In the latest episode of *The Apothecary Diaries*, foreign envoys arrive, equipped with a wealth of precious gifts intended for the Emperor and his consorts. It’s now the Imperial Palace’s turn to reciprocate this generosity. The envoys expressed their desire to witness a legendary dance performance, which they reminisce about from their grandfather’s visit to the palace long ago.
For Jinshi, who oversees the activities within the Imperial Palace, this request for a resurrection of a long-forgotten performance poses a significant challenge. However, with the help of Maomao, he unearths some vital clues that will aid in recreating this historic dance. Episode 5 provides a closer look into the efforts that go into reviving this masterful yet elusive extravaganza.
An Accidental Masterpiece
By conversing with the original dancer of this iconic performance, identified as an elderly woman from the brothel, Maomao begins to unravel how a series of unexpected decisions and accidents ultimately contributed to the creation of this remarkable dance.
Blessings in Disguise
Without revealing too much, this episode showcases a compelling notion: sometimes, remarkable outcomes arise from unplanned mishaps. Several artistic endeavors demonstrate how perceived setbacks can actually illuminate the path to brilliance. The narrative reinforces that what may seem like barriers can, in fact, serve as critical components of our success, transforming struggles into unexpected blessings.
Powering Through Difficulties
This concept resonates beyond fiction; in reality, creative professionals often navigate obstacles that shape their work. For instance, horror icon Junji Ito faced various challenges while crafting his first manga, *Tomie*, which ultimately became a landmark in horror literature.
Similarly, Katsuhiro Otomo encountered difficulties when producing *Akira*, a project that began before he completed the original manga. Hayao Miyazaki faced a parallel challenge with *Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind*, requiring him to adapt the storyline effectively. Both ultimately resulted in masterpieces recognized as significant contributions to the anime industry.
In *The Apothecary Diaries*, the near-flawless execution of the performance is attributed to meticulous planning. However, it’s the story of a dancer who persevered through myriad challenges that adds depth and relatability, transforming it into an extraordinary event that resonates with audiences.
“Even after all that work, there were idiots who tampered with my costume that night. They rubbed insect carcasses on it. But I was too tough for them. I used my outfit skillfully to hide it. The audience ate it up, and the idiots seemed so angry.” —Old Lady, Episode 4
A Realistic Depiction of a Detective
One notable aspect of detective narratives—across anime, manga, and live action—is the portrayal of detectives with seemingly limitless knowledge. From Sherlock Holmes’s extraordinary ability to analyze soil to Detective Conan’s understanding of marine species, these characters often stretch believability regarding their expertise.
It’s Impossible to Know Everything
While I enjoy narratives featuring characters like Sherlock Holmes and Detective Conan for their entertaining deductions, the feasibility of one person retaining such extensive specialized knowledge across diverse fields is questionable.
In reality, individuals typically possess deep knowledge in a limited number of areas and consult relevant experts for additional insights. This mirrors how collaborative efforts lead to comprehensive solutions.
Maomao the Apothecary
This episode highlights Maomao’s unique characterization as a more realistic detective. With specialization in plants and medicine, she earns the title of “Apothecary.” However, as Episode 5 explores a mystery involving animals, particularly insects, Maomao realizes her limitations.
She wisely enlists her friend Shishui, an expert in this field, showcasing Maomao’s strength in recognizing her need for assistance. This trait significantly contributes to her authenticity as a character.
“I have to thank Shisui and Xiaolan for their help.” —Maomao, episode 5
Should’ve Milked the Moment
The Best Moments End Too Soon
Episode 5 serves up a thrilling climax to the storyline surrounding the foreign envoys. The high-energy moment is not only captivating but also infused with humor. However, it would have been preferable for this electrifying segment to extend a bit longer.
Having followed the buildup of this narrative over two episodes, the highly anticipated peak lasts just around a minute, which feels somewhat rushed. Though this doesn’t overshadow the episode’s value, it does merit mention as we look forward to what comes next.
*The Apothecary Diaries* is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
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