A Match Made in Heaven
“[Lupin and Inspector Zenigata] would either both fail, both win or both get very old.”
This is what series creator Monkey Punch stated when asked how he would end the franchise. Many of you have heard his comparison between his duo and Tom and Jerry. Besides an obvious game of cat and mouse, both Lupin and Zenigata necessitate the others' existence just like their animal counterparts. What would Zenigata do if he didn’t have to catch Lupin? And what would Lupin be if he didn’t have the dogmatic agent on his heels the entire time? Because of this professional (and possibly personal) interest, the two have been forced to work together in order to ensure the other’s safety on many occasions. These instances are just as dysfunctional and entertaining as you would expect, so here is a list of some of the best episodes and films that revolve around, or feature the beloved trope.
WARNING:
Spoilers were kept to a minimum, but since many of these are considered some of the best epodes in the entire series, it is completely understandable if you wish to view them first before reading further.
The Wind in Morocco is Hot / Moroccan Horror Picture Show
Part 2: Episode 30
Available on Funimation/Crunchyroll and HiDive. (Dub Available)
First on the list, Moroccan Horror Picture Show or The Wind in Morocco is Hot, sets up a lot of the tropes we will see in the later episodes that follow. The episode begins with our pair of misfits being kidnapped by a Moroccan rebel army, who wish to forcefully enlist the duo into their ranks. The two attempt a jailbreak. Shenanigans ensue.
The plot is relatively simple by today's standards, but since the episode is one of the first to clearly depict this beloved trope, it is a standout for that reason. Those aforementioned tropes include the idea of a romantic interest between Zenigata and Lupin (though in this episode it is mostly played for laughs) and the situation that brought the two together leaning towards one of the men’s strengths (in this case, a jailbreak that leans towards Lupin’s criminal cunning).
The Woman the Old Man Fell in Love With / Zenigata Getcha Into My Life
Part 2: Episode 69
Available on Funimation/Crunchyroll and HiDive. (Dub Available)
In a strange turn of events, Zenigata comes to Lupin for help… with a heist?
The set up is rather complex for single episode of Lupin, but in short it revolves around a woman (that Zenigata just so happens to fancy) and her ability to open a complex safe. The only issue is that doing so could cause her death, and there is a violent mob boss hell bent on opening it - regardless of her well being. Zenigata is reluctantly forced to enlist the help of his rival in order to save his love interest. The detective shines particularly bright in this episode but Lupin’s inclusion does wonders in advancing their relationship and dissecting their codependence on one another.
If you were to watch only one episode from Part 2 featured on this list, it should probably be this one.
Albatross: The Wings of Death
Part 2: Episode 145
Available on Funimation/Crunchyroll and HiDive.
Oh brother, is this guy really talking about that episode?
Sure am! Widely considered to be one of, if not the best single episode of Lupin, Albatross: The Wings of Death sees Lupin attempting to stop a nuke-loving mad scientist and save a kidnapped Fujiko in the process. Since the stakes of this heist have to do with the safety of the entire world, Zenigata has no other option but to help Lupin and crew. A particular highlight of this particularly great episode sees Jigen using Zenigata’s gun to shoot missiles out of the air from the cockpit of a biplane. Cool stuff.
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli fame, Albatross is a stand out for excelling in giving the audience a little bit of everything you could want in a self contained episode of classic Lupin the 3rd.
Nonstop Rendezvous
Part 4: OVA 2
Available on Funimation/Crunchyroll and HiDive. (Dub Available)
Before we go any further, I gotta get this out of the way - this episode is my favorite in this list. It is by no means complex, but the episode's status as an OVA allows for Part 4’s overall narrative to take a back seat and focus instead on a brisk under 30 minute special that lets long time rivals entertain. The set up is simple— upon learning that his fiance has been kidnapped, Lupin rushes out to rescue her. Only to find that he has been handcuffed to Inspector Zenigata by… Inspector Zenigata? The cuffs cannot easily be broken, and with the key to unlocking them lost to the mouth of a hungry sheep, the two must rescue Rebecca on board a runaway train. It's weird, it's hilarious, it's beautiful.
The episode does not necessarily bring to light any new depth to the characters’ relationship, but maybe that’s what makes it so fun? The episode can use every minute available for memorable moments between the characters in order to remind the audience what makes them so special to begin with.
Zenigata’s Pride and the Desert Dust
AND
A Crook’s Resolve
Part 5: Episode 4 and 5
Available on Funimation/Crunchyroll and HiDive. (Dub Available)
Thanks to how Part 5 is organized, Episode 4 and 5 will be combined into one since their narratives are so closely linked. Episode 4 finds Lupin and Zenigata on the run from a collection of hitmen and hitwomen who all wish to cash out on Lupin’s life. In order to save the life of a young hacker named Ami, Lupin and Zenigata escape together into the desert where the two long-time rivals are on full display for the younger 3rd party. Here, Ami is able to act as a stand-in for the audience and gets to witness the two’s awkward relationship in real time, ask questions, and probe deeper.
In order to avoid major spoilers, a violent end to episode 4 sees Zenigata taken off of his life long Lupin case and is begrudgingly moved to the narcotics office of INTERPOL. Episode 5 is arguably one of the best episodes in the entire series and a large part of its greatness revolves around a spoiler I dare not ruin for anyone who hasn’t seen it. Though I will say, it features one of my favorite moments between Zenigata and Lupin in the episode’s closing moments.
“After all, I just got transferred to Narcotics!”
Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro
Available for both digital and physical purchase. (Dub Available)
One of the franchise's landmark films, The Castle of Cagliostro features a great bit of teamwork during the film’s second and third acts. After both men are trapped in the dungeon of the antagonist’s castle, they put aside their differences once again in order to escape and stop a greater evil. What follows is a wonderfully chaotic escape plan full of fist fights, helicopters, and even later, the most flamboyant wedding crash ever animated.
Since Caglisotro depicts an older Lupin, it makes sense for the relationship between the two to be a little more nuanced than “cop and robber.” And so, the film’s closing scene exemplifies this beautifully when after the heist has concluded, Zenigata once again chases Lupin out of the village. As two minor characters reflect on their time with Lupin, one of them says under their breath “It appears that Zenigata is very fond of [Lupin].” While this line differs in the original Japanese script (instead, the man says “What a refreshing bunch of fellows they were”) I think this line is simple, fantastic, and does a wonderful job of encapsulating the two character’s personal dynamic.
Also this scene is in the movie.
Lupin III: The First
Available for both digital and physical purchase. (Dub Available)
While Cagliostro revels in nuanced relations between its central characters, Lupin the 3rd: The First revels in franchise conventions cranked up to eleven. Though I must say that this is not a bash on the film, actually, it is able to stand on its own because of it. Thanks to stellar 3DCG animation work, The First breathes new life into the characters through over the top expressions, and in turn, further explores the relationship of Lupin and Zenigata achieved with frequent uses of slapstick humor. Possibly the film’s best example of this occurs when Zenigata abruptly, as if by magic, appears in a scene, ready to arrest Lupin.
If you’re itching for more episodes with Zenigata, Lupin Central contributor Tabbie has a great article about that very thing. If you haven’t read it, please do.
