The Apothecary Diaries: Episode 5 Full Length Reaction!
Added 2024-08-14 13:00:01 +0000 UTC*PROTECTIVE HEADPHONE WARNINGS*
This was definitely an episode for Jinshi and MaoMao -- my shipper heart is a FLUTTER -- even if these two are the MOST oblivious about it! I was left (mostly) SPEECHLESS!
Definitely a set up episode for the famed "Garden Party" about to occur in the palace, and something seems to be lurking in the background -- and it looks like it may be up to MaoMao and Jinshi to figure out what it is before chaos erupts!
LINK TO REACTION: https://share.vidyard.com/watch/D2NRXfs1texuyzU7VskQZt?
Thank you for watching with me and for all the support!
Comments
I was a massive fan of Memoirs of a Geisha after it came out, so I know a lot from that book, but I’ve heard it takes…liberties…in its writing, so I haven’t felt comfortable enough to mention it too much in the discussions so far. I’m really excited to get more into Sun Yaoting’s story as he gets older (i.e. more close to Jinshi/Gaoshun’s ages). BASEN! I need to remember that name! I usually forget the side characters, but yes, Jinshi looks really good sparring with him! Oohhh, interesting about that and the mushrooms! Especially that she could have gotten in trouble for her “crime” of taking them! But yes, I also love that she continues to visit Xiaolan! That’s so sweet and nice of her to keep in contact and maintain their friendship! I definitely agree that MaoMao is more “pragmatic” and a realist, and not someone that would be in belief of superstitions; she’s a woman that wants to accept and understand the reality in front of her and with her father’s teachings that she should only accept if there’s “evidence” around her, it makes sense. Her and L from Death Note would be such good friends in that respect! I love that she doesn’t “judge” others, from what she’s experienced and she’s not afraid to admit if she doesn’t know something! It makes sense why she doesn’t speculate with Jinshi, because she knows her “place” and doesn’t want to get in trouble! I also like that the “firework” wooden tablet subplot is happening around this time so it feels more “real world” that things are happening all at once. I instantly noticed Jinshi’s change from viewing MaoMao as his “favorite toy” to an actual person with a very harsh upbringing in terms of what she’s grown up around. And yesss, their dynamic always leaves me wanting more! I do love that the doc is all aboard helping MaoMao and on her “team!” That is great to know about the Garden Party! I agree about the show’s handling of SA being so important and valuable! And the imagery they chose? You described it perfectly!! Thank you for the comment and kind words!
Romaniablack
2024-08-18 20:54:25 +0000 UTCOh, thank you for the comment and kind words! This series has been so fun and I’m really excited about what’s to come between Jinshi and MaoMao! I have a feeling Wednesdays are going to be a fun time for the future! I love MaoMao getting this attention around her but she doesn’t let it affect her! I was so surprised from the makeup reveal as well but yesssss, Jinshi’s reaction to MaoMao was sooo perfect! I look forward to each week to see how their dynamic will develop!
Romaniablack
2024-08-18 20:27:37 +0000 UTCI was livvvving for the moments with MaoMao and Jinshi! <3 Thank you so much for the kind words and comment! And ooohhhh, that comparison to Roy Mustang is really nice and on point! I like it…let’s just hope that Jinshi doesn’t try to get a “mini skirt” mandate passed…not sure MaoMao’s gonna be on that one. ;)
Romaniablack
2024-08-18 20:23:04 +0000 UTCLoved the educational story time with Romania opening, I'm so happy to be here for your discussions. Who else is bringing it like that, thanks! Quite a fun episode this week, so much going on and so much for discussion! I think this is my favorite episode so far, for all the interactions between Jinshi and Maomao, and for all the intrigue with everyone moving together for the garden party, I can't wait for more! Can it just be next Wednesday right now? The whole scene leading up to the hairpin giving and immediate jealousy from others over Jinshi's attention, perfection! There's something about characters who don't want attention or to be awarded - and then they end up getting them anyway or in lieu of, it just feels so good to watch. Not every day we see Maomao need something explained to her either! And the makeup reveal - totally didn't see that one coming, the freckles looked great on her, though it is sad to hear the reasoning for them. But seeing Jinshi's reaction to Maomao in the dress attire for the party was also great! They have such a fun dynamic to play off each other with.
L Freya
2024-08-15 14:16:42 +0000 UTCI love this episode for the MaoMao and Jinshi content! Such a great milestone in their budding relationship, I feel. Glad to see you enjoying it so much too! I appreciate the history facts you’ve been giving us too. While watching your reaction and discussion, it hit me that Jinshi shares some similarities with Roy Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist. They both use their looks and a flirty/goofy facade to hide how serious they can be and how competent they are at their jobs. Thanks for the video!
