs adds to the unique nature of the anime. The perspective of the apothecary, who unravels mysteries using medical knowledge, further enhances the show's distinctive elements. With three episodes already aired, The Apothecary Diaries still has much more to offer, making it a must-watch for viewers seeking something truly exceptional this Fall.
Stream now on Crunchyroll.
Editor's P/S
The Apothecary Diaries is a standout anime in the packed Fall 2023 season. It offers court intrigue, Chinese esthetics, and a twist on the detective formula. The lead heroine, Maomao, is a captivating character who is both a mad scientist and a master of witty remarks. The supporting cast is also talented, and the interactions between the characters create a truly distinctive and compelling viewing experience.
What sets The Apothecary Diaries apart from other anime this season is its unique and charming lead heroine, Maomao. She is far from being a driven, idealistic protagonist with ambitious aspirations. Instead, Maomao is worldly and cynical, quietly practicing medicine and experimenting with poisons on herself. Her wry inner thoughts are both relaxing and perceptive, making them enjoyable to listen to. However, her apathy is only rivaled by her obsession with medicine, and witnessing her excitement over disregarded herbs creates a unique charm. Whether she is on guard or relaxed, Maomao is always entertaining.