It’s thrilling to see novelist Natsu Hyuga’s beloved series The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 return so quickly after its successful first season last winter, and it doesn’t waste a second in plunging us right back into its vibrant world. The new season premiered on January 10, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. JST (9:00 a.m. EST) on Nippon TV’s FRIDAY ANIME NIGHT programming block, and it’s currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
Plot Summary
The spring garden party concludes without incident. Maomao returns to her regular life as Concubine Gyokuyou’s taster. Meanwhile, novels become popular in the rear palace. Maomao wonders how this came to be, as novels were typically considered low-class. But behind the scenes lies Jinshi and his goals as manager of the rear palace.
A Promising Return of Second Season
The opening (OP) theme by Lilas Ikuta is nothing short of extraordinary, perfectly capturing the show’s vibrant energy, while Dai Hirai’s ending (ED) theme adds a soothing touch to conclude each episode. Together, they complement the anime’s tone beautifully. While the music has sparked mixed reactions—some fans appreciate Ikuta’s solo performance without Ayase—it’s undeniable that the opening is breathtaking and grabs attention from the start.
It’s a delight to reunite with Maomao and Jinshi as the story progresses into Volume 3 of the light novel series. This season sees Maomao engaging in everything from her trademark distilling experiments to more administrative tasks, such as smuggling books containing intimate knowledge meant for the red-light district’s consorts. The situation takes a hilarious turn when Gaoshun coerces Jinshi into retrieving one of these confiscated books, leading to a comical ordeal of tracking it down again.
The books, distributed within the Inner Palace, quickly become the talk of the town, influencing lives across generations. Meanwhile, Maomao’s compassionate side shines as she takes in an abandoned kitten within the palace walls.
Her antics with the kitten, affectionately named Mao Mao (furry in Chinese), even catch the attention of the young princess and Jinshi, adding heartwarming and humorous moments to the narrative. The two Maomaos—one human, one feline—become a source of lighthearted fun amidst the palace’s usual intrigue.
A Blend of Wit, Intrigue, and Charm
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 skips any lengthy recaps and dives straight into the intrigue, quickly reacquainting us with all the significant characters. And, of course, it doesn’t take long before the star of the show, Maomao, is up to her usual antics.
Within minutes, she’s hilariously caught selling risqué materials to palace ladies—a moment that perfectly encapsulates her unique blend of brilliance and shamelessness. Maomao’s irreverent attitude and sharp wit remain the heart of the series, and it’s delightful to see her back in action, causing chaos in her endearing way.
The series’ charm lies not only in its eccentric protagonist but also in its seamless blend of humor, historical intrigue, and mystery. This season teases the introduction of more characters and layered mysteries, promising an even richer narrative.
From Maomao’s snarky interactions with Jinshi to her peculiar ways of imparting “knowledge” to palace consorts, the humor is sharp and refreshing. Moments like Maomao treating a cat—whose name amusingly mirrors her own—add a quirky touch that keeps the tone lighthearted even amidst the palace drama.
Visually, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 continues to shine, with meticulous attention to detail in the setting and character designs. The narrative builds on the foundations of the first season, balancing laid-back scenes with hints of deeper mysteries to come.
Verdict
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 remains a standout anime, blending wit, mystery, and vibrant storytelling into an engaging package. If this premiere is any indication, we’re in for another season of captivating palace intrigue led by the unmatched Maomao.
With its seamless blend of humor, historical depth, and quirky charm, The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 is off to an engaging start, promising more delightful escapades and mysteries to unravel.
Trailer
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