The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 5 Review: The 5th 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 a feast for the eyes. Let us see how this episode turned out.
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 4 Recap
It begins with Lady Gyokuyou receiving a gift from foreign envoys, a mirror, an item considered rare and luxurious in this era. Not only she but also three other high-ranking concubines are presented with this exquisite object, which is revealed to be unavailable in Maomao’s homeland. Such an item is so rare that only royalty can afford it, as it originates from the West.
Meanwhile, Gaoshun approaches Maomao with a curious riddle, claiming it concerns a friend of his. However, both Maomao and the audience can sense there is more to the story. His question revolves around a friend whose two highly sheltered daughters become entangled in an unexpected predicament. The mystery lies in how one of them managed to escape their strictly controlled environment. Although Maomao suspects something unusual about the situation, she chooses to remain silent for now.
Elsewhere, Jinshi seeks Maomao’s assistance with another matter. The foreign envoys have made an unusual request, as they wish to witness a reenactment of a legendary moment from fifty years ago. During that time, a woman of exceptional beauty captivated a visiting envoy with her mesmerizing dance, earning the title “Moon Spirit.”
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 5 Review
The day of the banquet is arriving soon, and Maomao still has no idea how she will manage to showcase someone so beautiful that the foreign envoys will see her as a Moon Spirit. In search of ideas, Maomao goes towards the north of the rear palace, where there is also a pond. It was beside this pond that performances would take place later. Thankfully, Maomao meets Shisui here and gets her first breakthrough idea with the help of her extensive knowledge of insects and bugs.
On the day of the festival, we meet the two beautiful foreign envoys, and it is difficult to tell what is in their minds as it seems like their intentions are not just to witness the Moon Spirit. One of them even boldly approaches the emperor and gives away her and her sister’s scheme to be close to the emperor and his brother, respectively. However, this kind of approach does not fly, and while they are returning, they get to experience a divine beauty for the very first time.
The way Maomao comes up with the plan and executes it flawlessly proves how brilliant she is. She even made sure to learn the foreign envoy’s language to make her message clearer. Thus, her plan becomes a huge success, and at least for now, we can keep this issue at bay. The second half of this episode alludes back to the perfume conspiracy that we saw previously. Maomao tries to understand who would risk sneaking poison into the inner palace and for what reason. But even Maomao is not sure.
Today’s episode had some interesting information about some of the customs of the royal palace and how they are slowly changing for the better. Jinshi has been a big help here, and one thing is certain, his face card is immaculate. He can really make nations fight over him if he wants to, but, he is interested in no such thing.
Verdict
I like today’s episode and also appreciate that the mystery is thickening. Towards the end of this episode, it feels like Maomao might be getting herself in more trouble. But let us see what happens next.
Must Read: The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 4 Review: Find The Moon Spirit