Lupin

Looking over the reviews, I see things like "more holes than swiss cheese," "exaggeration," "loopholes," "suspension of disbelief," etc.

I'm not disagreeing, but somehow, I never read these things about Mission: Impossible or James Bond movies.

Lupin is the story of a man (Omar Sy) out to avenge his father's imprisonment for stealing a valuable necklace, which causes him to commit suicide. From childhood, his father encouraged his interest in the gentleman detective, Arsene Lupin, which is a series of books by Maurice Leblanc.

In order to achieve his revenge against his father's ex-employer, Pellegrini (Herve Pierre), he uses Lupin's techniques. Little does he know, one of the detectives on the robbery case is a fan of Lupin.

I think this is a fun, light series, kind of a fantasy, with stunning Paris surroundings.

Yes, plot holes everywhere, ridiculously unlikely escapes and escapades, and still I enjoyed every minute. The lead character, played by Omar Sy, just sweeps you along with it all. See it as just pure entertainment and don't get too concerned about some the finer details and you can sit back and enjoy the cleverness of some parts, the humour in others and the fun of it all.

The first 2 seasons are highly entertaining, single-threaded, but the execution is fantastic to watch. The cat & mouse game, accompanied by a summary of the ruse keeps you watching for every clue.

Season 3 starts well with another intriguing heist. The first episode continues the excitement and entertainment of the previous season. Beginning mid-way in episode 2 of the season, flashbacks introduce Assane's mother. From there, the plot changes and reduces the lead to nothing more than a common thief being controlled by nefarious criminals. It truly devolves from this richness and intelligence of the character. It feels as if they needed to give Assane a reason to continue his thefts.

I'm open in seeing another season but only if they go back to the magic and mystery of the first 2 seasons.

I admit I love a good heist story. In Lupin we have a little more than a single heist but a succession of daring robberies and masterful escapes all pulled together by a main story line that I won't spoil here as it runs through all three series.

Each series proceeds at a cracking pace which does mean that there are a few plot holes but it doesn't matter because you just hang on for the ride. It's great fun and you root for the protagonist throughout. You can watch each series as a stand-alone but are better watched as a three series arc. With each series only being a handful episodes you don't need to invest a mountain of time.

I have one minor criticism in that the main protagonists is a very big man and very recognisable and so I had to suspend disbelief that he could disappear so easily so often. Yet in a way that just adds to the fun of it all.

While other series such as Money Heist have in the past generated a huge buzz, this is a much better series all round and have no hesitation in recommending it.

Parts one and two follow the story of a modern gentleman thief attempting to exact revenge on the man who framed his father years prior.

I really enjoyed part one, I thought it was a fun mystery series with elements of Sherlock Holmes that I really enjoyed. Part one had a stronger 'mastermind' element that I enjoyed (part two was more action heavy, which I enjoyed less).

I watched part 1 shortly after it came out and I loved it! But then I had to wait for part 2. It was a real challenge to get back into the story in part 2, and I found the series suffered for it. Lupin should be watched as a whole in quick succession, and not with months of separation.

I think the premise of the show is excellent, but I am concerned that the quality will lessen if they continue to produce the series. It should end as a mini series in my opinion.