Kusurija no hitorigoto - Season 1

Sometimes you wait years for an amazing anime series, and other times you're lucky enough to get two in a single season. Just from the trailers, you can tell The Apothecary is something special - beautiful, dynamic, and incredibly detailed animation that's a feast for the eyes. The colors in this series deserve constant praise, showcasing an impeccable aesthetic sense. And the music? Simply mesmerizing. The first opening is nothing short of perfect; Kevin and the others did an amazing job on the accompanying soundtrack, and not just the beautiful traditional sentimental Chinese motifs woven throughout. But what really stole my heart in this series is one character in particular - Maomao. She's an absolute gem, easily one of the best female characters in anime, period. You can't help but love her - not just for her positive traits, but also for her quirks and odd hobbies. Charming, intelligent (she even knows the answer to Snape's question "Where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"), entertaining, sarcastic, and full of energy. The chemistry between Maomao and Jinshi is electric, though it's not quite romance yet (despite Jinshi's hopeful wishes). Their interactions never fail to bring a smile to my face. Aoi Yuuki's voice acting for Maomao is top-notch, reaffirming her status as one of the best Japanese voice actresses out there. She breathes so much life into Maomao that she practically carries the entire series, much like she did with Kumoko the Spider. But it's not just about the main characters and their chemistry. I found myself immersed in all the mysteries, palace intrigues, and the seamless blend of detective story and soap opera elements. I cared about the fates of the supporting characters, cheered for a soldier to earn his dream courtesan, and found myself rooting for characters I initially doubted. The authors did a fantastic job of selling their stories, making me genuinely invested in their outcomes. In short, The Apothecary isn't just a visual masterpiece; it's a captivating story with depth and heart. I'm thrilled to hear they've announced a second season, and you can bet I won't be missing it. 9.9/10. (23.03.2024)