The hit French series "Lupin," inspired by the classic novels of Maurice Leblanc, has returned for Part 3. While Arsène Lupin is a legendary figure in Europe, his popularity in Asia isn't quite at the same level. Since much of the show’s charm comes from clever nods and motifs from the original books, some of the nuance might be lost on viewers unfamiliar with the source material. However, even as a standalone crime thriller, Lupin continues to deliver solid entertainment.
Part 3 picks up right where the tension left off. Assane Diop, after receiving a sudden message from his long-lost mother, begins a complex scheme to find her. This involves faking his own death, utilizing master-level disguises, and making impossible sacrifices. Along the way, he even coordinates with the police, leading to a dramatic self-surrender in the finale.
Naturally, given the show's massive success, the season concludes by teasing Part 4. The return of Pellegrini suggests that Assane’s imprisonment might have been part of a larger, more sinister plan, leaving his family in potential danger once again.
In my opinion, Part 3 was more engaging than Part 2. However, it still suffers from some forced plot points and inconsistent character motivations. For instance, Claire’s sudden shift toward being overly supportive of Assane felt a bit abrupt, even considering their history. Additionally, the constant jumping back and forth between past flashbacks and the present day was a bit distracting—I personally wish they would dial that down a notch. Despite these flaws, Lupin remains an excellent choice for anyone looking for a stylish and fun "popcorn" drama.
