Anime of the Year Contender! - The Apothecary Diaries First Impressions!

[@Nevri.]

It might not be very clear, but Jinshi did not get a good look at Maomao's face, so he only knew it was a short girl with freckles. That's why they summoned all short girls with freckles, so he can find out which one of them it was. Also fun fact: Mao means cat in chinese, so she's literally called Catcat.

[@KebusuNiisan]

猫 - And this is also the Kanji character used for neko (Cat)

[@cck4863]

Spoiler: It is heavily hint that Jinshi knew who Maomao is. He is the one that ordered the kidnapping, he wanted someone who knew about medical into the palace and Maomao was well-known in the region. People from unknown origin aren't allowed to work in the palace. So there is no way for kidnappers to sell anyone to the palace. Later it is said that Maomao's father hunt down the kidnappers within days and find out about the whole thing even when the kidnappers never know about Jinshi. Also low level workers are relative safe, since they have zero access to higher up. All the consorts have their own personal maid and cook so they won't blame low rank for the problems, these consorts don't even have access to low rank. But once your rank goes up, your chance to die from accident increase.

[@Nevri.]

@@cck4863 ​ Wait, what? That doesn't make any sense and directly contradicts manga...

[@Gabriel-l]

@@KebusuNiisan well duh Kanji are Chinese characters. Kind of a moot point to mention it. It's like saying A in English is A in French.

[@mr.bee5225]

@@Gabriel-l it is even a popular believe that the japanese today is descendant of the crew qin emperor send out to find the elixir of immortality

[@fermarcruz8542]

The opening animation rocks. Her dance and tongue movements blew me away 😆

[@KebusuNiisan]

- Anya - Frieren - Gyokuyou Looks like Atsumi Tanezaki will carry Fall 2023 Anime Season all by herself

[@9822703]

thoughts: jinshi is probably a relative of the emperor. in the beginning it says only eunuchs, concubines and their servants and the emperor's kin were alloweed in the city. so he is probably not a eunuch and he is clearly an outsider.

[@Sup_D]

No, normally even Emperor's Male Kin are not allowed in the Rear Palace unless they have the explicit permission of the Emperor.

[@9822703]

@@Sup_D we are in agreement. at 5 : 29 of episode 1, the details about who can enter are given. which is why i said he may be a relative.

[@mr.bee5225]

@@9822703 he is

[@hurco890]

Watched this per your recommendation a bit back and man glad I did. My favorite this season.

[@otakuspirit]

I'm glad it lived up to my hype lol!

[@alexhilshire8507]

If Apothecary diaries runs for 24 episodes, it makes me wonder how many light novels they will cover. Some of the background plot runs over multiple books

[@applecheeks21]

It’s going to be 24 episodes! I don’t fully remember how many volumes exist of the LN, but from what I’m guessing of the trailers is that it’s going to cover at least 8 or 9 volumes of the manga version

[@alexhilshire8507]

The first 3 episodes cover about a third of the first light novel. So they could make twelve episodes out of the first light novel. Which covers the first 4 Volumes of the Manga.

[@applecheeks21]

@@alexhilshire8507 considering what the trailers have shown (as an active manga reader), a lot of those scenes go to at least volume 8 or 9 of the manga format. So they could have adapted 8 or 9 of the LN volumes

[@alexhilshire8507]

Shows like shield hero and Mushoku Tensei. The first twenty four episodes covers about five or six volumes of the LN. So only covering two volumes of the LN. For the first season of the Apocalypse diaries means they will not skip too much content. It also allows them to avoid Some content from the third LN. Which hasn't been adopted for the Manga yet. But has the potential to cause people on the internet to be upset.

[@HenryDeckard]

@@alexhilshire8507 Third volume of LN already adapted. They started 4th with new chapter. When chapters about last emperor was coming out everybody was relatively chill about it iirc.

[@duhalt]

Great show... I'm loving these 3 episode airing... it consolidates the start of a new good show. #1 Frieren #2 Apothecary (so far for this season)

[@Course6Beaver]

Can’t wait to watch this. I loved Raven of the Inner Palace. Gonna be hard to pick my choice of anime of the year: Frieren vs MT vs Apothecary Diaries (if it being what I hope it can be) edit: the ending of the third episode was so moving.

