Audience reviews
20 · Sample from the first available page, separate from the total number of ratings.
havrak
The season deals with heavy subject matter, notably the sexual exploitation of children. This topic is handled ok-ish - goes slightly above the bare minimum of depicting it negatively and writings the antagonist, lot of whom are victims of this behavior, somewhat sympathetically. Also with character reactions align with what would we expected from the era. However, this portrayal appears relatively favorable only within the context of anime standards, where the baseline for handling such topics is exceptionally low. Not to mention, for example Jinshi exhibits highly objectionable and predatory behavior. Maomao's perspective on this behavior is questionable, as she treats it as mere childishness rather than a serious issue.
Exposition suffers from shoehorning tangentially related informati…
Read at the sourceBenFM
Apothecary Diaries is hard to rate. There's some fantastic characters, great voice acting, strong writing, good dialogue and some nice animation.
However it can also be painful to watch at times. There is a lot of excess baggage with episodes that don't contribute to the story or characters. This combined with the relationship between MaoMao and Jinshi being drawn out over and over again, creates some tiresome viewing.
There are also tons of plot holes and for me, I don't get a sense of satisfaction at all from the end of season 2. The mysteries of the crimes in the palace were the only part of the story that was wrapped up, but even then I can't say I particularly enjoyed it. There were really no major incidents and it built up to a two episode finale that felt insignificant. Loulan wa…
Read at the sourceAmavaria
Apothecary diaries is so important to me, there's no other show like it from what I know, I never seen any anime that addresses women's issues upfront and without padding. The language is straightforward and leaves no room for other interpretation.
Women's education about their own bodies and lack of agency is a very important theme in this series. Our protagonist, who was raised in a brothel, treats sex workers with respect and does her best to keep women in her life informed; teaching them about sex and what to expect, as well as health and taking care during pregnancy. She takes time to teach girls from humble backgrounds how to read and write leading to eventually having a school for servant girls to receive education!
The characters are delightful, Maomao and Jinshi have wonderful c…
Read at the sourcePlumchi
The first season was better in my opinion. Maybe I wasn't as hyped as I was for season 1, so I didn't enjoy it much.
I still like Maomao a lot, she is funny and have a strong personnality.
And I still hate Jinshi, he is border assaulting Maomao.. Like he's here trying to force a kiss with Maomao. To be honest, I really hope he don't end up with Maomao. She deosn't need a romance to be great.
Side characters are great, it's great that they got some developpement.
Graphism are as good as they were in season 1.
The OST and OP are still amazing. I don't know if I'll watch a 3rd season tbh. Maybe later.
Read at the sourcejackelp2
I understand there were probably budgetary restrictions and problems also adapting directly from a textual source rather than from a manga or being a studio original but it really feels that they completely forgot the ancient wisdom of 'show don't tell'. It would have been nice if some expository scenes would have been cut, or entire episodes for that matter (iykyk) in favour of showing the conflict and stakes. Do I know how that could've been done? No. Are there people who are smarter than me who could've figured out a way? Yes. Overall the story was good, but some of the intrigued that was so captivating in the first series was kinda lost in the second series as it became a bit too hammy and forced, or even predictable at times. Anyways I settled on a seven as it was mostly - mostly - en…
Read at the sourceAnimeEnjoyer433
This season of Apothecary Diaries is similar to Fumetsu no Anata e. The character that bond with the MC feels kinda forced. There's this one character that somehow outta nowhere bonded with the MC, and then in the later episode, it changed direction from a story like season 1, where it focuses only on Maomao solving problems, to a somewhat-new (Not exactly) character becoming like another MC for the series.
Why similar to fumetsu no anata e? Because the characters that bonded with the MC doesn't make sense. No hate on fumetsu, but if characters were somehow added or somehow got into the spotlight without any some sort of reason, then it's definiltely not going to make sense. Again, no hating or anything, just pointing the weak point of fumetsu. And that weak point also happens to be in t…
Read at the sourceKrenZane
Ramps up intrigue. More immersive as a drama presiding over silken web weaved by the whispers of political temptations. An anchor in the form of the character of mystery, Loulan, the paragon of bewitching in her silence and imposing deportment. Having been shrouded with fog in the previous season, the satisfaction of the unveiling doubly gains satisfaction. Season 2 begins to rise up in quality. What derails the momentum is an indescribable suspension: a fundamental something that's lacking in The Apothecary Diaries, and maybe it's related to how the story is told in animation, and the way the story is with Maomao at the center of it all. To date, the series remains to be a passerby to be observed for the sake of observation, not attachment.
