Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Finale – Reflections and What Comes Next
The Apothecary Diaries wrapped up its second season on July 4th, 2025. And let’s just say I have thoughts — good ones, slightly concerning ones, and a few hopeful ones. So, let’s talk about it.
A Satisfying Close to the Shi Clan Arc
Season 2 concludes the events of Volume 4 of the light novel (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto by Natsu Hyuuga), ending with the rebellion of the Shi Clan and the betrayal of Shenmei. This finale ties up long-standing mysteries from Season 1 — Jinshi’s identity, Suiren’s role, Shisui’s fate, Shishou’s origin, and Loulan’s secrets. It also puts into perspective just how much the late emperor’s actions and deeply problematic behavior shaped the empire’s present state.
For readers of the light novel, the narrative delivered a satisfying end to an overarching arc (though I’m not entirely sure that’s the correct term, fellow readers, feel free to clarify in the comments). It’s not the end, but the conclusion of everything the anime has been building since Episode 1. And with the Shi Clan now gone… what happens next?
What’s Next After Season 2?
Right after the Season 2 finale aired, we got a sequel announcement. What’s unclear is whether it’s a movie or a proper Season 3.
If it’s a movie, I’m a bit concerned. The upcoming arcs, involving The White Lady, the first trip to the Western Capital, Consort Lishu, and more are packed with details and character development. A film might not do them justice. A full-length third season would be a better fit if the creators want to preserve the pacing and depth the anime has handled so well.
Still, things look promising. Reports indicate that The Apothecary Diaries was the most-streamed anime on paid platforms in Japan at one point, even surpassing global hits like Squid Game, a significant achievement in terms of local viewership. And in anime, Japanese reception matters most when it comes to renewals.
If you’re hoping to see more of Maomao and Jinshi on screen, supporting the source material is the way to go.
- Physical English copies: Square Enix
- Digital volumes: J-Novel Club
Each purchase helps convince studios to greenlight more seasons. Your wallet can literally help fund future seasons.
Season 2 Finale – What Worked and What Felt Off
Let’s talk about the final episode.
From Maomao and Jinshi’s reunion to the awkward, meaningful affection in their interaction, the emotions landed well. Maomao now knows that Jinshi is actually Ka Zuigetsu, the Emperor’s younger brother. And while she tries to act like her usual self, for once, she doesn’t completely hide how relieved and happy she is to see him alive and well. That brief, subtle change speaks volumes, especially in a show where everything moves at a slow-burning pace.
For viewers familiar with romance anime, this is a huge moment. The Apothecary Diaries may not market itself as a romance, but the character development makes you feel that you’re watching something deeper grow. This is a story about a girl who grew up suppressing her emotions and a guy raised in privilege yet full of self-doubt. The fact that they’re both treated like actual young adults with responsibilities, trauma, and flawed communication, despite holding significant governmental roles in a medieval setting, and still navigate genuine emotional growth, is refreshing to see.
The Pinky Scene – A Shift in Meaning
Now for the part that felt off.
In the light novels, after the events with the Shi Clan, Maomao returns to Verdigris House in the pleasure district. Six months have passed. Consort Gyokuyou has given birth to a royal heir and become the Empress, which means Maomao no longer works at the Jade Palace. Her life resets, and for the first time, she finds herself emotionally lost.
She never had many friends her age. She always insisted that she hung around Xiaolan only to gather gossip and information, and questioned whether Shisui was even truly her friend. But the loss hits her hard. In the novels, Maomao sheds tears when she reads a letter from Xiaolan to her and Shisui. It’s the first time she allows herself to grieve, to admit she misses them. And yes, she even attempts to cut off her pinky, possibly as a way to feel something, or as a misplaced act of self-discipline.
That moment matters. It shows that behind all the walls, Maomao does care deeply about the people around her, even if she doesn’t want to.
The anime handled this moment differently. They leaned into comedy, a more slapstick version of the scene, which admittedly aligns with Maomao’s eccentric side, but undercuts the emotional weight. If Natsu-sensei approves, I’m not complaining, it’s her work, after all.. But I did feel that the books dug deeper into Maomao’s internal struggles.
Other Moments I Loved
Shisui, or rather Tamamo, finally stepping into her own. Animated beautifully, no longer her mother’s doll.
The handling of the hairpin from Season 1? A genuinely poetic full-circle moment.. Maybe one day, Maomao sees that hairpin in a shop in the capital and knows that her friend is still out there, thriving, still collecting bugs. These are the kinds of touches that make this series special.
There’s something undeniably satisfying about watching long-planted narrative seeds finally sprout. That “Aha!” moment (cue Leonardo DiCaprio’s pointing meme).
While We Wait for The Apothecary Diaries Season 3
The next anime installment might not arrive until late 2026 or even 2027. Until then, your best option is to read the Light Novels. J-Novel Club is currently translating Volume 15, and the story only gets better from here.
Rewatching the show also isn’t a bad idea. With the context of Season 2’s finale, a lot of subtle moments from Season 1 will hit harder. It is streaming on Crunchyroll.
Final Thoughts
I know I’ve been slacking on anime reviews lately. But anime, especially ones like this, can’t be reviewed like Hollywood films. There’s too much subtext, too much slow-burn payoff.
Imagine writing off Steins;Gate after just a few episodes, you’d completely miss the epic payoff.
For more anime insights, click here. And don’t forget to comment below: Have you watched The Apothecary Diaries? Are you excited for Season 3, or is this just me succumbing to recency bias? Let me know your thoughts! Until next time, I’ll leave you with Shisui’s memorable farewell: “Arigato…Bye Bye.”
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