Lupin

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.

I usually do not like to watch dubbed offerings from Netflix, but this came recommended so I tried it. They did a good job dubbing and if you do not concentrate on the lips, you soon do not notice it at all. It was a fun little series that put you in mind of the old Mission 'impossible series. Sure, there were some stretches but overall it was well done.

All I can figure with the low rating is that they are from people that like non stop chases, gun fights and explosions instead of a story line that you need to follow.

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.

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 like it. It's witty, well acted and directed. This version of Lupin is a clever re-imagining (with some flaws), trying to fast-forward the original character 100-years. And yes, XXIst century Lupin is the son of African immigrants. And why not? Omar Sy is a great lead character and the production values are good. Perfectly enjoyable light entertainment. I repeat: this is meant to be watched for fun, it's not faithful to the details of the original books, it's not meant to be realistic. Good tv is escapism. It reminds me in a good way of successful series like Hustle, or Leverage. with intricate cons and twists. To the critics: you are right, this is not a series of Lupin faithful to the original books and historical context, in a way that David Suchet's Poirot was. But it is in the same line of re-imagining classics (though not quite as spectacular, but neither on the same budget) as Dominic Cumberbatch's Sherlock. It's an enjoyable ride. Don't begrudge the artistic licence. Have some fun. For god's sake it's 2021!