Amalia Jungclaus
2024-08-14 20:10:09 +0000 UTCYou're right in your comparison with courtesans and geisha. Both typically remain with the one lodging house who pay for their training as young girls. They can learn a variety of subjects including poetry, calligraphy, tea ceremony, music, dance, drama, and games like go and shogi. Both are entertainers/cultural performers first and foremost, though both may also include providing sexual activities depending on both the lodging house and the courtesan/geisha. The castration process definitely makes you feel a lot of sympathy for the imperial eunuchs, but especially those from poorer backgrounds like Sun Yaoting. I do feel like that book is definitely a great source to help give some context of Chinese society and the imperial palace, especially for Western audiences. Jinshi looks so good sparring with Basen, but I have to admit that every time I watch that scene I feel cold 🤣 I know with the workout they're doing they are both likely to be pretty warm, but judging by the sky it's only just sunrise. Judging by the foliage in this episode (and Maomao realising they're going to need warm things like the sweets and heated stone pockets) it is also into the colder months. Because of that just seeing Jinshi and Basen shirtless like that honestly makes me shiver 😂 I mentioned it in the Discord behind spoiler tags for Episode 5 when talking with Nicolas but wasn't sure if you looked at it. Matsutake mushrooms did previously have laws around them that forbade commoners from eating them. Another name for these mushrooms is the "Emperor/King of Mushrooms". Even today they are extremely expensive (typically even more expensive than truffle mushrooms). But this is likely the reason for Maomao considering the quack doctor to be her "accomplice", and for the reaction she had when Jinshi let her know he knew about the mushrooms. If it had been anyone else they very easily could have reported her for her 'crime'. I absolutely adore that even though Maomao is no longer a servant girl working in the laundry she still goes back to visit Xiaolan 🥺 I really do like their friendship, and Maomao sharing the tasty food she gets given with her. Maomao is a fun voice of reason in a time where there was a widespread belief of curses and the supernatural thanks to a lack of knowledge in most cases. Even the quack doctor, who should be a learned man just like Maomao, believed the eunuch that he had been cursed. I love though that she isn't dismissive of the man's fears, nor does she laugh at him for his belief it is a curse. Instead she uses calm reasoning to prove to him it may not be a curse, and tries to help him whilst gently educating him. And then with Jinshi I like how she admits that the knowledge he's seeking is outside of the realm of what she knows. Maomao is neither afraid nor too proud to admit when she doesn't know something. And she also doesn't speculate on the information Jinshi is looking for (just like when she had her theory about Concubine Fuyou in Episode 3) to Jinshi. Though, like with Concubine Fuyou, she does have some thoughts on the matter but no evidence or knowledge to back up her speculations. I do love anime that have babies/toddlers in them that you see the progression of their development as time passes. There's no mention of Princess Lingli's age, but just her size is enough to further show how much time has passed since Maomao saved her from the white face powder poisoning 🥰 I think it's cool having this underlying plot with the wooden tablets that Jinshi and Gaoshun are investigating all the while the rest of the imperial palace are focused on the upcoming party. To me it feels more natural that multiple things are happening at the same time. The moment between Jinshi and Maomao is so poignant 🥺 But this show is fantastic at taking you from feeling giddy over Jinshi's reaction to Maomao, to that feeling of dread and pained understanding at what Maomao experienced back home. I also feel Jinshi gaining this understanding of Maomao and her past changed the way he sees her. Especially considering his change in demeanour with Maomao in comparison to the way he was giddy about seeing her, and Gaoshun internally referred to Maomao as Jinshi's "favourite toy" at that point. They gotta leave you with a scene that makes you want more 😆 Yes, last week's episode I was laughing at your distrust of our quack doctor 🤣 Now think I can say the thing with the tea in Episode 4 was that he wanted to have tea with Maomao, and then when Jinshi joined he thought the three of them could have tea and snacks together (hence the three cups), but Jinshi dashed his hopes by making him go do some work instead 🥺 Maomao really does have him wrapped round her little finger though, and I love it for her! A little clarification: the garden parties twice a year are just that, parties the imperial palace put on for the higher ranked officials. The bit in regards to the contender for position of Empress is that the Emperor has yet to choose an Empress. If he did she would be the one to attend the party with the Emperor to entertain his guests. As he hasn't, then it falls to the upper-ranked concubines to attend instead. How they each perform at said party, and before the high-ranked officials, could have influence on the Emperor's decision for who he'll choose as his Empress. But his choice of Empress is also not limited to these four higher-ranked concubines. I agree with you that there is a way to approach SA, and this anime does it brilliantly. There are no graphic scenes, nor do they try to make the subject matter titillating in any fashion. It's just very straightforward and matter-of-fact, alongside Jinshi's apologies/regret for Maomao having lived in such a manner. I definitely feel that the imagery of a man stomping on some flowers he doesn't even seem to notice is a perfect metaphor to depict such subject matter.
Anime Annie
2024-08-14 18:08:43 +0000 UTC
