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The Apothecary Diaries Review: A Captivating Blend of Mystery, History, and Intrigue

Writer's picture: Vinit NairVinit Nair

Rating: 9/10 ⭐️

When I started watching The Apothecary Diaries earlier this month, I had high expectations after hearing glowing reviews. By the end of Season 1, I was completely enthralled. This anime is a gem, seamlessly blending historical intrigue, medical mysteries, and compelling characters into a beautifully crafted narrative.


Set in a fictionalized version of Imperial China during the Tang Dynasty, the story follows Maomao, a sharp-witted apothecary with an eccentric fascination for poisons. After being kidnapped and sold into servitude at the emperor's Rear Palace—a secluded world where concubines vie for favour—Maomao begins as a lowly servant. However, her knowledge of medicine and her keen deductive skills quickly earn her recognition. She becomes a food taster for Lady Gyokuyou, one of the emperor's favoured consorts, and is soon solving medical mysteries and palace intrigues under the watchful eye of Jinshi, the enigmatic eunuch who oversees the Rear Palace.


The Rear Palace itself is a microcosm of power struggles and societal constraints. It is where concubines are judged by their ability to bear heirs, and women’s lives revolve around imperial favour.


Maomao is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating protagonists I’ve encountered in anime. Her intelligence, pragmatism, and dark humour set her apart from typical heroines. She’s not driven by fame or fortune but by an insatiable curiosity about medicine and poisons. Her morbid fascination often leads her to experiment on herself—a quirk that adds layers to her character while injecting moments of dark comedy.

Her dynamic with Jinshi is another highlight.

While Jinshi is admired for his beauty and charm, Maomao remains unimpressed, often treating him with sarcasm or outright disdain. Their interactions are laced with wit and tension, creating a relationship that evolves naturally over the course of the season.


Each episode presents a new mystery—be it a poisoning, illness, or political conspiracy—that Maomao unravels with logic and medical expertise. What truly impressed me was how these seemingly standalone cases gradually tied into an overarching narrative by the season’s end. The payoff was immensely satisfying, as small details from earlier episodes came together to reveal deeper connections within the palace’s web of intrigue.


Visually, this anime is breathtaking. Every scene set in the palace, brothels or bustling markets is rendered with care, making every frame visually rich. The soundtrack further enhances the experience with melodies inspired by Eastern traditions. From moments of suspense to lighter comedic beats, the music perfectly complements the tone of each scene.


With its stunning visuals, engaging storytelling, and unforgettable protagonist, this anime was an easy binge and now I’m all ready for Season 2.


If you’re looking for something intelligent yet entertaining—an anime that challenges conventions while delivering a richly detailed world—then The Apothecary Diaries is a must-watch!

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