[@jamie4993]

Some definite Raven in the Inner Palace vibes with Maomao as the designated problem solver.

[@samsonwhj]

As someone who has watched C-period dramas from a young age, this show is great! a lot of care was put into the details of the rear palace (aka harem) setting, and I believe the show is set somewhere in the Ming Dynasty, based on the clothing they wear. The only gripe if have in the show is the name of the MC. "Maomao" literally means "Catcat", though hear character exhibits this characteristics, the name itself seems really weird in that setting, especially given the rest of the characters have names that aren't so awkward and seems to reflect the ancient Chinese setting. Another small gripe is that the palace officials aren't addressed by their titles/surnames, but by their full name/-sama, especially weird when Maomao addresses Jinshi so casually. It should have (maybe) been Minister Jin, or Eunuch Jin (Jin kou-kou).

[@onebyonebby]

While the setting does look like ancient China, it’s still a fantasy/fictional world, a mishmash of many things; Tang Dynasty and Ming Dynasty clothing, with culture and technology from the 16th century, and science up to 19th century (iirc). It’s better not to expect historical accuracy (or any type of accuracy, really) when it comes to the Apothecary diaries.

[@testxxxx123]

She isn't someone with family heritage, so Maomao suits her actually. Your name fits your status in society.

[@popstel2286]

@@testxxxx123yeah pretty much what I was about to write. Later on in the series we can actually find more characters from the same kind of background as Maomao and I’m not really good with using my brain but I think the names of those characters also reflect that too

[@iwasanangryyoungman]

Even the calligraphy betrays it being a Japanese anime from the 1st episode in spite of its Imperial Chinese setting (a disclaimer is flashed to remind that this is a work of fiction and it is not supposed to be representative of Middle Kingdom culture at that time)

[@samsonwhj]

Yeah... I know this is a work of fiction, but xiaolan's name sounds more normal than maomao, and they're of similar status. Also, the manga alludes to another fact that jinshi is also a weird name, though they never mentioned why, but the word "shi" isn't really a name, but a suffix usually used to mean "mrs". E.g Chen Shi means Mrs Chen.

[@derzweite1205]

Yeah!! My personal most anticipated anime adaptation of the year!! Glad this kind of story able to received well in western audiences.

[@vikingsword3485]

Think I will give it a try. I really love that you cover sleepers that I have no clue about.

[@jamie4993]

I'm loving the seiyuu, particularly during the snide asides and inner dialogue

[@seouly719]

SO many bangers this season. My favorites this season is easily Fieren and Apothecary Diaries. They can possibly even both be up for anime of the year (which I hope they will I'm fine with either or winning to be honest), but there's also Vinland Saga S2 and Oshi no Ko which also deserve anime of the year it's so hard to choose haha. Plus they both have 20+ episodes listed; Fieren being 28 and Apothecary Diaries 24. We're being spoiled haha. Anime this year has been AMAZING. BLESSED c:

[@jmt9361]

24 , double cour lets go!!!!

[@jolochoco]

I’m really glad I subscribed to you coz we really have similar tastes. Apothecary Diaries is superb and is definitely one of the top shows this season and arguably, this year!

[@folcwinep.pywackett8517]

The Spirit's 1 and 2 picks at the beginning of the season, turned out exactly as predicted. I think the art in Apothecary is a lot better than expected with some of the art absolutely amazing, but in any case I am in love with the character, Maomao, a very modern girl in ancient China. There is far more humor and comedy here and that also is unexpected. Solid number 2 on my queue behind the Elf. Excellent review and prediction.

[@Svper_HERO]

My friend recommended this show to me, and I’m glad she did. Happy it’s also getting more than 12eps too.

[@stephanc6138]

idk. your assumimg Jinshi 's a eunach. esp that scene in one of their trailer where his robes seems more elaborate. more of imperial attire than ministers. unless its a dream sequemce.

