Lupin The Third: Original TV Series

Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
23 episodes
Year
1971

Lupin The Third: Original TV Series

By Mark McPherson
29th May 04

Lupin The Third, based on the character from the European novels, has become one of the most popular anime icons in Japanese culture. The legacy spans three TV series, many movies and endless TV specials. Over the last three decades, Lupin's popularity continues to grow, proving that this franchise has what it takes to survive the test of time. All of this commotion began with a single TV series.

The first TV series of the early 70's begins with the first episode slowly introducing the main characters Lupin (the small-afro, hairy-arm thief), Jigen (gunman with unkempt beard), Fujiko (lovely vixen who both loves and betrays Lupin) and Detective Zenigata (Lupin's long-time nemesis who never quite seems to catch Lupin, but believes he is the only man for the job). Lupin and his gang are trying to fix an automobile race, but a group called the Scorpions try to stop Lupin's plan. Lupin eventually fools them thanks to some explosions, but the leader of the Scorpions will not forget how Lupin cost him millions (in fact, the leader of the Scorpions appears again as the main villain in the first episode of the second TV series). The second episode is also very legendary as Lupin and his group encounters the evil magician Pycal who takes advantage of Fujiko. Pycal returns later on in other Lupin adventures. Goemon is not introduced until episode 5 where Goemon and Lupin are more enemies than comrades as Goemon's old master orders him to kill Lupin.
The first few episodes make the series out to be a rather serious drama as there is one downbeat episode in which Lupin receives the death sentence and spends a year of misery and trickery to devise a plan of escape, even going as far as telling Jigen he wants to die. However, the episodes get much more humorous later in the series. There is one episode in which Lupin makes off with a car full of riches by dressing everyone in the crowds as Lupin. You'll also notice that Fujiko's character designs changes a bit in the second half of the series. This is because Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away) directed about half the episodes in this series so don't be surprised if you see shades of Totoro or Kiki's Delivery Service in the animation.

One thing that will definitely catch your eye is that a few of the songs are sung in English and are actually sung pretty well. There are about three openings in the whole series. The first basically has a collection of scenes from the original pilot set to the "Dubba-dubba-dubba-dubba-dubba-da"(Sorry, I don't know the actual name of the songs) Lupin track. Interesting note, the original pilot had Lupin with a red jacket, but in the TV series, his jacket is green. The second opening has the "Ya-ba-ba-badda-da" Lupin track with Lupin vocally introducing the characters. The last opening has a few clips from the previous episodes and has the "Rupan, Rupan, Rupan" track. You'll also notice that the animation, for a 1971 production, is way ahead of it's time. Fujiko fans may be a bit disappointed as she gets very little fanservice. During the first episode, there is one scene in which Fujiko is tortured by having lots of little hands tickle her body and tear off some clothing.
Overall, I enjoyed watching every single episode. The first Lupin series may not have the same energy as the second series, but it does prove very entertaining along with a few laughs here and there. It's hard to believe a series like this was born out of the crude Playboy-style manga from the late 60's. Plus, with Hayao Miyazaki directing a good chunk of the episodes, how can you say no? Yes, Lupin is an old series, I'll admit it, but it's a classic. Maybe I'm just a sucker for the classics, but I love this show. It sure puts Speed Racer to shame.

Pros: Entertaining episodes; ahead-of-it's-time animation; catchy music; humorous characters; good plot; good old-fashioned 70's style.

Cons: The old character designs may turn a few people off; music and animation seem a bit dated by today's standards.

Grade: A-

-- Mark McPherson 29th May 04

Lupin The Third: Original TV Series Images