‘Lupin’ Part Three Fails to Provide Adequate Support for Omar Sy

TV REVIEW ‘Lupin’ Part Three Doesn’t Give Omar Sy Nearly Enough Help

Introduction

The third batch of episodes of Netflix’s French crime caper, “Lupin,” continues to rely on the magnetic performance of Omar Sy as the master thief Assane Diop. While the series remains entertaining, it struggles to deliver fresh thrills and falls into repetitive storytelling. The new season picks up with Assane in hiding after his identity was revealed, with the familiar humor arising from the idea of an easily recognizable man like Assane being able to move around unnoticed. Assane’s character development is intriguing, and the heists are cleverly executed, but the world surrounding him feels less compelling. Despite these shortcomings, Omar Sy’s charisma ensures a baseline level of quality for the show.

Assane’s Challenges and Tensions

One notable change in “Lupin” Part Three is that Assane is no longer the master of his own fate. He finds himself having to dance to someone else’s tune, which introduces a satisfying level of tension. Assane is left to his own devices to figure out how to carry out the heists, relying on the help of his trusted gadgeteer sidekick, Benjamin. The show continues to delight in presenting the elaborate heists and then revealing how Assane pulls off his tricks. While some of these heists may seem ridiculous, the energy of the execution and Omar Sy’s captivating screen presence make them enjoyable.

Repetitive Storytelling

The main issue with “Lupin” Part Three lies in its repetitive storytelling and lackluster supporting characters. Assane’s ex-wife, Claire, their son, Raoul, and the police investigator, Youssef Guedira, were initially intriguing but now feel obligatory in their appearances. Scenes involving the larger ensemble often serve as a setup for future plot points or as a means to give Assane a break. This lack of substance in supporting characters hampers the overall experience of the show. However, it is worth noting that the focus on Assane speaks to his importance and memorability as a character.

Subplots and Language Choices

The inclusion of a subplot involving Benjamin creating a disguise for Assane to spend time with Claire and Raoul without them knowing his true identity feels both silly and unnecessary. It highlights the need for viewers to watch the subtitled French version rather than the dubbed English one, as the vocal changes in the dubbed version are not as evident. Additionally, the use of an electronic voice changer adds an intriguing element to the storyline.

Conclusion

While “Lupin” Part Three doesn’t deliver the same freshness and satisfaction as earlier seasons, Omar Sy’s captivating performance ensures a baseline level of quality for the show. The entertaining heists and Assane’s character development remain highlights of the series. The season’s ending introduces a significant status quo change, leaving room for future seasons to explore Assane’s changed circumstances. Ultimately, “Lupin” Part Three still offers an enjoyable viewing experience, albeit one that could have used more innovative storytelling and character development.

Disclaimer: This article is a critical review of the TV show “Lupin” Part Three. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the views of the New York Times or its editorial staff.