like yes it’s kinda a stereotype, especially in media where it's often exoticized or oversimplified (you know the vibe: submissive Asian wife + clueless Western dude 🙄), but also… it’s a real dynamic that exists for a lot of reasons, migration, work, love, postcolonial stuff, military stuff, etc.

so it’s not inherently bad or problematic unless it’s being portrayed in a super one-dimensional or fetishy way. context matters!! your characters can absolutely have that dynamic, just give them depth, make them real people, and don’t make it weird lol.

^^ Okay, listen. Imagine a world where ancient court politics, medical mysteries, and a smart, independent, apothecary girl who could outwit a room full of scheming nobles all collide — that's The Apothecary Diaries.

You’re not just watching palace drama; you’re solving poisonings, navigating the intrigue of the imperial court, and digging through secrets.

In a world similar to ancient china, Maomao is kidnapped and sold into the Emperor's harem. The story follows Maomao, our sharp-witted apothecary who gets sold off(kidnapped) to the imperial court with a sarcastic edge and a fascination with poisons, who uses her knowledge to solve poisoning and mysterious cases within the palace. And in doing so catches the eye of Jinshi - beautiful and mysterious official with sway.

The draw of the series is its basically part detective show, part character drama. And Maomao is trying her best to NOT get caught up in knowing too much, she just wants to try and enjoy different poisons.

Every element is deeply intertwined with each other and creating a complex yet real feeling world, where murder and conflict lurk around each corner.

What makes it stand out is how it blends historical drama, (and it doesn't shy away from historical topics like the imperial harem and concubines etc) with detective-style storytelling, all while avoiding typical tropes. Also all the characters have nice depth to them which is really nice.

Hehe, TYSM!!

the leaves and grass are finally emerging here for spring and it's been a late spring, I'm here for the green though.

Hmm, Akira is actually a pretty cool and can mean things like "bright," "clear," or "intelligent," depending on the kanji. It’s also gender-neutral (I believe) which can add flexibility or depth depending on your OC’s personality or story role.

Hihi!!! Hru bestie

It changes based on mood and stuff, but I would probably have to say 海のまにまに (Umi no Mani Mani) by YOASOBI was one I listened to the most and enjoyed.

Also maybe Imagine Dragons' Bleeding out.

Yes! As someone who unironically refers to electroplating solution as forbidden blue gatorade and has anatomy profs who drop casual murder tips like it's a cooking show, I’m here to tell you: the mad scientists are already here. We just got really good at pretending to be functional members of society.

But yes, more mad scientists in media who don’t start off as obviously sinister. I want the soft-spoken botanist who accidentally creates sentient houseplants. The grad student whose experiments get published in peer-reviewed journals and government watchlists. The ones who wear cardigans, say “oops” a lot, and are five steps ahead of everyone because their brain hasn't known rest since 2012.