[@Rizzmonkey69-f1s]

Just got done watching it i love it so original and thanks for the recommendations on new anime just coming out like all the ones you've recommended keep it up hope you're channel gets a bigger audience it deserves it

[@justsomeguywithamustache2901]

Honestly this year has at least 7 anime that deserves anime of the year contender, but my personal choice is still vinland saga s2 😊

[@4getmenot182]

It's between that and heavenly delusion for me

[@Ash_Wen-li]

I always find it more interesting to separate sequels and new anime. With sequels the discussion will mostly be between Vinland Saga and JJK. But for newcomers there's Heavenly Delusion, Oshi no Ko, Frieren, Apothecary Diaries, and Pluto

[@joxbarros5054]

my money is on jjk.

[@captcardor]

I have to agree. This is one of the best anime series I have sen i years. it is beautifully drawn. It has an interesting main character and great supporting characters. There are mysterious personalities, challenging mysteries and great under spoken humor. Yes! Best anime of the year.

[@tatotato85]

I love how thrilled the pretty boy is at Mao Mao disgusted face

[@AuroDHikoshi]

Total masochist

[@brianhall23]

These 3 episodes were great. Yes, episode 3 was the best one.

[@1Pandaking]

To Clarify Consort Gokuyou did not use the makeup. It was the Nursing Maid who was sent back home as she was getting sick

[@Zeon081]

From the trailer and OP and the length of the season I know how much the show will cover and there will be some heavy subjects.

[@cask82]

Otaku Spirit thank you for reviewing the first the episodes. I love them, the series and laughed my ass off. Great anime, I do love the art style and visual.

[@arthurcreations8277]

First anime i binged watched three times over a weekend. The best anime thus far.

[@CommanderZx2]

Haven't watched it yet, but it sounds like there's more comedy in it than the LN version of the story. Like she doesn't really have any cat like behaviour until several volumes into the story. Maybe this is closer to the manga adaptation.

[@alfocrack0355]

The manga has more cat moments but the anime added a lot more.

[@asshrimpleasthat799]

There were periods in Chinese history where eunuchs held really surprising amounts of power and had a ton of influence on the emperor’s decisions!

[@TrampMachine]

I'm so excited, it looks so amazing. I think the first 3 episodes were paced a bit fast but still really enjoyed it. Now I want to go back and re read the manga.

[@zomfgroflmao1337]

I mean, I knew the anime would be anime of the year material given the source material, but this year is pretty stacked with Frieren and Oshi no Ko.

[@AuroDHikoshi]

But will you remember osho when these two are newer?

[@elexg6982]

5:49 It's not as high fidelity or sharp as my happy marriage, but the animation is much better. Lots of dynamic frames for simple movements that people underappreciate unfortunately.

[@NakanaiJP]

I feel like we're supposed to be suspicious of Jinshi. He's portrayed as so "too good to be true," that there has to be something not-true about him, if that makes sense.

[@anonym-yj2qk]

as a manga reader thats not true lol

[@Ash_Wen-li]

I don't get suspicious vibes but definitely mysterious. He seems to have a darker side but I think that's due to the nature of his work, not because he's a bad dude

[@tanaokam9385]

The Apothecary Dairies amazing ❤. It stood up to my expectations and i really loved it. It's funny, cute and really wholesome. Indeed the third episode was amazing and music what can I say❤❤❤❤.

[@dragonsboon2316]

The characters in this show feel so real because they aren’t just one emotion, they have depth like real people. Virtues and faults

[@OfficialShamGawd]

This anime reminds me of multiple different anime centered around the same time period, but with a combination of aspects from each in a good way.

[@beanqueenie_324]

Love how you're always so quick on these! Loved the first 3 eps too and it'll just keep getting better and better!!! 🥰

[@Warlothar]

The three episodes were good, they didn't risk anything with the storyboards, but they were really solid episodes. I don't think that it can compete with Frieren, but I know all the history, so for me there is no surprises and Frieren is new for me. Maomao and Jinshi have powerful reveals and plot, so it can compete in history, let's see how well they adapt it :) .

[@baalzamon3593]

You had me at Kevin Penkin

[@LordMyriddin]

Bet you anything, main guy, is NOT a eunuch

[@TheTurtlebot]

I really like the perspective of the show where yes it's a very cutthroat environment but no one's really a bad person. They're all just trying to do the best they can for themselves and the servants and ladies in waiting especially look out for each other the way you might expect

[@paulbishop251]

Aoi Yuuki is a goddess. 😍

[@BuddyChy]

The baby that survived was a princess not a prince

[@edisonuy7707]

I know this anime has 24 episode but I wonder up to which volume of the light novel will the anime cover?

