The Apothecary Diaries is not at all a traditional romance anime that bombards you with frequent romantic moments between the couple. It is more focused on its historical setup and the mystery surrounding the royal palace.
We also witness the deduction skills and sheer merit of the protagonist while she dodges issues that come with a restrictive society. Plus, we touch upon problematic and dark themes that transform this anime into a whole package.
But even then, The Apothecary Diaries is not safe from the cliche romance tropes that we find everywhere. The very fact that we have come to accept Jinshi and Maomao as one of the best couples is proof of that.
In The Apothecary Diaries, we love a man who falls first
In a normal Shoujo setup, a man who understands his own feelings and is in touch with his emotions will always be in demand amongst viewers, especially women. This is why when we see Jinshi constantly trying to close the gap between him and Maomao, it is endearing.
Apart from that, who does not love a good chase? Well, the reality that Maomao pretty much rebuffs Jinshi’s chances all the time, and he tries to chase her all the more, alludes to that. Jinshi not only fell first, but he also fell harder for Maomao, and that element is definitely a crowd-pleaser.
The aspect of forbidden love is also used in a very brilliant way without making things seem unrealistic. In those times, had Maomao and Jinshi actually been a courtesan and a eunuch, things would not have turned out great for them.
But, here, that is not the case. Though at first, their social standings might seem unstable, we later learn that Jinshi is a prince and Maomao is the daughter of a high-ranking official.
However, the most important trope is the slow burn that keeps you coming to this pair. Their romance progresses gradually with intense stares and subtle but important touches. This heightens their chemistry, creating a viewing experience that makes us ship them more.
Why do these tropes work so well?
Though these tropes are nothing new, the reason why these work so well in a realistic setup like The Apothecary Diaries is because they serve a purpose. Maomao is an unreliable narrator who seldom expresses her inner feelings in front of anyone, let alone Jinshi.
She constantly refuses to accept her own attraction towards him while her thoughts betray her. Her continuous interest in his beauty may seem analytical, but it is also proof of her interest in him.
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Their connection is also very genuine because they both have secrets that the other does not try to pry. They understand that each one has a hidden side, but that does not change the way they treat each other.
While The Apothecary Diaries definitely relies on classic romance tropes, it refuses to become mediocre. On the flip side, these tropes only enhance the already present bond between the couple to new degrees.
Watch The Apothecary Diaries on Crunchyroll.
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