English Dub Review: Lupin the Third: Part V “Just Then, an Old Buddy Said Something”

 

 

Overview (Spoilers Below)

No matter how much familial love Ami yearns for, her father, Enzo “People-Log” ShakeHanz, refuses to give a damn. Even his partner is a little weirded out over the megalomaniac’s indifference toward his long lost daughter. However, Enzo explains that even if his missing offspring was the catalyst for creating People-Log, the technology has since usurped everyone and everything else. Nowadays, all that matters to Enzo is People-Log and its ever-growing influence on the entirety of society.

As Goemon and Lupin are arrested, Fujiko and Ami choose to remain on Maul, each for their own reasons. While Fuji’s reason remains unclear, Ami wears her heart on her sleeve. She wants to make up with her father at all costs. Something was awakened many months before on that faithful evening Lupin impersonated her dad. The poor girl can no longer silence the loneliness that stews inside her.

Fujiko, who suddenly seems to love her big golden cage, begs Ami to become a cynic like her. That way it won’t hurt so much when she’s inevitably disappointed. In a way, Ami pities the female thief. Ever since the young girl opened her heart and allowed it to feel, she has since become addicted to kindness, friendship, and affection.

Despite being captured, and Lupin almost dying from the injuries inflicted by his Ronin friend, Goemon and Lupin manage to patch things up on their boat ride toward captivity. And while things appear hopeless, they can’t help but laugh and enjoy their final moments together. Meanwhile, Jigen remains on the run, tirelessly pursued by the police via People-Log. Just when he’s cornered, an unlikely ally comes to his rescue. It’s Lupin’s former partner, and current political influencer, Albert. Even though they’ve been on different sides in the past, Albert loves controlling governments and he’d sooner be damned than to see People-Log steal that job from him.

Yadda is pissed off over People-Log taking the credit for capturing Lupin when his partner, Zenigata, deserves the accolades. Zenigata, on the other hand, doesn’t care about the glory, and instead demands to be a part of the convoy meant to bring the master thief to justice. That idea almost gets the both of them killed.

The convoy comes across a roadblock not long after it sets out. That “roadblock” consists of Daisuke Jigen and nothing else—except a classic car and an arsenal’s worth of guns. Within minutes the marksman takes out hundreds of cops—with the exception of Zenigata and Yadda who somehow survive—and is able to free his boys without breaking a sweat.

But Jigen didn’t save them to commence business as usual. Instead, he begs Lupin to retire, admitting that People-Log is way too powerful to overcome. Lupin declines and opts to go deep underground—to a place even People-Log can’t find him. A few weeks later, he reemerges and releases damning information about many of the world’s governments. Where did he get such dirt? From People-Log’s algorithm, of course.

All of a sudden, the world leaders flip-flop and determine that People-Log is bad and must be destroyed!

 

Our Take

So, who else wasn’t the least bit surprised when Enzo spurned his long-lost daughter? Ami, you’re as sweet as you are brilliant, but how did you let this douchebag become your blind spot? You’ve survived on your own for years—drinking from your energy pouches and having conversations with that implant in your ear. And what’s wrong with your found family? Lupin, Fujiko, Zenigata, Princess Dolma—these people adore you. Just because Enzo is related to you by blood doesn’t mean he’s worthy of your love.

What the hell, Jigen? I’m sorry, but you can’t kill hundreds of police officers and still consider yourself the good guy. Lupin fancies himself a “gentleman,” but now he’s a degenerate murderer by association. It’s going to be super awkward when Zenigata catches up with the gang in the finale and doesn’t even mention the full-on slaughter he just barely lived through. So much for continuity, eh?

Since this is the most technologically advanced series of Lupin III, so far, it’s great to see so many minor and former-major characters following Lupin’s escapades through social media. It was even enjoyable to see those two stupid gifts from Zenigata’s Russian caper, even though People-Log immediately gets them arrested again.

Also, while it doesn’t look like Albert is going to play heavily into the finale, the show does a great job of depicting how he controls things behind the scenes without having to cut to him very often. The fact that we hardly see him acts as a testament to how effective he can be when not squaring off against Lupin.

How weird was it to see the gang hiding out at the Castle of Cagliostro? For me, it always felt like Lupin III: Part V and Lupin III: Part IV existed in a different universe from the older Lupin titles—even the ones masterfully crafted by Hayao Miyazaki. The characters, style, plots, and even the realism exist in such contrast to each other. And while we’ve seen a few flashbacks to “older Lupin” in this series, those blips didn’t feel as definitive as their sojourn at the famous castle—which now appears to be a tourist mecca.

No Lupin next week on account of American Thanksgiving, but in two weeks the finale promises the return of Lupin’s estranged wife, Rebecca Rossellini. (Sarcastic applause)