Spoilers can alter their appearance.

Okey, I need to get something out of the way first. I know of Lupin because of the anime adapted from the Japanese manga, Lupin The Third, which narrates the story of a contemporary thief that is actually the grandson of the famous gentlemen thief. However, the original Arsène Lupin, gentleman thief, was created back in 1905 by Maurice Leblanc. This series happens in today’s day and age and has nothing to do with the anime. However, it also draws a lot of inspiration from Maurice Leblanc’s character so whether you know of either or none, this one is fun ride from beginning to end.

(Credit: Netflix)

Lupin (2021) was created by George Kay and François Uzan for Netflix. Assane Diop (Omar Sy) is a very skillful thief who inspires his heists on the stories of Arsène Lupin by Maurice Leblanc. Assane’s father Babakar (Fargass Assandé) was framed for stealing a diamond necklace that belonged to a powerful and influential man named Hubert Pellegrini (Hervé Pierre). After his father commits suicide in prison, Assane is only left with a book of the adventures of Lupin which becomes his inspiration. Twenty-five years later, the necklace has resurfaced and Assane plans to steal it from the Louvre, starting a chain of events that will bring down all those who framed his father.

This one is a must see series. The casting is superb. Omar Sy’s performance as Assane Diop has a magnetic presence and charisma to boot as a gentleman thief in an age where there are no more gentlemen. Assane is an enigma. He’s got a joy, a spark for life and adventure that the rest of the world does not understand. He has a former wife named Claire (Ludivine Sagnier) and a son Raoul (Etan Simon) for whom he’s trying to change his ways. He also seemed to have had something with Pellegrini’s daughter, Juliette (Clotilde Hesme).

But make no mistake, Assane is not a regular thug. He’s methodical, he’s careful and seemingly he’s almost invincible. However, his own passion can lead him to make small mistakes. Despite all his careful planning, it’s the little surprises that force him to improvise. If it seems I am being too vague, that’s because I think this series has so many little surprise gems, they’re worth discovering anew. As much as Assane’s mission is one of retribution, there’s a smile upon his face on a plan coming to fruition. He’s not a brooding avenger, he’s having fun. And it’s fun to see him get away with it.

Highly recommended for something we’re all missing. It’s a little bit of a joie du vivre, a sense of adventure, a hint of danger and a little Arsène Lupin in a fresh new incarnation. Brilliantly performed by Omar Sy in the role of Assane Diop, this is a charismatic and charming gentleman thief for the new age. Although on the wrong side of the law, Assane is dispensing justice and avoiding capture. What a pity he is not an honest man, but he’s definitely one that puts on a show.

That will do for now.