As a writer I’m so happy to be alive during this resurgence of fully realized women characters in anime and manga. I think the earlier missteps in portraying them came from a lack of women writers and a lack of understanding that women are human beings too, with their own motivations and flaws.

Another thing about the romance that I really like (which adds to Maomao’s character) is that the massive power imbalance between the two is directly addressed time and time again. Though Maomao doesn’t know if Jinshi’s affections are genuine, she’s not blind to the fact that his slightest whim can put her in incredible danger, so she avoids him when he flirts with her.

Maomao is an example of a quiet heroine for all quiet people. Where knowledge is a weapon. Her quiet beauty and her obssesion with poison makes her lovable

Honestly, with Maomao and Frieren it looks like we entered a new era of goated female mcs

Maomao really is a great main character. Her intellect is believable and quite satisfying. She's sharp but ultimately inexperienced when it comes to political intrigue. Also, her perplexing addiction to (consuming) poisons and general love for all things medical make for a fun quirk, and the grounded nature of her upbringing leads to fun moments with Jinshi as she understandably tries to avoid getting trampled on by those with power. Basically, she's competent, a realist, and (when drugs are involved) goblin.

Now that you have started this series, please be aware that like a good Agatha Christie English murder mystery, EVERY little detail, even those in the early episodes that are resolved, may in some fashion come back to be an important clue in the grand plot. Some will be needed by the end of Season One, and a few may not be important until sometime in Season Two. ALSO not everything presented are what they are actual seem to be. There are MANY secrets in this series that become revealed during two Seasons.

10:50 Jinshi thinks he's in a standard anime but he's really in MaoMao's story

As a fellow ignorant anime lover, I wanna say that (as a personal opinion) I’m glad there are more animes having a setting that’s not JUST Japan. Apothecary Diaries taking place in China is such a unique and otherworldly experience.

I love that Jinshi's love for maomao ends up pushing him to assume his rightful duty, he realizes while hes playing eunich the world still continues and problems he can directly resolve, or at least try to, are all around him

Frieren and Marcille mentioned. Good

Maomao is the best written female main character I’ve ever seen. Being a low position female plays a part in every scene where she understands she doesn’t have power and has empathy to others not in power but is favored by a lot of powerful people who see her as an equal even tho she knows that’s not true

Apothecary diaries was such a surprising show for me. I didn’t know what to expect going in, and was expecting the standard tropes too, but at every turn it had managed to surprise and delight me in how it handles things.

I love that the positions of the various women we meet show how power changes their circumstances, but also the ways that it doesn’t. How in some ways the concubines are less free than Maomao is, while still having more technical power.  
The variety in the women is really cool to see too. We get to see so many different types of women, in so many different positions and situations. They take the time to give each of them their own depth of character, and it adds so much to the show.

I can’t wait for you to watch season 2!!!
Thanks for another fantastic video

Maomao is a smart and resourceful character. She's a talented apothecary with a kind heart, often helping others in need. Despite her tough exterior, she's vulnerable and struggles with emotions. Maomao is a unique and relatable protagonist with a blend of wit, sarcasm, and kindness.One of my favourite scene of the series is the assassination scene where Maomao saves Jinshi without knowing his identity highlights her bravery and sense of responsibility. She puts herself in harm's way to protect someone in need, demonstrating her compassionate nature.

I also love the dynamic of relationship between Jinshi and Maomao..Their relationship is refreshingly realistic and subtle. Unlike typical anime romances, Jinshi and Maomao's bond develops gradually, focusing on mutual understanding and trust. Their interactions are nuanced, often marked by Maomao's obliviousness and Jinshi's quiet devotion.In many ways, their relationship mirrors real-life connections, where people grow together through shared experiences, trust, and affection. It's a beautiful portrayal of slow-burning love and deep emotional connection.

14:28 already on it 🫡

MaoMao’s an incredible character, one of my top 10 protagonists of all time. She feels so grounded and realistic, while still being really entertaining and loveable. I love how she shows a much subtler kind of selflessness than most anime do. She’s like a perfect demonstration of the world she lives in.

But she’s actually not my favorite Apothecary Diaries character, so… suffice it so say, I’m excited for you to get to s2!

Maomao is one of the best female characters written ever

I'm all caught up with this series, not just anime but with light novels too and istg maomao and jinshi are my all time favorite characters. They aren't just realistic but also their development as partners and now couples was and still is beautiful. They made mistakes as any human would and they learned from it, specially jinshi. They understand the world around them and their situation and aren't ignorant to those.

I had looked away at 2:42 and went "I wonder if the House meme got included..." I wasn't disappointed

(It's definitely not lupus tho guys)

Maomao and House would be CLOSE friends

Congrats on getting a sponsor.

Maomao isnt the type to be the blunt hero who'll change the world single handedly, but is the type of person who helps others and influences those around her who have the power to make the world somewhat better.