Read at the sourceCaeruleus_CCXVI
7/10 ~ Talking the anime lol
So I did enjoy this show that I binged in 1 tattoo session. each season at two diffrent sessions lol. This was the perfect kinda show to watch as it was almost entirely talking and the story for the most part was fairly easy to follow. Funny tidbit about when I was watching this, several people came over to see the work being done to see me just zoned out watching this. And several of the people asked me if this was anything like "Solo Leveling" or "seven deadly sins", it was really hard to keep a straight face when I told them "yes" lmfao.
Pros:
- first 1/2 or so of the show is extremely good and hooks you in
- the MC despite being a know it all is a very likeable character
--I enjoyed most of the supporting cast
- the story taking place in Ancient China is…
Read at the sourcebiscuitthecat
This is one of the animes I enjoyed the most since episode one. I totally recommend it, I don't think I've ever watched any other anime similar to this. I love the art, the animation, the colors, everything. I also love that, even though it's a fictional story, there's a lot of things from that time that I didn't know and find really interesting. It's really nice to learn new things through an anime.
I love the plot, the characters, how Maomao and Jinshi's story develops. I can't wait to watch next season and I hope I can start reading the manga soon cause I'm hooked in this story. I recommend this story a 100%. Totally worth watching.
Read at the sourceCyberXane
This series has been enjoyable. Can be a little slow at times, but the build up is definitely worth it.
The Apothecary Diaries, Season 2 continues to follow Maomao’s life as an apothecary in a country inspired by imperial China. With her advanced knowledge of medicine, she not only helps people but also ends up solving mysterious cases that others in the empire can’t. This season follows a structure similar to the first, which works well. This season also places more emphasis on Jinshi’s mysterious backstory. Just like before, many seemingly separate cases gradually connect by the end, and it’s always satisfying to piece them together. On top of that, I always enjoy the funny moments between Maomao and other characters. Maomao may be brilliant, but I love how she still reverts to a catlik…
Read at the sourceyasyaa
OH MY GOD, JINSHI IS SO CRAZY FOR MAOMAO! I CAN'T HANDLE IT. And Maomao... girl, please, be a little more considerate of jinshi. Every time I watch The Apothecary Diaries, I feel so stupid. My theories are always wrong, no matter how confident I am. The plot is so sharp that it makes me feel like an idiot. I CAN'T WAIT FOR SEASON 3! I can't get enough of this anime. The story, the characters, the suspense, everything is so well done. Jinshi is crazy about Maomao in some episodes, he does everything but never gets close to her, and Maomao is still so oblivious! I'm still mad at Shishui 😭 but oh well... whatever. If something more dramatic happens in Season 3, I think I'll go crazy. This anime has taken over my life HAHAHA. I keep rewatching scenes. The Apothecary Diaries is one of those an…
Read at the sourcebunnymai
This season is worse than the previous one.
Season 1 Maomao seemed like an intelligent capable heroine solving problems around the palace. However, in season 2, the plots get much more convoluted and frankly, much more confusing, involving way too many characters we barely see. Honestly, I like shows with political intrigue normally, but the fact that Maomao is literally the only capable person in the series and solves every single issue and escapes unscathed each time is a bit unrealistic.
The ending is an extreme let down. I won't spoil it, but it's incredibly unrealistic and frankly, makes a lot of exposition and tension in earlier episodes pretty pointless. I can't decide if this is a children's anime from their unwillingness to deal with heavy themes, or an adult anime from their fre…
Read at the sourceiamapizza
It was pretty disappointing watching the wreckage of what was once an excellent show; gone were the mysteries, and deductions, gone were the minor drops of backstory to keep the intrigue burning. Season 2 decided to take everything good about the first, and throw it away. In its place we get reams of exposition and forced, contrived romance.
It was painfully obvious that Season 2 could have remained interesting, even with the exposition dumps, if it weren't for the forced, contrived romance between the main characters. For those who enjoyed the intelligent side of Season 1, I would wholeheartedly recommend staying away, this isn't for us. Because it's pretty clear from the reviews there are two audiences for this show, and the other one won out.
At this point (in fact, at _any_ point)…
Read at the sourcejoemaamah
I try to wait at least a day after a season finale, to try and keep from gushing or trashing it too much. But it was a real struggle for this season. I don't really think I could gush enough. But I'll try to keep it to a minimum.
