The Apothecary Diaries [Season 2 Episode 10]

The Apothecary Diaries Season 2 Episode 10: A Ghostly Night with Hidden Dangers

The Apothecary Diaries has always been a masterclass in blending mystery, comedy, and historical intrigue, but Season 2 Episode 10, titled “A Ghost Story,” takes a sharp turn into horror—and fans are loving it. Released on March 14, 2025, this episode swaps the usual palace politics for a chilling night of ghost stories, proving once again that Maomao’s sharp mind is the real star of the show.

A Night of Chills and Thrills

The episode opens with Maomao and Yinghua joining a group of women for a summer night of storytelling. What starts as a seemingly innocent gathering quickly spirals into something far darker. The women take turns sharing eerie tales, but the real horror isn’t in the stories—it’s in the room itself. As the night progresses, Maomao begins to feel lightheaded, and her medical instincts kick in. She realizes they’re all suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, a silent killer lurking in the poorly ventilated space.

Fans on MyAnimeList were quick to praise Maomao’s quick thinking. One user commented, “Weekly Maomao masterclass! Who would’ve thought a girls’ sleepover would turn into an attempted murder?” Another added, “Seeing Maomao become a carbon monoxide detector was something else. She can handle everything!”

More Than Just a Filler

While some viewers dismissed the episode as filler, others pointed out the subtle hints woven into the ghost stories. The tale of the “13th ghost” stood out, with the mysterious hostess seemingly plotting to add the girls to her collection. The episode cleverly ties back to the darker themes of the series, particularly the cruelty of the late emperor.

One fan noted, “I’m amazed people think this episode is unimportant. The reference to the former emperor’s concubine wasn’t just for spooks—it’s setting something up.” Another theorized, “The old woman’s story mirrors Anshi’s from last week. This isn’t random; it’s building toward something bigger.”

Character Moments Shine

Beyond the horror, the episode delivers some fantastic character interactions. Yinghua’s terrified reactions provided comic relief, while Shisui’s chilling ghost story stole the show. Fans loved her unexpected storytelling skills, with one saying, “Shisui’s tale was already captivating, but the insect twist was the cherry on top.”

The introduction of three new maids also sparked curiosity. Their identical appearances led to jokes about them being triplets, but their presence hints at future developments in the Jade Pavilion.

The Verdict: A Welcome Change of Pace

The Apothecary Diaries excels at genre-blending, and Episode 10 is no exception. What could have been a simple horror detour turned into a tense, well-crafted mystery with real stakes. The episode’s ability to balance scares, humor, and character growth is a testament to the series’ strength.

As one fan perfectly summed it up: “This episode proves that even a ‘filler’ in The Apothecary Diaries is better than most anime’s main arcs.”

With the next episode teasing Jinshi’s return and the infamous “frog arc” looming, fans are more excited than ever. If this episode taught us anything, it’s that in the world of The Apothecary Diaries, even a ghost story can be deadly serious.

Final Rating: 9/10 – A spine-tingling success.

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