Episode 1 – The Girl in the Twin Towers

Lupin and the gang is back this time they have a more modern world to deal with. In the premier episode Lupin aims to steal digital currency from “Marco Polo,” an online store on the “dark web.” I seems simpler to steal online currency from criminals that to rob a bank in person. Together Lupin and Daisuke Jigen break into the underwater tower to find Ami, who created the payment system for Marco Polo. When they arrive Lupin disguises himself as her “father”. However, this fails as he mispronounces her name and she shoots at him with a gun.

Ami uses her gear to transmit intruder data to security. The security head down to save her. Jigen uses his knowledge of guns to determine that she only has one bullet left. Lupin approaches her with his hands up claiming to be a “prophet.” As Jigen holds of the security, Lupin gets close to Ami. She pulls the trigger, but doesn’t have any bullets remaining. Turns out that while pretending to be her father, when Lupin hugged her he took one bullet out of her gun’s clip. While, I found the trick to be clever it seems far-fetch to me. Furthermore, why only steal one bullet and not two?

Anyway, Lupin introduces himself, and notes that he’s a great thief. Ami asks if he can steal anything? She wants him to “steal her” as she is trapped by “invisible chains,” in exchange she will help him steal from Marco Polo. Surprisingly, Goemon is hidden among the security and takes them out. Ami manages to steal what looks like billions in digital currency (it was clear how much the digital currency was worth). In a typical move from Lupin he lets the “dark web” know that he was responsible for the thief. Anyway, while in a hideout they’re surrounded by Zenigata and his men.

Having pissed of the “dark web” a new online game was created, “Arrest Lupin III.” They are chased by police the following morning, ending with Lupin driving their car into the water. With the Lupin game going viral, his every move is being watched and broadcast worldwide. Clearly, this is suppose to be both a commentary on the dangers of losing one’s privacy due to surveillance and the internet. In addition to that how does a thief that needs to escape from time to time and avoid detection in this new tech driven world. Stealing money has never been easier with tech. but so is being followed. It’s going to be interesting how Lupin manages to survive this new obstacle. Overall, Lupin the third (P5) is clever, funny and well animated. I look forward to watching this season.