The art work was phenominal again. I think the background work was even more lush. The character art was about par with season 1 for the mains, but where they absolutely excelled was with the designs for the ladies of the court. They were truly beautiful in a most regal manner.
Animation was also top notch when compared to today's usual isekai trash. But I think it slid ever so slightly, especially in the middle episodes. They snuck in some cost saving measures season 1 avoided. It was nothing really distracting, though. Things ramped up for the finale, and ov…
Read at the sourceBrotherCoa
One of the best anime this year, I might say even better than 1st season. If you got here hoping for continuation of the 1st season in all of it's glory - you are in luck.
Animation and sound - simply beautiful. Animation was fluid and consistent from start to finish and the music was such a joy to listen to. Not much else to day, it was a treat for both eyes and ears.
Characters: Continuing from 1st season we still have our old gang back. Mao Mao is hilarious and never cease to amaze and Junshi is still cool and collected official who is slowly making his gains. Shisui and Suirei get the most character development this season, you can say that this season revolves around them. The rest of the characters get minor development, but overall each episode was thrilling and full of excitement…
Read at the source_Maria_chan_
I'm gonna finish my review shortly. First I'll say, such a wonderful and unique storyline really well written. This season had a lot more mysteries and plot twists than last season and It can also be a bit emotional. We will know a lot about some characters in this season. What I like most is that, along with Mystery and a bit of romance, the medical theme is given a lot of importance. I really liked Maomao love of making medicine and her research on poisonous substances. Also the way she finds solutions to every mysterious problem like a detective is truly mind-blowing. To be honest, this anime will never bore or disappoint you for sure.
Btw, There is nothing new to say about the animation. Like the first season, the animation was impressive again.
And the two opening and endings of thi…
Read at the sourceDarkzepheran
It amazes me that I never made a review of Season 1. What the HELL have I been doing???
Well, at this point, if you are reading this, you already know, this is what PEAK looks like people!!. It's got everything: Story, Mystery, Drama, Romance and above all love struck Jinshi-sama gushing over detective maomao episode after episode! Now in all seriousness it's actually a really good series.
Never did I imagine myself getting so invested in this series. I’m so glad I gave it a go. The way the story unfolds and how everything ties together in the bigger picture is incredibly well thought out. It actually makes you pause and go “Oh, you’re kidding—so that’s why they did that, and then the other person was their accomplice" and so on.
I love those moments where you actually have to think thi…
Read at the sourcebossunhimeswitch
I ended up watching season 1 and season 2 back to back because I was late to the party, and boy this anime (both seasons) has been a party. This review, of course, is about season two and only season two. Season two for me was almost as strong as season one but not quite, however, my engagement level and enjoyment factor were the same, which is why I rated this season a 10. It was my favorite of its cour. Once I caught up I looked forward to every episode that came after and I HAD TO KNOW what happened next. Even now I'm sad I'm not in for an even longer wait for new episodes, but I am super hyped that we're going to have a third season of this story. The characters are strong and engaging. The narrative does not lag, though at times it can meander a little. I also like that the circumstan…
Read at the source5iv3_
Our favorite mystery solving apothecary show has come to end for this season, but this season was absolutely amazing so let's go over some highlights!
First, I will mention, this season sits a lower rating for me than the first, HOWEVER with that being said, the latter half of this season was so good that it honestly could blow the rest of the show outta the water ngl. It only sits at a lower rating than the first because the beginning of this season was a little slow (that may have to do with the fact that i've read the manga up until the middle of this season. so i knew what was happening). Now, with that outta the way!
The whole of this season was so enjoyable with some really interesting moments between our cast of characters. Some specifics for this season:
1. Animation: As alway…
Read at the sourceMarinate1016
I thought I loved apothecary diaries before, but man season 2 showed me I hadn’t even scratched the surface of what makes this series so special. In short, this season is an improvement in basically every way on what was already one of the best ongoing LN/anime series around. The way Hyuga-sensei paid off so many of the plot points that she’s been building up to since the first season made this an awesome weekly viewing experience. Every little detail, seemingly meaningless interaction or character, they all come together in the climax of this season making for one of the best payoffs I’ve seen in a long time. The worldbuilding in this series is truly second to none and while some episodes might seem a little slow, they’re all building up towards a very satisfying and emotional payoff at t…
Read at the source