REVIEW: ‘The Apothecary Diaries’ Episode 28 — “Mirror”

The Apothecary Diaries Episode 28, “Mirror,” introduces an intriguing puzzle for Maomao (Aoi Yûki) to solve while vexing Jinshi with a seemingly impossible demand thanks to a request from their recently arrived special envoys. Ever the diligent host, Jinshi (Takeo Otsuka)  strives to fulfill his guests’ unreasonable requests.

A surprising moment opens this episode as Maomao arrives at the Jade Pavillion after being summoned by Lady Gyokuyô (Atsumi Tanezaki). The reason for the summons is to show off a gift that has just arrived from the special envoy: A full-body glass mirror. Maomao is instantly intrigued by the device as she approaches it to take a closer look.

This opening scene does a surprising amount for such an innocuous moment. The most obvious element is everyone’s reaction to the mirror. Mirrored glass is an everyday occurrence, so such an object garners no note nowadays.

Seeing it beheld in a low-key state of wonder is a fun moment that calls attention to where the world is in this story. Establishing the mirror as a curiosity is also important for the larger episode when the use of mirrors comes up again. Planting the idea that mirrors are rare now makes it so that when it comes upon later, it doesn’t feel put together on the spot.

This generous gift also serves to paint a picture that continues throughout all of The Apothecary Diaries Episode 28 and will most likely be filled in for some time. That is the importance of the trade envoy. Not only did Lady Gyokuyô receive such a gift, but all four of the high-ranking concubines did.

Mirrors play a larger part in The Apothecary Diaries Episode 28.

Gifts of this extravagance speak volumes about how much effort is being put into impressing the envoys’ hosts. Previous episodes established that the trade envoy is important to the Emperor, but now it’s established that the trade agreement’s importance is a two-way street. This informs what can be expected of all involved moving forward.

From here, The Apothecary Diaries Episode 28 skips away from the mirror scene as Master Gaoshun (Katsuyuki Konishi, Yakuza Fiancé) calls upon Maomao. He has a personal favor to ask, as he needs Maomao’s keen intellect to help unravel a curious puzzle. Concerned about allowing Gaoshun time alone with Maomao, Lady (Megumi Toyoguchi, RWBY: Ice Queendom) opts to remain with the duo despite Gaishun’s request for privacy.

The strange puzzle Gaoshun lays out for Maomao involves the unexpected pregnancy of an individual, while there seems to be no way the woman could have found time to be alone with a man. She is kept under constant surveillance by her father to prevent just such an occurrence.

As Gaoshun lays out the details and answers Maomao’s clarifying questions, the apothecary becomes convinced that there is more to the situation than Gaoshun is laying out. This adds a layer of mystery to the scene as it hints at the possibility of the moment being more important than it initially appears.

The mystery itself is a fun little brain teaser, the kind that the show has made a norm to present. The solution is intriguing and calls back to the opening scene, as Maomao suspects that the presence of a mirror is used to trick the overseers into losing track of the girl.

The use of the mirror here not only serves to tie in the opening scene but also skillfully grounds Maomao’s genius touch. Having the mirror involved raises the question of whether or not Maomao would’ve solved the problem without having just been considering a mirror earlier in the day. It doesn’t definitively say either way but leaves the scene open to the viewer’s interpretation.

While the puzzle is being solved, Gaoshun remembers that Jinshi had asked him to present Maomao with a gift. Not the one Jinshi had promised before, but a holdover till that item could be found. It turns out the gift in question is a dried bear gallbladder. Maomao is thrilled to receive the gift. Her joy is displayed through one of her trademark hysterical facial expressions as he holds the item up triumphantly. Rays of light shine from the dried organ, creating a bizarre image that fits in perfectly with the series and its delightfully strange protagonist.

The remainder of The Apothecary Diaries Episode 28 follows Jinshi, Gaoshun, and Maomao as they try to fulfill a request of the special envoy. It seems the envoys were told of a rare beauty once encountered in their city. As beautiful as a moon fairy, with tears that once shed would turn to pearls, the sought-after individual seems completely made up. But like all fairy tales, there is a kernel of truth within the story, and the trio soon figures out who inspired this tale from 50 years ago. It is the owner of the Verdigris house.

This unexpected development creates a fantastic opportunity to explore the background of this familiar supporting character. “Granny” has frequently been shown as a comedic presence, always nagging Maomao to create demand for her establishment. Learning that the ornery proprietress was once a courtesan of rare beauty and grace is a fun revelation. Her discussion with Maomao about the incident that spawned the story of the Moon Fairy does a great job of exploring a critical element of life: perspective.

The Apothecary Diaries Episode 28 reminds us magic is a matter of perspective. 

Given all the impressions relayed concerning the incident up to this point, it’s expected that Granny would have a corroborating story full of enchantment and wonder. A story filled with magic when she danced like she never had before, putting all who watched her under a spell. This is not what Maomao gets.

Rather, she learns about a night pestered by bugs, and that Granny’s only defining characteristic that caused her to have the lead position was her comparative height to the other candidates. There was no magic or special element. It was just another job. She does produce a painting made by the special envoys’ grandfather of her commemorating that night. So clearly, it was magic to him.

It is always fascinating how one moment can be so strikingly different from a simple shift in perspective. That someone can be enthralled with something no one else gives a second thought to goes to show how much our perspectives, mindsets, and predispositions to things can alter how a moment impacts us. Magic and the mundane are often two concepts separated by the most fleeting and random of circumstances.

With no hope of producing the individual the envoy wishes to see, the group seems stuck. Jinshi ponders aloud how they will find a tall, lithe beauty that could compare with the images they’ve seen and the story they’ve been told. To his horror, both Gaoshun and Maomao come to stare at him, seemingly sharing the same thought: that the beauty they seek may be sitting right in front of them.

Before The Apothecary Diaries Episode 28 wraps up, a brief glimpse is given of Shisui (Asami Seto, Kaiju No.8) as she appears to be gathering something. During her work, she discovers a brightly glowing butterfly that flutters up into the night sky until it disappears into the light of the half-moon hanging above.

This scene would be a lovely endcap to the episode if not for the ominous music playing in the background. Rather than beauty, The Apothecary Diaries Episode 28 levels the moment with the powerful suspicion that something dangerous is either coming to or has already arrived at the Rear Palace.

The Apothecary Diaries Episode 28 delivers many entertaining moments while providing some key scenes that provoke deeper examination. This combination creates a fantastic balance of fun and thoughtfulness. As it ends its story, it leaves the narrative at a spot that promises more fun is yet to be had, as Jinshi will likely have to don a new disguise to succeed at fulfilling the envoys’ request while also establishing the ominous feeling that something wicked this way comes.

The Apothecary Diaries Episode 28 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.