Review: Part 6 “Episode 2 ~ Detective and Crook”
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.
We will be watching the Japanese language dubbed version made available via the HIDIVE streaming platform.
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.
“Episode 2 ~ Detective and Crook” of Lupin III: Part 6 is slightly less ambitious than its predecessor, and it is better off for it.
There is a stronger focus on dialogue and character interaction in the second episode, as opposed to the high level of action and drama in the first. This gives both the characters and animators more time to breathe. CG cars are less apparent, and the prominent two action scenes that are included contain decent animation and interesting shot composition. There is a good level of drama, action, and humour all peppered in, presenting just the right mix to help provide an entertaining set-up for the rest of the series.
Following on from where episode one left off, Lupin and company come face-to-face with the famed private detective Sherlock Holmes.
After seeing the carnage wrought throughout the city and Lily's strong negative reaction to Lupin, Holmes' mood has changed. As he tracks down our hero's hideout, he means business, and there's some nice build up to the point of his arrival and ultimately, his face-off with Lupin and the gang.
The side of Holmes we see in this episode is said by Lupin to be more akin to how he was ten years ago, before spending time with adopted daughter Lily. He’s as quick as a whippet, and pulls no punches. Despite now focusing on smaller time crimes, “Episode 2” makes it clear that Holmes has not lost his edge. He storms onto the scene and holds his own against both Jigen and Goemon, who both seem to have grown a little rusty in combat since Part 5 (Jigen, fella', we need to talk about that aim — what happened)?
This action sequence between Jigen, Goemon and Holmes is a lot of fun.
As mentioned earlier, the animation and shot composition is top-notch, and the accompanying new music track by Yuji Ohno and pals helps it still feel like classic Lupin. There's a brief motorcycle chase between Holmes, Jigen and Fujiko, which ends in a nice comedy moment that got a laugh out of us. His brief but fun interaction with the two worked well, and we can only hope to see this fleshed out further in future episodes — a Holmes plus Fujiko team up would be interesting, perhaps?
While only a short scene, the interaction between Inspector Zenigata and Lestrade also proved interesting.
The two meet on the crime scene featured in “Episode 1”, and while Lestrade agrees to leave Lupin to old pops, it's made clear the two have some differences. One quick glance and hesitancy to respond to Lestrade from Inspector Zenigata at the end of this scene is enough to tell the audience that he suspects something. While often portrayed as a goof ball where Lupin is involved, Inspector Zenigata is an incredibly smart and competent cop. If Lestrade is up to something, and is hiding secrets, it is likely he would know — even at this early stage. Hopefully the relationship between both characters is shown in greater detail throughout future episodes.
The confrontation between Lupin and Holmes during the climax of the episode was exciting. Kanichi Kurita plays a more serious tone of Lupin here, and it works. The lack of a skirmish between the two and the sudden appearance of Zenigata and pals could be considered disappointing — but it helps build up the hype and anticipation for an inevitable clash in a future episode. Lupin and the gang get away on a speed boat, after blowing the abandoned tower block setting sky-high — a rather disappointingly bland escape for our colourful band of thieves. What — no giant cartoon hot air balloon to slowly float away on, like in the classics?
Speaking of classics… there is a rather humorous throwaway line from Jigen regarding Holmes' lineage. Both he and Lupin discuss a phony Sherlock Holmes III, the shady character which met with the gang way back during the red jacket television series, Lupin III: Part 2. While the reference did not feel necessary, it was certainly appreciated, and a nice nod for long-time fans!
Akio Ōtsuka featured more prominently as Jigen in episode two. While it is clear he is still finding his feet in the role, he is already doing an admirable job as our favourite gunslinger — mimicking a few of Kiyoshi Kobayashi's mannerisms to boot. It took Daisuke Namikawa, Miyuki Sawashiro and Kōichi Yamadera some time to “fit in” after their 2011 debut in Blood Seal ~ Eternal Mermaid, and by now they are all natural fits for the characters. We cannot wait to hear how Ōtsuka sounds in the more intense combat situations, and in Jigen centric episodes!
One slight negative in the episode was related to Lily's backstory, and the fact she is facing amnesia. This narrative element feels overdone in all forms of media, and we do hope the twist with her fathers’ death is a good one.
“Episode 2” of Part 6 felt much stronger than the series opener, with some nice animation, good action scenes and exciting new music from Yuji Ohno and friends. While we were surprised to hear of the gangs’ departure from London at the end of the episode, we can't help but feel they will be back again before they know it.
Next week’s episode looks to be a fun throwback to the one-shot storylines of Part 2, but drawn in the same style of Part 6 — a welcome change from the rather inconsistent feeling one-shot episodes of Part 5. We're excited to see what guest writer Tsuji Masaki has in store for us!
