Natsu Hyuuga created a series tailored to everyone’s tastes with The Apothecary Diaries after a surprising amount of shonen fans express love for it.
SUMMARY
The Apothecary Diaries has the huge advantage of attracting several audiences, even the shonen fans.
More male anime fans are watching the series for its mysteries and the clever Maomao’s deductions.
Season 2 will only have more surprises in store for every fan.
The Apothecary Diaries is completely different from the typical romance series the community expected. The romances take a back seat that doesn’t affect the progression of those relationships and Natsu Hyuuga instead focuses on the mysteries and drama that surround the Imperial Palace. At the center of it is the brilliant Maomao who has a multitude of potential and is the token Sherlock Holmes of the series.
Her intellect and knowledge of the apothecary assist her in solving the mysteries that occur in The Apothecary Diaries. She goes from a servant to a lady-in-waiting and poison tester, working alongside the Court Physician. Thanks to her adoptive father’s mentoring, her deductive skills were also incredibly honed.
Since each episode of Season 1 was sizzling with a new mystery, the new season of The Apothecary Diaries will have several other cases to crack for our protagonist and perhaps even the purple-haired love interest, Jinshi. The series evolved into attracting female audiences to a male audience who are more acquainted with the shonen genre.
The Mysteries of The Apothecary Diaries Opens the Series to New Audiences
Maomao teaches the “cursed” servant in The Apothecary Diaries. [Credit: Toho]
Maomao is the figure of logic and science in The Apothecary Diaries. Whenever characters come to her with a dilemma that involves a certain poison or deals with scientific queries, she is quick to deduce and solve it. She even takes the time to explain what the source is, exhibiting patience and confidence in her art. She also warns the Courtesans to not use makeup with a high amount of lead in them.
It’s interesting how the protagonist also sees the finer details of things and her taste for poisons makes her rather eccentric but resourceful. She is the one who ends up finding the answer and culprit behind every assassination attempt. However, her knowledge and deduction skills don’t stop at poisons. She also observes and listens. These skills lead to her saving Jinshi, one of the most pivotal moments of The Apothecary Diaries, and a progression in their relationship.
It’s clear that she should be the Court Physician to us all or at least a lot more important than what she is currently but the times won’t allow her to do so. However, one thing people have noticed is that Guen is never threatened by it and is happy. It shows what a supportive environment she’s in, despite all the mysteries. This made Shonen fans more compelled to the story as a well-written female character was at the forefront, although a few complained the mysteries were too complicated.
What To Expect in Season 2 of The Apothecary Diaries
Maomao from The Apothecary Diaries. [Credit: Toho]The second season is set to release on January 10, 2025. While Jinshi and Maomao are unlikely to become a real couple, they will certainly have more moments together. The mysteries and dramatic schemes will continue to be at the forefront of The Apothecary Diaries without a doubt.
Suirei will definitely confront Jinshi in a battle of wits and Loulan and her father’s schemes will unravel. This just means more mysteries for Maomao to solve with Jinshi assisting her. Fans can also expect to learn more about the purple-haired man’s past.
