The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 21 Review: Maomao Will Be Saved

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 21 Review: The 21st episode of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 or The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 (薬屋のひとりごと 第2期) was one of the best of this season. Let us see how this episode turned out.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 20 Recap

This episode stood out with its intense developments, as Maomao finds herself in serious trouble after being caught by Shenmei. Shenmei treats her with extreme cruelty, even preparing to torture her as punishment. Just in time, Loulan intervenes and rescues Maomao, leading to a major revelation, Loulan is actually Shisui in disguise. To protect Maomao, she pretends to her mother that Maomao is a seasoned apothecary capable of crafting a youth-preserving elixir.

The narrative also shifts to Loulan’s perspective, revealing her inner turmoil. Despite constantly trying to emulate her mother in hopes of earning her approval, Loulan never succeeds. Her mother remains harsh and overbearing, taking out her jealousy of Suirei through constant mistreatment.

Later, Maomao’s conversation with Suirei helps her piece together crucial information about Jinshi. She realizes that bypassing the eunuch exams is nearly impossible unless one is of noble blood, confirming Jinshi’s royal lineage. More alarmingly, she uncovers that the Shi clan may be plotting a rebellion, an act that could endanger many innocent lives.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 21 Review

Today’s episode begins with Maomao deep in thought, trying to figure out a way to craft a miracle drug. It is something that could supposedly make a person appear ten years younger. Despite knowing full well that such a medicine defies the very laws of nature and science, Maomao’s curiosity and pride as an apothecary push her to pursue the idea. After that, we see Kyuo-u getting in trouble when he tries to help Moamao escape. But even though those things do not escalate, Shenmei gets wind of it and tries to threaten everyone present with punishment just for the fun of it.

Maomao, being sick of this and her behaviour, finally snaps. She knows that she should not say anything here, but she just cannot hold herself back anymore and dares to call Shenmei an old hag. Needless to say, Maomao gets beaten and thrown into a cellar full of snakes. However, what Shenmei did not know was that this was nothing short of a treat box for Maomao. All the snakes and poisonous insects not only intrigue but also excite her. So, this was not even a punishment for her.

Without wasting any time, she puts her impressive culinary skills to use and prepares a grand feast by roasting all the animals available. However, things are moving towards a completely different direction as forces from the capital are finally here, and the fortress is in absolute chaos. This is when Loulan executes an absolutely crazy move and actually burns all the gunpowder that her workers are making in the basement. She effectively takes down her own mother’s forces.

Verdict

This episode was absolutely brilliant episode as we also got to know the secret behind Suirei’s birth. The mystery shocks Maomao and us alike. Loulan also planned something for the kids of the Shi clan. However, Maomao is confused as to what she wants by going against her mother. However, one thing is certain, Loulan hates Shenmei as well.

Must Read: Read all our The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 reviews here.