The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 Episode 2 Kicks Off the Mystery as Relationships Develop
The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 is kicking off with yet another slower episode. While we got more hints of what is to come, the second episode of the third season focused mostly on interpersonal relationships.
At the heart of this episode is Maomao and Chou-u's sibling-like relationship. Beneath her dry personality, Maomao has a soft kindness that, when someone needs help, she finds ways to offer it. She notices Chou-u shivering and instead of complaining about expenses or telling him off to endure the cold, she takes him shopping for warmer clothes. Their interactions show a different side to Maomao outside the palace, far away from politics, which adds a gentle, everyday feel to the story.
Then there's the mystery of the Fire-Rat Cloak. What sounds like a supernatural legend becomes an opportunity for Maomao to show off her clever mind. She's curious, observant, and practical. The entire sequence is interesting to watch, with the mosaic art style, captivating storytelling, and Chou-u's sense of wonder. His curiosity gives opportunities to explain things. It's always a delight to see Maomao mumble and Sherlock-ify these puzzles. Funnily enough, they get the clothes they need without spending anything.
My favorite moment of the episode, however, was Jinshi holding Maomao's hand and falling asleep to her lullaby. It's a simple scene, yet the tenderness it carries has so much weight in it (the effects of a slow-burn romance). The imperial brother, formerly the sparkly eunuch, becomes so vulnerable around Maomao, but Maomao doesn't exactly reciprocate the enthusiasm he hopes for. Jinshi desires to be close to her, but the apothecary remains nonchalant, evading everything he tries to hint at. The dynamic makes me so giddy.
Carla Bianca Carreon
But kidding aside, I love the part where Maomao prepares everything just so Jinshi can have a restful sleep at the Vedigris house. She notices the bags under his eyes and how tired he looks. This man has so much responsibility on his shoulders, and caring for his health–well, this gesture may be one of the most affectionate things Maomao has done.
Sure, Jinshi can be annoying and childish, yet here, Maomao stays with him, allowing him to hold her hand as he settles down. The moment unfolds in its own quiet way. Beneath their usual bickering, there's a growing familiarity between them. Jinshi and Maomao are slowly becoming people who can share a safe, soft moment of peace and comfort.
Jinshi is the one who makes a lot of the romance obvious in the series, but the episode leaves us wondering about Maomao too. It's apparent that Jinshi lets his guard down around the apothecary, and she's starting to feel a fondness too. If Gaoshun's reaction was a fun side dish in this episode, then Parin's short comment at the end is the cherry on top.
All in all, the second episode is an entertaining blend of curiosity and warmth. I'm so glad that the series, Maomao in particular, is finally back. She may disguise her kindness through practicality, but the small gesture itself is already very endearing.
That said, the character highlights were lovely in this episode, but it does still leave us with a whole lot of mystery, like the aftermath of the Shi clan's rebellion, the locust plague, and the strange person at the end. There are so many hints of the larger story unfolding in the background, but the thrill of it all is precisely what makes The Apothecary Diaries a compelling series to watch.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 3 is streaming on Crunchyroll in select territories. New episodes release every Friday.
©Hyuganatsu, Imagica Infos/“The Apothecary Diaries” Project
