Apothecary Diaries: Bechdel Test Winner with a Twist

Summary

Apothecary Diaries passes the Bechdel Test by featuring conversations between women on topics other than men.
The show offers a fresh perspective by showcasing strong female characters in a male-dominated genre.
Despite checking off the Bechdel Test, the series excels not just for its female representation but also for its intriguing mysteries and rich setting.

As an ardent admirer of historical dramas, I find myself pondering: does the captivating series Apothecary Diaries meet the criteria of the Bechdel Test? Given the female-centric cast and its fresh perspective on a period frequently romanticized, it’s an intriguing question to consider. The entire ensemble seems inextricably linked to a single man, which leaves me wondering about its representation of women.

In the captivating narrative of “Apothecary Diaries,” one might expect a heroine like Maomao to earn top marks due to her intriguing backstory involving murder and medicine. However, given the story’s setting, is such acclaim warranted? Is this tale primarily about women, or are they merely included for visual appeal, as is common in many popular series? A glimpse into the first episode could help clarify this point.

How to Enjoy the Story

Light Novels	Apothecary Diaries	15 Volumes (Ongoing)
Manga	Apothecary Diaries	15 Volumes (Ongoing)
Manga	Apothecary Diaries: Maomao’s Notes From the Inner Palace	20 Volumes (Ongoing)
Anime	Apothecary Diaries	2 Seasons, 35 Episodes (Ongoing)

The story we know as “Apothecary Diaries” is famously titled “Kusuriya no Hitorigoto” within its Japanese audience. This captivating narrative follows a girl from humble origins who was adopted by a talented apothecary. She grew up near the pleasure district, with her maternal influences being women of distinction in a well-known brothel. Intrigued by her father’s teachings, Maomao dedicated herself to learning, even conducting experiments on her own to enhance her knowledge. A surprising twist unfolds as she is abducted and forced into service within the Emperor’s inner court, where his collection of concubines reside.

Through her sharp eyes and vast understanding, she identified a sickness affecting two prominent court ladies and their babies. Rather than ignoring the situation, she sent a cautionary message to each of them, explaining the source of their illness. Although she went to great lengths to stay hidden, a wise eunuch named Jinshi uncovered her identity, leading to a meeting with Gyokuro, one of the women who had heeded the warning. Grateful for her help, Gyokuro then offered Maomao a position as her personal attendant.

Pass or Fail?

In this fast-paced sequence of events, the initial episode effectively establishes the overall mood for the series. Maomao, who boasts an extensive education, is careful to conceal this fact from others due to her low social status. Aware of her tenuous position within the palace hierarchy, she frequently reminds herself of her potential replaceability. Given her astute character, it seems unlikely that she would devote all her words solely to discussing men.

Considering her high status, it’s quite possible that the Emperor often comes up in discussions, especially since there’s a captivating eunuch who seems to be the palace’s hot topic. After watching the first episode, I found it intriguing how seldom the two important men are mentioned among the women when they converse privately, except for exchanging news and gossip. Given this observation, let me clarify what the Bechdel Test entails.

What is the Bechdel Test?

Back in the 1980s, Alison Bechdel devised a test, often referred to as the Bechdel-Wallace Test, to evaluate the depiction of women in various forms of media. The test consists of just three simple criteria for passing or failing:

1. There must be at least two female characters present in the work.
2. These female characters must talk to each other.
3. Their conversation must not be about a male character.

There must be at least two female characters.
These women must converse.
The conversation has to be about something other than a man.

Despite seeming straightforward, it’s astonishing how many books, movies, and TV shows don’t meet the mark. Even popular films such as “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “The Princess Bride” fell short. This assessment doesn’t necessarily determine whether a story is good or bad, but it’s definitely worth considering. Considering all of that, episode one of “Apothecary Diaries” effortlessly clears all three hurdles.

This is How it’s Done

1st Rule: It’s evident that this rule can be easily bypassed, given the predominantly female cast. The characters Paimei, Xiaolan, and the Madam are prominently featured in the early stages of the series, making it clear that this story revolves around women. As expected with numerous females on screen, their interactions are frequent. Remarkably, out of seven significant conversations, only two were centered around men, if you include the discussion about the emperor’s newborn son, and perhaps four if we count Maomao being asked to greet her father. In summary, Apothecary Diaries effectively portrays women in a positive light.

A Winner, Regardless

Passing this test doesn’t necessarily mean this story belongs to high literature. If creating a good narrative were simply about checking off certain boxes, everyone would be a renowned author. What truly makes this series exceptional isn’t merely its well-developed female characters. It’s the unique viewpoint it offers on an intriguing slice of history, a perspective that is often overshadowed by male leads in this genre. Maomao and her fellow characters all have depth and purpose. Each new mystery is engaging as we watch the apothecary and her companions sift through clues and rumors to uncover hidden secrets. Whether it’s for the intriguing cast, stunning visuals, or the excitement of solving mysteries, Apothecary Diaries is a must-see for both women and those who appreciate medical dramas alike.

2025-03-29 04:54