Close Menu
  • Login
  • Support Us
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Video Games
      • Previews
      • PC
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X/S
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Xbox One
      • PS4
      • Tabletop
    • Film
    • TV
    • Anime
    • Comics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse Comics
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Indie Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • Oni-Lion Forge
      • Valiant Comics
      • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Event Coverage
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Trending:
  • Features
    Marvel's Spider-Man Secret Lair promotional image

    Get a Look At the Secret Lair x Marvel’s Spider-Man Superdrop

    09/08/2025
    Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions gameplay still

    Starseeker: Astroneer Expeditions Is All About Adventure (with Friends)

    09/08/2025
    Chord in Persona 5 The Phantom X

    Now Is The Perfect Time To Jump Back In ‘Persona 5: The Phantom X’

    09/05/2025
    Cosmic Spider-Man card details

    [EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW] The Spider-Man Set Gets A 5-Color Legendary Spider

    09/02/2025
    Lee Corso from College Football GameDay in EA Sports games

    EA Sports Always Understood Lee Corso’s Legacy

    09/01/2025
  • Indie Games
  • K-Dramas
  • Netflix
  • Apple TV+
But Why Tho?
Home » Anime » REVIEW: ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ Episode 18 — “Lakan”

REVIEW: ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ Episode 18 — “Lakan”

Allyson JohnsonBy Allyson Johnson02/11/20244 Mins ReadUpdated:03/24/2024
The Apothecary Diaries Episode 18
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

The Apothecary Diaries Episode 18 is yet another standout in the series. With startling revelations and intricate, spellbinding artistry, “Lakan” is seeped in poorly hidden sorrow as Maomao (Aoi Yûki) tries and fails to bury her past. Throughout its first season, The Apothecary Diaries (Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) continues to prove a formidable adaptation. With a clear sense of direction, stunning visuals, and layered character drama that slowly builds in tension throughout the series, it’s one of the very best released in the past year. Episode 18 continues to build on this patient momentum.

Directed by Mayu Tanimoto and Jun Ōwada, “Lakan” quickly establishes its tone. The color stories of the series remain gorgeous, utilizing strong, contrasting shades in the opening moments. The colors of the vibrant orange lanterns settle warmly against the violet glow cast against the architecture as Maomao and Jinshi (Takeo Otsuka) part ways. Despite the warmth the colors create, it also hints at a sense of foreboding as the lights dim and Maomao enters the next scene, becoming a nightmare.

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Lighting is integral to the series, demonstrated immaculately in The Apothecary Diaries Episode 18. Soon after she leaves Jinshi, we see her awaken to a violent nightmare at her home. The sequence with Jinshi bleeds into the nightmarish, garish green as we see the silhouette of a woman holding a blade above what is, assumingly, young Maomao. It’s just one instance of revelation for the character who, up until this point, has been relatively unknowable. We know where she grew up, and she’s persistent in informing us of her low status, but she holds her cards close to her chest. Her enthusiasm tapers, and her tone becomes monotonous if it isn’t related to herbs and medicine. It’s a credit then to Ali Yabusaki — especially in this episode — for how much reveals itself when that mask slides.

We see it slip throughout the episode as she struggles to gain her bearings following the conversation with Jinshi about how a courtesan’s value can decrease. She takes care of a mysterious woman at the Verdigris house who has become incapacitated from syphilis. Later, she must hide when a “weirdo with a monocle” arrives, viewers at this point able to decipher that the man is Lakan (Takuya Kirimoto). Until Maomao returns home, she’s confronting emotions she’d rather keep tucked away. In a revealing moment, she confesses to believing she’s left the feeling of being loved behind her. Pairing this moment of introspection with the other courtesans of the Verdigris house doting on her is telling. She may believe love is a thing of her past, but there’s no denying the many people who adore her.

The Apothecary Diaries Episode 18

It’s why Lakan’s interference is so concerning. Inherently repulsive thus far, he continues to barter with Jinshi over her. Luckily, Jinshi isn’t having it, mainly when Lakan refers to Maomao as a “prize” that Jinshi stole away from him. The moment, though, reveals something critical to the series in the relationship between Maomao and Lakan, something that will undoubtedly change the dynamics moving forward. When Jinshi suggests that Maomao and Lakan speak, Jinshi is so horrified by Maomoa’s shock and distress that he immediately withdraws the request.

