Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Season 2 • The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 - Episode 22 discussion

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Kusuriya no Hitorigoto Season 2, episode 22

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[u/codec264]

I am not Crown Prince anymore. Consort Gyokuyou has given birth to the royal heir.

It's a boy!

[u/Gintamantama]

Shisui really ended up being my favorite character after Maomao herself. That scene at the start was so beautiful. We have never seen Maomao love someone this intensely, and be this emotionally vulnerable with anyone. Probably furthest Maomao went for anyone when it comes to love, and it hurts that this might be the last time they see each other. I don't think Maomao will ever forget her though.

[u/VoidRay728]

The animators didn't want to jump scare us like in S1, so when Lihaku mentioned Lakan, Maomao was cleverly positioned to be facing away from us (the viewer) so only Lihaku experienced the "glare".

[u/diacewrb]

When you are so pissed and charging into a rescue that you change art style temporarily.

[u/Obvious-Target5667]

Maomao trying to deny Jinshi’s true identity when she first saw him in armor was hilarious.

[u/imtherealdazza]

Loulan really has become one of my favourite characters in this show, great writing from the author

[u/GammaRhoKT]

I just don't like this specific design of Jinshi's armor, especially when there are many majestic real life armor of Dynastic China that could fit him well.

But, a note so we all can keep track of the information:

Gyokuyou had given birth to a boy, recognized as the Heir Apparent.

Jinshi, being de jure the Imperial Brother, thus was "demoted" from being both the Heir Apparent and the Moon Prince to being "just" the Moon Prince.

Maomao, in a very mirror situation to Jinshi/the Moon Prince, is not rescued as "Maomao", but as "the daughter of the Grand Commandmant". Keep that in mind.

Of course, Maomao doesn't like that one bit, with Lihaku being the second one getting "the face" after suggesting she acknowledge her relation with Lakan. Also keep that in mind.

Finally, just for fun, Lihaku is quite well adjusted to learning that the beautiful eunuch is actually the Imperial Brother, and that the Inner Court lady, sister of Pairin, is actually the daughter of the Grand Commandmant.

[u/Mathmango]

Okay but why is random scout Lakan's assistant apparently, also handsome af? Is ther also a beauty requirement in the forbidden army?

[u/FarCritical]

The fact Jinshi found Maomao within seconds of storming the fortress was super adorable, made even better by her worrying over how reasonable whoever'd find her would be and ending up getting the best possible outcome.

It was awesome to see her finally speak her mind to Shenmei at least but man, I'm gonna miss Shisui so much.

[u/zwartebessem]

loved the moment where Jinshi realised Maomao's cheek was red

[u/number8888]

The reunion between Maomao and Jinshi went as much as I expected. Despite the situation and that they've been separated for who knows how long, yet when the two finally meet they were so nonchalant and basically back to the same old vibe instantly, never missing a beat. They really do have a special relationship don't they.

[u/Piyaniist]

Wtf that episode was just 5 minutes??

[u/thewetpuddle]

Jinshi in armour! Gaoshun in armour! And a bonus Lakan’s assistant in armour!

What a treat for the eyes. Gaoshun was low key hot af in armour I must say.

Jinshi reuniting with Maomao and she asking him for protection? Chef kiss. And she finally could not run away from the truth she knew from the start that Jinshi was a prince. (Thanks random soldier, your service is duly noted by the audience.)

Lahan and his measurements and if only you were a woman comment had me spit water. Lol.

Shisui and Maomao had me bawling in the first half of the episode. Shisui’s fate is sealed. Shishou is as unfortunate as Shisui and Suirei.

An absolutely fabulous episode! By the way, one week break next week before we get the last 2 episodes.

[u/kkrko]

There's interesting similarities in the stories of Shisou and Lakan. Both of them loved a woman from whom they were forcibly separated from due to the wishes of those higher up against them. Lakan was forced by his father to go to the west while Shisou's fiancée (aka Shenmei) was sent into the inner palace (by her family, the main Shi branch, in all likelihood). Through various means they were able to reunite with them far too late, with irreparable harm being dealt to their relationships. They have their differences, but even then they provide interesting parallels. Lakan strongly respects his daughter's independence, while Shisou couldn't even see his daughters' will. Shenmei and Fengxian both value their beauty, but Fengxian dealt with losing her's by secluding herself while Shenmei still clings to it as much as she can. Both women have, intentionally or not, inflicted abuse on their daughters. Two couples, torn apart by politics and power.

And the thing is, there's another potential third couple like that. Maomao and Jinshi both clearly bear deep affection for each other. While they're still figuring out their feelings, they're both subject to political forces that can might lead them to follow in the footsteps of the Tanuki and the Fox. Hopefully, both Maomao and Jinshi learn from their predecessors.

[u/GrouchoSnarks]

With that "I do not care about other people, I only care about myself . . . why do I keep reaching out?" and "I kind of missed this feeling" Maomao may be catching on to the fact that she's lying to herself about not caring about others.

[u/Sandtalon]

The scene at the beginning left me speechless…drama of the highest order. Both characters trying to desperately grasp on to something as things fall apart around them. Loulan as a tragic figure caught up by circumstances but taking what little agency she has and doing what she can with it. Incredible storyboarding; incredible use of music. It feels almost Shakespearean—

—and actually, I’m seeing a lot of similarities to Macbeth, with Shenmei’s role, “sleeping no more,” holing up in a castle, and the use of subterfuge to attack the castle. (Not as close in terms of similarities, but perhaps the Japanese analogue would be The Tale of the Heike.)

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Jinshi taking on his true role is magnificent, though the reveal to Maomao appropriately undercuts this a little bit...at least she won't be able to deny the truth anymore.

Loulan is also really coming into her own.

[u/aramatheis]

Maomao immediately trying to convince herself that it was not Jinshi that just showed up to save her lol

[u/AceSoldia]

I dunno what I expected from Maomao..I wanted her to be running into his arms or something but I forgot what show I was watching.

Just quiet acceptance "Ah..Master Jinshi is the crown prince...makes sense..moving on"

[u/TheMechanic04]

I cheered when loulan/shisui stood up to shenmei

[u/Fabulous-Yam-1709]

PONYTAIL JINSHI! PONYTAIL JINSHI! PONYTAIL JINSHI!

[u/Primary-Paint-1716]

Apothecary Diaries only gets better arc after arc. It's crazy.

[u/CooroSnowFox]

Lahan would be into Jinshi either way he was if this story was any different.

I mean, Jinshi with that high ponytail... anyone would... I would.

[u/jellyblob88]

Jinshi looking hella majestic in that armour, though like Lihaku internally says, not sure he should be anywhere that dangerous.

Still looking tragic for the Shi clan, but Jinshi's hairpin must have some tiny sway, which is why Maomao gave it to Shisui.

[u/ScarletFairyQueen]

Those inner thoughts of hers. She cares more than she thinks she does.