[@nizarahmad3912]

The OP was absolute banger man. Why is this so underated

[@Sup_D]

Who said it's underrated?

[@nizarahmad3912]

@@Sup_D its underated in a sense it doesn't gain that much attention that it deserve. Even the source material is underated.

[@michaelpoblete9857]

Awesome anime. Totally enjoyed it, Mao Mao is best girl xD

[@andrewsheppard1940]

Catgirl Maomao is best Maomao 😾

[@emanueldumea8217]

It's the kind of show that i want to binge watch and not wait week after week.

[@floydmorgan6048]

I think that she has a tell, and Jinshi didn't believe her sleepwalking story because of how she was holding her arms.

[@AuroDHikoshi]

I think those arms is a greeting form, but I think it was maybe a badly kept secret that it might be a play

[@Mr.Bardel4363]

not all eunucs are real eunucs .

[@robber_yu]

The Apothecary Diaries is the science side. Raven of the Inner Palace is the magic side. Everything is balanced. I love it!

[@Yui.Hirasawa.]

science & magic, it reminded me of a certain anime

[@paulbishop251]

@@Yui.Hirasawa. I see what you did there. LOL

[@jack8356]

Yeah the preview was better. But this is still good

[@xyreniaofcthrayn1195]

Maomao is what a girl boss is supposed to look like.

[@whitecat1226]

Jinshi is more beautiful in manga than in anime😢

[@Thrano]

This absolutely blindsided me. I didn't even want to watch it yesterday because I couldn't be arsed at 11pm anymore. I do have at least one question though, like why does this push a romance angle with a eunuch? However pretty he may be, it's... not gonna work out. Also being immune to poisons (including aphrodisiacs) because of long-time exposure seems... a bit pseudoscientific to me. Still, glad to see this gets an immediate 24 episodes. Idk nuthin about any source material but maybe it'll be a complete story and I have a great track record with 24 episode complete stories. 8/10

[@Ash_Wen-li]

My guess is that it's going to be more of a platonic/asexual kind of relationship

[@folcwinep.pywackett8517]

Humans do build up immunity to poisons, that is not pseudoscience. Guys who handle poisonous snakes and are bit, do build immunity to that poison. I don't believe that works for all poisons.

[@mr.bee5225]

why does this push a romance angle with a eunuch?

[@MollyShelly2]

The spoiler is that he isn't an eunuch but historically it's not unheard of for eunuchs to have wives and concubines. It also depends on the type of castration the person underwent. Some only had partial removal and were still functional to a point.

[@Dremooa]

So boring so far

[@tuseroni6085]

like how faraway paladin was originally just a fantasy but was made an isekai later, i feel like this was originally an isekai and was made a fantasy later. something about the MC seems like she is someone from the present time, she seems like she has a modern understanding of medicine, she reacts to things in a very modern way (well modern isekai way, which is to say not reacting all that much at all), even the way she seems to be following a scientific method that won't be developed for some time. i don't know that it originated as an isekai and was changed, but it would make sense given the MC. that minor niggle aside, it was a great few episodes, everything i was hoping for, looking forward to watching more.

[@raec5426]

Hmm, I don't think it gave isekai vibes, like she has modern knowledge. I can see it along the lines of something more like Dr. Stone or Detective Conan with MC with prodigy type skills, but also with her own prior environment of experience still in the same world and time period (basically what he said here 16:08).

[@tuseroni6085]

@@raec5426 you can be a prodigy but you can only go so far beyond the cutting edge of knowledge at the time. although...the person she was learning from did use the term "mad scientist"...maybe HE has been isekai'd and been teaching her. not only did he use a term that is very modern..he said it in english. there's gotta be some isekai stuff going on.

[@raec5426]

@tuseroni6085 I don't see how from what's been shown so far. lol As mentioned in the video already much of it based on her own experiences and personal experimentation. A mixture of scientist type vibe with mystery solving mindset.

[@mr.bee5225]

its because her adoptive father is a dr. that know alot about western meds and learn alot about it. thats why she inherit it, also she might inherit her parents IQ