“The Apothecary Diaries” continues to captivate audiences with its blend of mystery, historical setting, and engaging characters. Season 2 has been highly anticipated, and episode 36, titled “Ka Zuigetsu”, delivers a significant revelation and some tense moments. This article dives deep into the episode, exploring its plot, key events, and overall impact on the series.
Episode 36 Synopsis: “Ka Zuigetsu” Unveiled
Episode 36 of “The Apothecary Diaries” Season 2 picks up with Maomao and Jinshi in a precarious situation. They’re ambushed by assassins wielding flying needles and forced to escape into a hidden cave behind a waterfall. As they search for a way out, Maomao stumbles upon a long-hidden secret about Jinshi. Simultaneously, Jinshi resolves to finally confess the truth to her, but the circumstances are far from ideal.
Back at the banquet hall, where Jinshi and Maomao mysteriously vanished, a messenger informs Mashin that Jinshi’s clothing was found near a rocky area, suggesting he may have been swept away. This news throws the gathering into chaos, adding another layer of intrigue to the situation.
However, in a clever twist, it’s revealed that Maomao and Jinshi orchestrated their disappearance to lure out the true culprit behind the assassination attempt. This sets the stage for a complex interplay of revelations and strategic maneuvering.
Key Events and Analysis
Maomao Discovers Jinshi’s Secret
The core of the episode revolves around Maomao’s discovery of Jinshi’s true identity. For a while, it’s been heavily implied that Jinshi isn’t actually a eunuch, and this episode confirms it. The exact nature of his secret is open to interpretation and speculation. Some reviews suggest that Jinshi’s identity involves him being related to the Emperor, either as his brother or son, potentially making him the Crown Prince.
Maomao’s reaction to this revelation is complex. She is less concerned with the romantic implications and more focused on the potential political ramifications. Knowing Jinshi’s true status could drag her into dangerous palace intrigues, something she actively tries to avoid.
The “Frog Scene”
One of the most talked-about moments in the episode is the “frog scene”. After accidentally touching Jinshi’s private parts, Maomao hilariously tries to deny her realization by claiming she must have touched a frog. This scene is played for comedic effect but also highlights Maomao’s discomfort with the romantic tension between her and Jinshi.
Jinshi, frustrated by Maomao’s denial, attempts to get closer to her. This leads to a moment where he tries to force a kiss, which some viewers have interpreted as attempted sexual assault. Maomao is saved by the timely arrival of a dog, who jumps on Jinshi, interrupting the situation.
Jinshi’s Confession and Maomao’s Reluctance
Jinshi’s desire to reveal his true self to Maomao underscores the growing bond between them. He trusts her and wants to share his burdens with her. However, Maomao’s reluctance to listen highlights her self-preservation instincts and her desire to remain uninvolved in palace politics.
Despite her initial resistance, Maomao acknowledges that Jinshi will always be Jinshi to her, regardless of his true identity. This suggests a deeper acceptance and understanding, even if she doesn’t fully grasp the implications of his position.
The Western Gun and Envoys
Episode 36 introduces the element of Western guns (“feifa”) being used in the assassination attempt on Jinshi. This introduces a new layer of complexity, hinting at foreign powers and potential international conflicts.
The presence of foreign delegations with unreasonable demands further complicates the situation, leading to a crisis that threatens the entire nation. These developments suggest that Season 2 will explore themes of political intrigue, national security, and the clash between tradition and innovation.
Themes and Character Development
Self-Preservation vs. Involvement
Maomao’s character is defined by her pragmatism and desire to remain uninvolved in the dangerous power plays of the Imperial Palace. She values her independence and fears the consequences of knowing too much. However, her growing connection with Jinshi forces her to confront the possibility of becoming entangled in the very intrigues she seeks to avoid.
The Burden of Secrets
Jinshi carries the weight of his true identity, which he must conceal to protect himself and those around him. His desire to share this burden with Maomao speaks to his trust in her and his longing for a genuine connection. However, revealing his secret puts Maomao in danger, creating a conflict between his personal desires and his responsibility to protect her.
Understanding Maomao
Several reviews highlight Maomao’s difficulty in understanding and interpreting emotions. She attributes this to her upbringing among the courtesans, who were often too busy to attend to her emotional needs. This has led her to suppress her own emotions and struggle to recognize them in others.
Production and Reception
“The Apothecary Diaries” is produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM. The second season is directed by Akinori Fudesaka, who served as assistant director in the first season. The series is based on the light novel series by Natsu Hyūga, with character designs by Touko Shino.
The anime has garnered a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and historical setting. The animation quality, particularly in the potion-crafting sequences, has been praised for its attention to detail and visual appeal.
Season 2 has been eagerly anticipated, and early reviews suggest that it lives up to the hype. The series is praised for its ability to balance intimate character moments with grand, mystical themes. The relationship between Maomao and Jinshi continues to be a central draw, with their dynamic evolving in complex and compelling ways.
Where to Watch
“The Apothecary Diaries” Season 2 is currently streaming on Crunchyroll. New episodes are released weekly, with both subbed and dubbed versions available.
Final Thoughts
Episode 36 of “The Apothecary Diaries” Season 2 is a pivotal episode that reveals long-awaited secrets and sets the stage for future conflicts. Maomao’s discovery of Jinshi’s true identity and the introduction of Western guns add new layers of complexity to the story. As the series progresses, it will be fascinating to see how Maomao navigates the dangerous world of palace politics and whether she can overcome her reluctance to embrace a deeper connection with Jinshi.
