The anime world is no stranger to controversy and as shows like The Apothecary Diaries grow in popularity, so does the level of scrutiny they face from fans and critics alike. The Apothecary Diaries, an intricately written, slow-burn mystery series set in ancient China, has not escaped this pattern. As its second season rolls out, conversations online have taken a surprising turn, with some viewers expressing discomfort over the dynamic between the protagonist Maomao and her love interest, Jinshi. The main concern of these online complaints is that Maomao’s appearance is too childlike, sparking accusations of inappropriate undertones.

At first glance, this controversy may seem like a fair concern, especially in an anime landscape where questionable age gaps and character portrayals are, unfortunately, not uncommon. However, digging deeper reveals a far more nuanced situation. The criticisms leveled at The Apothecary Diaries seem to miss several critical contextual points, both in of character backstory and the show’s thematic messaging. Rather than pushing problematic narratives, the series actively works to dismantle them, and the assumptions being made by some viewers are simply not ed by the series.

Maomao’s Design Has Context, Not Exploitation

The Apothecary Diaries Does Not Aim to Sexualize or Make Maomao Seem Like a Minor

One of the biggest arguments fueling the backlash is Maomao’s physical appearance, because she is petite, thin, and often depicted with simple features. Some critics argue this makes her look childlike, particularly when paired with the more refined and princely Jinshi. But this interpretation lacks important context. The anime explicitly explains that Maomao grew up in poverty, often underfed and living in harsh conditions. Her slight build is not a design choice meant to infantilize her, it is a reflection of her upbringing and a detail grounded in realism, not fetishization.

Maomao is also about 18 years old during the events of the anime, a legal adult and one with a clear, capable personality. She is not presented as naive or helpless. Quite the opposite: Maomao is sharp-witted, analytical, and often emotionally detached. Her maturity is highlighted through her medical expertise and her unflinching attitude toward the palace's dark undercurrents. Reducing her to her appearance ignores the depth and complexity of her character, and worse, misrepresents the intent behind her design.

Jinshi, too, is often misunderstood in these discussions. While he presents himself as a 24-year-old eunuch with a commanding presence, Jinshi is actually only 19 and barely a year older than Maomao. This reveal is subtle but important. The perceived age gap that has stirred so much online discussion is largely an illusion, created by Jinshi’s role and pretend image within the palace. Once this layer is peeled back, the supposed "inappropriate dynamic" between the two characters loses much of its weight.

The Apothecary Diaries Is Anti-Predatory, Not Problematic

Fans Who Claim the Series is Problematic Are Misreading the Tone

Another important point that gets lost in the controversy is that The Apothecary Diaries does not glamorize or romanticize predatory behavior, in fact, it strongly condemns it. A big episode in the seond season dives into the dark past of the former emperor, who was known for his abusive and pedophilic tendencies. The narrative does not shy away from showing how horrific and destructive his behavior was, especially toward the women in his court. This storyline is clear in its purpose: it serves as a condemnation of such conduct, not an endorsement.

Shows that flirt with problematic themes often do so subtly or through framing that excuses or softens harmful behavior. The Apothecary Diaries does the opposite.

This tonal distinction is important. Shows that flirt with problematic themes often do so subtly or through framing that excuses or softens harmful behavior. The Apothecary Diaries does the opposite. It uses its setting of an imperial court rife with secrets and political intrigue to explore power imbalances and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. But it does so with a critical eye, always showing the consequences and emotional toll of these dynamics. It is not a romanticization of darkness, it is a dissection of it.

In fact, the way the anime treats Maomao’s attractiveness, or lack thereof, is telling. When the story wants to present her as appealing or alluring, it does so by aging up her appearance. Her usual plain look is swapped for something more polished, often for undercover purposes, and even then, her allure is understated. She is never sexualized for fanservice or used as bait for the audience’s gaze. If anything, the show goes out of its way to focus on her mind rather than her body.

A Lesson in Media Literacy and Selective Outrage

The Apothecary Diaries is Not the Problem, But There Are Anime that Need to Be Discussed

The backlash toward The Apothecary Diaries reveals more about the viewers than it does about the show itself. In an era where media literacy is more important than ever, jumping to conclusions based on surface-level impressions can lead to misplaced outrage. Yes, there are anime out there that do deserve criticism for how they portray underage characters or romanticize dangerous relationships, but lumping The Apothecary Diaries into that group shows a lack of deeper understanding of the series.

Criticism is a healthy part of fandom, and raising concerns about representation and ethics in storytelling is important. However, it is just as crucial to differentiate between media that actually perpetuates harmful tropes and media that thoughtfully critiques them. The Apothecary Diaries falls into the latter category. It does not exploit Maomao’s appearance for the sake of appeal; it uses it to tell a larger story about survival, intellect, and autonomy in a restrictive society.

Moreover, Maomao and Jinshi's relationship is not even the main focus of the story, it is a subplot that simmers quietly beneath the palace’s larger mysteries. The real appeal of the series lies in Maomao’s scientific curiosity, her knack for solving intricate cases, and her resilience in a world that constantly underestimates her. Reducing the show to a problematic romance does it a major disservice.

While the controversy surrounding The Apothecary Diaries season 2 may have sparked intense debates, much of it stems from misunderstandings and a lack of full context. The series does not promote inappropriate themes, but instead it actively critiques them. Maomao’s design and relationship with Jinshi are far more layered than they may appear on the surface, and the anime deserves credit for tackling dark subject matter with care and nuance. Instead of boycotting the series based on misinformation, viewers should dive deeper and appreciate the thoughtful storytelling at its core.