Lupin

I must say, this is Richard Gutierrez finally doing some real acting. In my opinion, Gutierrez should stick to light to comedy roles like the lead role in this loose adaptation of the classic story of Arsène Lupin, both from the French novel and the Japanese anime.

This is Gutierrez's first non-fantasy series since he became GMA-7's top leading-man, and this is my second favourite out of four series (as of mid-2007). Gutierrez managed to show emotional intensity while showcasing his acting chops with an excellent set of supporting casts, raging from acting legends like Alicia Alonzo and newbie Ehra Madrigal.

There are about a dozen villains in Lupin, from the likes of Ara Mina (suffering), Polo Ravales (jealousy), Ricky Davao (power-hungry), all performed at their bests - even Rhian Ramos who is also our hero's love interest. But it was Janno Gibbs who stole the series in his comedic arch-antagonists of Lupin!

Also Katrina Halili was able to make me cry, for the first time she is not playing a villain role here! Her untimely "future" was upsetting. Mike Tuviera's direction was swift and sleek, almost cinematic. Lupin is also Gutierrez's most underrated series.