Images: Toho Animation
The first episode gently eases viewers back into the intricacies of rear palace life and Maomao's journey.
If there’s any complaint I have about the opening episode of Apothecary Diaries season 2, it’s that the fluff between Jinshi and Maomao was not enough—but is it ever going to be enough?
The first episode, cleverly titled “Maomao and Maomao,” aired on Friday (10 January). Things started off pretty quiet, easing viewers back into life at the rear palace.
Captivating opening and ending credits
But before we dissect the events and details of the first episode, let’s talk about the opening and ending credits. The opening and ending sequences deserve special mention. You know they’re good when you keep watching them until the end, even after multiple viewings of the episode.
The opening song, “In Bloom” (Hyakka Ryouran), by Lilas Ikuta, is an upbeat earworm that that perfectly matches the setting which starts in spring. The visuals blend moments from the past season while teasing viewers of what’s to come next, all painstakingly drawn in elaborate detail with rich colours and complex shading. It also draws the viewers in, making them think about what might happen in the next eleven episodes or more.
In contrast, the ending credits felt like a warm hug that helps viewers wind down with the song Shiawase no Recipe. While singer Dai Hirai’s singing style (particularly the accent) might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the visuals are enough to make any Jinshi-Maomao fan melt and temporarily satisfy their craving for sweet moments between these two.
Spoiler alert: Major plot points ahead.
Into the Story
The episode felt like a stroll along the colourful streets of the fictional Tang Dynasty’s pleasure district, before entering the inner palace. The passage of time was smoothly introduced, with Gyoukyou’s daughter, Princess Lingli, who’s grown from Season 1’s newborn into a curious toddler, ready to explore.
Toho Animation nails the spring atmosphere, painting outdoor scenes in soft pastels with a gentle glow. They’re clever with colours too—like how they shroud Consort Loulan’s extravagant palace in dark jewel colours and shadows, making it as mysterious as its main resident.
Nearly every important character from the first season make an appearance. Maomao, Jinshi, the older madam to the three main courtesans of the House of Verdigris, the four highest-ranking consorts and ladies-in-waiting, and even the emperor make a brief appearance.
Of course, Maomao’s many talents take centre stage once again—from handling complex distillation equipment to finding creative ways to make extra money and nursing a stray kitten back to health.
Jinshi’s shrewdness also shines through, managing the affairs of the rear palace with tact and sound judgment.
However, it’s a bit peculiar that Maomao did not question his identity soon after the events surrounding the ritual where an attempt was made on his life, nor has she ever brought it up again since then.
Books
One of the most important parts of the first episode revolves around some books that make into into the inner court.
Maomao intended to make money on the side by selling some books from the Verdigris House. The books in question are some high-quality lewd novels complete with illustrations that she used to educate the four main consorts to the emperor in season 1.
Jinshi and Gaoshun are surprised by the paper quality and request the name of the selling bookstore—and eventually, confiscate them from Maomao, only to distribute these to select women within the inner court.
It’s probably one of the best displays of Jinshi’s shrewdness so far, using steamy, romantic novels to pique the interest of many girls serving at the inner court, and encourage them to learn how to read and write.
New faces and… some whiskers
Another highlight is the introduction of the other Maomao. For anyone who loves pets (especially cats), these scenes are a treat. Maomao herself was often portrayed with cat-like animations in season 1, hissing at Jinshi with feline eyes, or sprouting metaphorical cat ears when she was particularly curious about something. So having her care for a palace cat feels natural and adorable.
This storyline also brings in a new court attendant, who appears out of nowhere to help catch the kitten. We don’t learn her name, but the way she’s introduced suggests she’ll be important this season.
After Maomao cleans the cat up, the Emperor lets it stay for his daughter's entertainment, naming it after Maomao—much to her chagrin.
Jinshi and Maomao
The palace cat scene also allows viewers to shift their focus on the ever-cute dynamic of Jinshi and Maomao.
When Maomao talks about why humans find cats fascinating, Jinshi starts drawing parallels to how he became intrigued and eventually drawn to Maomao.
There’s also significant progress in their dynamic, although very subtle. Jinshi and Maomao maybe don’t notice it—but the viewers (and maybe Lady Gyokuyou) do. Jinshi’s frequent visits no longer fluster and annoy Maomao to no end. Maomao also speaks more openly about things, even though at the beginning of the episode, she tried to hide the books from JInshi and Gaoshun. On top of that, the only time we see Maomao express any sort of disdain is when Jinshi snuggles with the kitten against his face.
Overall, the first episode may be brief, but it's a satisfying start to the second season. It moves at a slower pace than the first season, filled with light-hearted moments and no poison in sight, but it also sets the table for the feast to come—the remaining 23 episodes.