Despite everything in the episode, so much of it feels like a setup. The episode never loses itself despite the introduction of new characters and new relationships. Written by Hitomi Ogawa, “Lakan” is a tightly woven episode possessing intriguing insight and an even greater setup. Instead, this character-driven installment simply sets the table for more excellent mystery. As all of this is happening to Maomao, Jinshi is preparing for something that she can’t decipher. From a necessary vegetarian pallet to burning incense, Jinshi is taking part in rituals that usually those of nobility would take part in. We’ve yet to see the payoff of his actions, but Maomao struggles to grapple with what she sees of Jinshi and how he acts.

The Apothecary Diaries Episode 18 is a gorgeous, visually arresting installment. With a mix of style and tones ranging from horror to straight comedy, “Lakan” overflows with all that makes this series a must-watch. Packed with mystery and character-defining moments, the episode pushes against our expectations of these characters, particularly Maomao. Beyond the story and the increasingly layered narrative, the animation and direction continue to surprise and stun. Its bold artistry and peculiarity perfectly match the bold, peculiar characters at its heart.

The Apothecary Diaries Season 1 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

The Apothecary Diaries Episode 18
  • 9/10
    Rating - 9/10
9/10

TL;DR

The Apothecary Diaries Episode 18 is a gorgeous, visually arresting installment. With a mix of style and tones ranging from horror to straight comedy, “Lakan” overflows with all that makes this series a must-watch.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleREVIEW: ‘Ninja Kamui’ Episode 1
Next Article Deadpool & Wolverine Gets It’s First Trailer
Allyson Johnson

Allyson Johnson is co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of InBetweenDrafts. Former Editor-in-Chief at TheYoungFolks, she is a member of the Boston Society of Film Critics and the Boston Online Film Critics Association. Her writing has also appeared at CambridgeDay, ThePlaylist, Pajiba, VagueVisages, RogerEbert, TheBostonGlobe, Inverse, Bustle, her Substack, and every scrap of paper within her reach.

Related Posts

DanDaDan Season 2 Episode 11
8.5

REVIEW: ‘DanDaDan’ Season 2 Episode 11 – “Hey, It’s a Kaiju”

09/11/2025
Sakamoto Days Episode 20
6.5

REVIEW: ‘Sakamoto Days’ Episode 20 — “Mutual Fans”

09/08/2025
Tougen Anki Episode 9 still from Netflix
4.0

REVIEW: ‘Tougen Anki’ Episode 9 — “Momotaro Spirit”

09/06/2025
My Dress-Up Darling Season 2 Episode 10 promotional image from Crunchyroll
10.0

REVIEW: ‘My Dress-Up Darling’ Season 2 Episode 10 — “So We’re Gonna Do It All Right Now?”

09/06/2025
Arknights Rise From Ember Rosmontis

REVIEW: ‘Arknights: Rise From Ember’ Is Phenomenal But Drags On Too Long

09/06/2025
The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity Episode 1
7.5

REVIEW: ‘The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity’ Episode 1 – “Rintaro and Kaoruko”

09/05/2025

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here
TRENDING POSTS
The Long Walk (2025) film review promotional image
9.5
Film

REVIEW: ‘The Long Walk’ Is The Most Heartfelt And Heartbreaking Stephen King Adaptation

By Kate Sánchez09/11/2025Updated:09/11/2025

The Long Walk is a brutal watch. Equally heartfelt and heartbreaking, it’s one of the best adaptations of Stephen King’s work.

Black Women Anime — But Why Tho (9) BWT Recommends

10 Black Women in Anime That Made Me Feel Seen

By LaNeysha Campbell11/11/2023Updated:12/03/2024

Black women are some of anime’s most iconic characters, and that has a big impact on Black anime fans. Here are some of our favorites.

EA Sports FC Icons Match promotional image from Nexon News

2025 Icons Match Returns With Football Legends Bridging The Pitch And Video Games

By Kate Sánchez09/03/2025Updated:09/03/2025

NEXON has announced the return of the ‘2025 Icons Match,’ a live event that brings a full roster of legendary players to the pitch.

Gojo Jujutsu Kaisen - But Why Tho (2) Features

Everything To Know About Satoru Gojo

By Kate Sánchez09/07/2023Updated:02/16/2025

Satoru Gojo is the heart of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 — now, heading into Cour 2, here is everything you need to know about the character.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube Twitch
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Review Score Guide
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2025 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

But Why Tho Logo

Support Us!

We're able to keep making content thanks to readers like YOU!
Support independent media today with
Click Here