[Rewatch] Countdown to Season 3 - Episodes 4-6 Discussion Thread

Season 1, Episodes 4-6 (watch on Crunchyroll | Netflix)

← Previous | Index

Summary

• Episode 4: The Threat. Ordered by the emperor to heal his concubine Lady Lihua, Maomao prepares special meals for her, but the ladies-in-waiting keep Maomao away.
• Episode 5: Covert Operations. Maomao treats a mysterious rash on a terrified eunuch's hands. Later, Gyokuyou's servants excitedly prepare for the emperor's garden party.
• Episode 6: The Garden Party. During the garden party, Maomao confidently performs her food-tasting duties but suspects something is wrong when she sees Lady Lishu looking afraid.

Discussion Questions

1. Which scenes did you enjoy the most?
2. The sequence of healing Lady Lihua is incredible, from the slap to the "assets" talk. What parts stood out the most?
3. Do you think these episodes did a good job of increasing the complexity and worldbuilding of the story?
4. Several new characters are introduced during the Garden Party - Empress Dowager, Lady Lishu, Lady Ah Duo, Lihaku, and Lishu's taster. As first time watchers, which characters were immediately the most intriguing?

Spoiler rules

Be warned that each discussion thread will contain full spoilers for the entire anime series! Tag spoilers for comparisons to other media and other shows.

The next discussion thread will be on Sunday, August 16 @ 9am CDT / 2pm UTC and covers episodes 7-9.