The highly anticipated second season of The Apothecary Diaries drew to a close on Friday, July 4, 2025, with its 24th and final episode, “The Beginning”. The season finale brought resolution to several ongoing plotlines, deepened the relationships between key characters, and set the stage for potential future installments of the beloved historical mystery series.
A Season of Intrigue and Growth
Season 2, which premiered on January 10, 2025, comprised a total of 24 episodes, mirroring the length of its predecessor. Throughout its run, the anime, animated by TOHO Animation Studio and OLM, continued to adapt the popular light novel series by Natsu Hyuuga, delving further into palace intrigues, complex medical mysteries, and the ever-evolving dynamic between the astute apothecary Maomao and the enigmatic Jinshi. The season expanded upon the events of the fourth light novel and laid groundwork for adaptations of the fifth and sixth books in a prospective third season.
The Aftermath of Rebellion and Unresolved Mysteries
The finale picked up in the dramatic aftermath of the stronghold siege and the exposure of a thirty-year political conspiracy. Viewers witnessed the consequences of the rebellion, including the tragic deaths of Shishou and Shenmei, and the sacrifice of Loulan. The episode successfully tied up various narrative threads while leaving a satisfying sense of continuity for the overarching story.
Shisui’s Survival and New Identity
One of the most significant revelations in the final episode was the unexpected survival of Shisui, who had been presumed dead. It was revealed that a hairpin given to her by Maomao acted as a shield, stopping a bullet and preventing her demise. Shisui subsequently disappeared and adopted a new identity, Tamamo, symbolizing a rebirth and a quiet departure from her dangerous past at court. This transformation suggests a future full of change for her character, potentially allowing for her return later in the narrative.
The Fate of the Children
The finale also addressed the fate of the children involved in the conspiracy, who were temporarily incapacitated by a “resurrection medicine” disguised as poison. This ingenious solution, previously used by Suirei herself to fake her own death, allowed Maomao to later revive them. The children, whose families were destroyed by the political turmoil, could not return to their old lives. Instead, Lady Ah-Duo stepped in, adopting most of them and providing them with new names and a fresh start, offering protection from the court’s political chaos. One child, Kyou, experienced lasting effects like memory loss, but survived.
Maomao and Jinshi’s Budding Romance
A central emotional component of the finale was the reunion and deepening connection between Maomao and Jinshi. After the trials they endured, their vulnerability and shared moments allowed them to lower their guards, indicating a significant evolution in their relationship. The episode subtly conveyed their growing affection, with conversations that marked a stark contrast to their initial interactions. Jinshi’s official recognition as the Moon Prince and his ability to relinquish the title of Crown Prince, following the birth of Lady Gyokuyou’s healthy son, further impacted their dynamic. The birth of Gyokuyou’s son also secured her position as the Empress, ushering in a new era for the imperial court.
Maomao’s Return to Her Roots
With Lady Gyokuyou’s solidified position and the resolution of the political crisis, Maomao was officially dismissed from her role as a poison taster in the rear palace. Despite her adoptive father, Luomen, remaining at the palace, Maomao’s journey brought her back to the familiar surroundings of the pleasure district, where she returned to her life as an apothecary. This homecoming underscores her inherent identity and comfort amidst the scents of medicine and family, even as she reflects on the friends and experiences from her time in the palace.
Looking Ahead
While the season concluded with a sense of closure for many immediate storylines, it also left viewers eager for more. The extensive source material from the light novel series ensures that there is plenty of content for potential future seasons. Fans can stream The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 on Crunchyroll, with some regions also having access via Netflix. The ending of the second season felt perfectly orchestrated, not only resolving the immediate dangers but also showcasing how lives changed and new beginnings emerged from the aftermath of upheaval.
