Like in the first season, viewers expectedThe Apothecary DiariesSeason 2to follow up on the slow-burn romance between Maomao and Jinshi while she solved with her intellect some of the Royal Palace intrigues along with some mundane aspects of her daily life with the concubines. However,The Apothecary DiariesSeason 2 and Jinshi’s role in the story have proven to be so much better than viewers ever imagined.
The Apothecary Diaries’popularity has skyrocketed significantly in its second season, taking the world by storm byunveiling some of the darkest palace secrets andraising the stakes in the story by building up to an imminent conflict in the latest episodes. Although the danger to Maomao during her captivity rises to unprecedented heights with the introduction of Shenmei, Loulan’s mother, and Jinshi’s discovery of the rebellion planned by the Shi Clan, episode 20 showcased one of the best scenes in the series,proving whyThe Apothecary DiariesSeason 2 has completely exceeded expectations.
Lakan Confronting Jinshi Is One of the Best Scenes in The Apothecary Diaries
The Anime Has Perfectly Set Up Jinshi’s Big Moment
InThe Apothecary Diaries Season 2, episode 20, the anime makesa perfect buildup to one of the most exciting moments yet in the series:Jinshi finally acknowledging his position as the Moon prince. Lakan knew that Jinshi was the best option for saving Maomao and went questioning his masculinity, faintly showing that he was aware of his real identity. However, he changed his approach after Luomen’s arrival, pleading with Jinshi to mobilize the imperial guard in an honorable way.
While in the manga and light novel only Lakan kneels before Jinshi,in the anime it was a formal request from the entire La Clan, having also Lahan kneel and Loumen bow his head, becoming an impactful and beautifully directed dramatic moment. So far,Jinshi had been afraid of the responsibility that came with being the Moon Prince, and despite having the desire to go help Maomao, he didn’t have the necessary authority to act yet. However, Jinshi can now use his real high rank with the La Clan as an ally, also having an excuse to go save Maomao.
This way, the anime was hinting thatit was time for Jinshi to leave behind his facet as a eunuch and seize his position as a prince, which is why even Gaoshu stopped Basen and didn’t intervene even after Lakan was disrespectful to Jinshi and mentioned his secret when he was shown to be protective of him in the past. Moreover, the fact that Jinshi came to terms with it as a result of Lakan’s intervention is a brilliant way of highlighting the influence of Maomao onJinshi’s life while setting his own character arc.
Jinshi’s Identity as the Moon Prince Drives the Story Forward
The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Has Laid the Foundation for Jinshi’s Development
One of the best parts ofThe Apothecary Diaries Season 2is thatit subtly left viewers to piece together the story behind the figure of Jinshi, unveiling that he was more than just the eunuch in charge of the inner palace. However, the way that it was Lakan who pushed Jinshi to make up his mind about accepting his position for Maomao’s well-being was a powerful reminder of the perfect use of storytelling inThe Apothecary Diaries.
Jinshi’s royal blood made him a more complex character but also had a great impact on the series. Though Maomao forced herself to be blind to Jinshi’s identity, certain groups found out about the secret of his real position, which led to threats to his life with two assassination attempts frustrated by Maomao. But now, it is the same influence, the one that will allow Jinshi to go save Maomao.This shows how not only is Maomao capable of solving problems, but Jinshi can also take charge, and the anime has set up the perfect occasion for him to take the spotlight.
Jinshi and Maomao’s Relationship Keeps Evolving
Jinshi Going From a Eunuch to a Prince Will Change Everything
Even if a romance betweenMaomao and Jinshicould feel forced at the beginning of the series due to their different positions and personalities,thanks to the recent events inThe Apothecary Diaries Season 2,itis clear how they complement each other. Maomao gives Jinshi the courage to face who he really is, and he comes now to reveal himself as Ka Zuigetsu, the Moon Prince. Likewise, Maomao is the daughter of Lakan, which could make possible a relationship between them.
Although it’s still early forMaomao to see Jinshi as a romantic figure, since so far she has only had eyes for poisons and mysteries, there is no doubt that now she will be forced to change her perception of him, laying the ground to change their current dynamic. Nevertheless,The Apothecary Diaries Season 2has become one of the season’s top animefor creating a fascinating universe of intriguing mysteries and political conflict, and how it conveyed Jinshi’s character development with a perfect scene demonstrates that Maomao isn’t the only star of the series.
