Review: Part 6 “Episode 17 ~ Win or Lose in 0.1 Seconds”
Welcome to our episode review of Lupin III: Part 6!
Our review is from the perspective of a “hardcore” Lupin III fan, who has seen every episode, film, and special the series has had to offer since its animated inception in 1969. The author's perspective on modern anime however, is lacking. When it comes to anime, we exclusively watch Lupin III, so cannot compare it to other shows on the market. Instead, we can only compare it with Lupin media of the past.
Be aware that there are SPOILERS ahead.
Please only read on if you either have seen the episode already, or do not mind learning about important character interactions and pivotal plot points in advance.
Please also note that as episode eighteen is the first of a two-part storyline, we will not be publishing its review until episode nineteen has aired. Both episodes eighteen and nineteen will be covered as part of the same review. Episode nineteen is due to air on February 19th, 2022—a week later than expected, due to the ongoing Winter Olympics.
“Episode 17 ~ Win or Lose in 0.1 Seconds” of Lupin III: Part 6 is guest-written by Akira Kindaichi, and involves the Lupin gang facing off against the head of a security company and her new, “impenetrable” security system.
The story quite liberally borrows ideas from classic episodes of Part 1 and Part 2, specifically Which of the Third Generation Will Win and The Magnificent Team-Play Operation. These ideas are woven into a light-hearted side plot, in which Lupin’s new rival secretly has a deep appreciation for him, and seeks his hand in marriage.
While the quality takes a dive in terms of its visuals, with perhaps some of the most off-model animation Part 6 has seen to date, it makes up for things in its narrative and tone. While treading familiar ground, this feels like an episode of classic Lupin, and it may become a favourite for those who have not seen Part 1 and Part 2 prior.
When Miss. Lingfeng Wang of “Wantic Securities” reveals her new technology to the world, a system specifically designed for capturing famous thief Lupin III, it does not go unnoticed.
Already proven to work on the field in a heist gone wrong, Miss. Wang decides to invite Lupin with a calling card of her own—daring him to try to steal a rare, ridiculous treasure—the “flowing hair dollar”.
Less interested in the coinage and more interested in the thrill of the chase, Lupin jumps to the occasion. Jigen, Goemon and Fujiko are thankfully by his side—as all are key components in the heist. Four parts of the security system must be put out of commission at the same time, and therefore tight teamwork is required if the gang wish for their heist to succeed.
It is said that Wantic’s “L System” is flawless, and impossible to break through—something that Zenigata claims makes the situation even more dangerous, as this has only ever spurred on Lupin in the past.
Everyone quickly gets to work, in this magnificent team play operation!
The first half of the episode is a tonne of fun.
Seeing the Lupin gang trial-run their parts of the heist was a blast, and despite a heavy reuse of animation slightly spoiling the moment, it felt like another nice “behind the scenes” look at how the crew operate. Fujiko and Jigen bickering, with the femme fatale swiping the stoic gunmans hat, was goofy. Everyone then yelling at Goemon for having his typical and totally standard attitude got a laugh out of me. Tensions soon get high, and despite a brief falling out, the challenge presented to them alone is enough to draw everyone back in.
While it is rather shallow here, I do always appreciate explorations of the gangs’ relationship to the profession. Part 5, in particular, had some memorable dialogue during a conversation between Lupin and Jigen, regarding their age and why they do what they do. This felt far removed from that—and was much more light-hearted in tone, but still executed nicely.
After the rather silly reveal of Miss. Wang’s admiration for Lupin at the end of the first half, the second half shifts things onto the topic of the heist itself.
Despite Zenigata and his two assistants on lookout, the night soon delves into chaos as many people begin to attend the “event” in costume. It turns out part of Lupin’s plan is to challenge members of the public to steal the treasure before him, requesting that they dress up as their favourite member of the group while doing so. It’s a no-frills infiltration method, that simply sees our crew swan through the front door whilst blending in with the crowd.
This moment felt clever, but again, not dissimilar to Which of the Third Generation Will Win, a classic Part 1 episode directed by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata. Part 1 pulled off the idea better, as it was complimented by a frustrated Inspector Zenigata and Ganimard, rushing about the museum and participating in the chaos. Here, we simply see a confused cop, spinning in circles as he attempts to spot the thieves.
Once in position, just before things kick into action, Miss. Wang disables the crews’ communication line, meaning the count-down to go-time is a no-go. Thankfully, a reoccurring jingle for “Wantic Securities” begins to play throughout the building, and the team use this little ditty to time their movements.
It is a smart, satisfying moment, that essentially sees our thieves working in complete unison, with thanks to their target’s obnoxious company slogan. It not only pokes fun at the “villain” of the episode, but highlights Lupin, Jigen, Goemon and Fujiko’s similar thought processes. During the ride home, Goemon even dares to suggest they all have the power to mind-read, something that Fujiko immediately scoffs at. Why would she want to know what Lupin is thinking, after all?!
Perhaps their unified thoughts are by sheer co-incidence-or maybe, they are all so used to working together and good at what they do, they are equally like-minded. It is a fun concept to think about.
Before the episode ends, Lupin pays a visit to Miss. Wang, and announces that he has stolen the coin.
This felt like a rather throwaway moment, simply confirming that Lupin is doing everything for the thrill. He spends a second chatting up the female, who is floundering in her love for the man, and then disappears before she even gets the chance to turn around and look him in the eyes.
It felt typical Lupin, with him never sticking around for the girl—but in the context of this episode, it also came across as a tiny bit creepy. Had Miss. Wang not been completely infatuated with him, something he did not appear to know prior, what was he confronting her for? She was the “villain” after all, his challenge. The situation felt a little out of place, and odd.
Win or Lose in 0.1 Seconds is a decent guest-written episode, and one that I enjoyed.
Just like the episode that preceded it, I felt reminded of Part 4 and Part 5 in the goofy tone and storytelling of this tale. Miss. Wang was a good foe, and the moments showing the gang working together as a unit made up for the at times sloppy, lacklustre animation.
I would recommend watching either Which of the Third Generation Will Win orThe Magnificent Team-Play Operation over this any day. However, if old animation from the 1970s is not something you are prepared to go back to, then this is a decent alternative.
