Drama Digest
Adapted from Mamare Arai’s manga series Unsung Cinderella: Byoin Yakuzaishi Aoi Midori, this series follows the life of Aoi Midori, who is an eccentric pharmacist working at the Yorozu General Hospital. Midori believes to prescribe accurate medication to patients; it is essential to know about their daily lives. Her oddball ways result in her getting criticized, especially by the doctors. Despite all the discouragement and criticism, she perseveringly stays true to her values and tries to help all the patients to her level best.
The Feel-Good Part
This series has one of the most exceptional storylines in medical dramas, with the protagonist being a pharmacist instead of a doctor. The protagonist, Aoi Midori, is written very endearingly. As she breaches the code of conduct at the hospital, we see how much she cares about all the patients and does not see them as case files. However, the writers, employing a powerfully written screenplay, let us know that this behavior of hers does not impede her professionalism, and her unorthodoxy most often yields positive results. There is also the underlying theme of workplace harassment by male superiors and how there are mostly no repercussions to the behavior they exhibit because of their authoritative status.
The episodes are written to make sure that each one tackles a different medical condition, and this gives the drama the perfect pace. The other character arcs are constructed with care so that none of them feel flat or one-dimensional.
The Disappointing Factor
The drama is not very accurate when it comes to technicalities, and it becomes evident that Midori’s behavior would definitely not be condoned or lauded in real life. The story is written so that we know that our protagonist has nothing but the best interest of her patients, but with the lack of context, her behavior an awful number of boxes in the borderline sociopath checklist. The inclusion of the theme of workplace harassment, though commendable, should have been handled better. The lack of repercussions might represent reality, but normalizing it does more harm than good.
In-Depth Analysis
This series has its heart in the right place. Every patient is humanized and not treated like a case file is beautiful, and Aoi Midori’s dedication to her job is commendable. Although not remotely realistic when comparing her to real-life pharmacists, Midori is a force of nature. The series can be cut into two clean halves, with the first one being very fast-paced and intense and the second half being a lot calmer and reflective. This division enables the viewer to appreciate the series better and lends more to its tenderness. With some incredible performances by the cast, this series shines in almost every aspect.
Star Power
Ishihara Satomi is a stunner. Even if you dislike the story, her acting will convince you to continue watching. Her performance is so convincing that it almost feels like she is sporting the skin of her character.
Overall Opinion
A warm tearjerker with fleshed-out characters that are so earnest in the way they treat people; this series is a must-watch.
