Rupan Sansei: Walther P38 - In Gedenken an die Walther P38

I put off watching this title for a while since it is billed as the darkest story of the franchise. While I believe this to be true, it is not so dark as to lose its way and not have elements we love about Lupin.

This TV-special attempts to tell two stories. The first is the tale of Lupin's past and his first partner. The second is the tale of this island of assassins with primary focus on Ellen (as a romantic interest for Lupin) and the leader of the assassins, Gordeau. The first tale is almost an afterthought, and indeed, Goemon and Jigen make a remark on this. The second tale is made interesting primarily because of Ellen. Exploring while this young woman is on an island full of killers was pretty good to me. I enjoyed the adventure of attempting to make the great escape of those who are on the island against their will.

The 1st story is really nothing more than to have a plot twist. Since we know nothing of this person before their identity is revealed, we really don't care beyond the mild suprise at learning who on the island was Lupin's former partner. After that, there was nothing. It would have worked better had Lupin reflected upon this former partner earlier in the pic. They had an opportunity when Goemon asks the obvious question, but the writers passed on giving anything.

Goemon, Jigen, and Fujiko have limited roles in this picture. All come to light when needed, but don't do much beyond that. Zenigata's role is that of comic relief with his attempted recovery of various injuries he keeps getting. Not the crew's finest outing.

Bottom line: not as pretty as some Lupin titles, but it does the job. It is a darker, more violent title than other ones in the franchise, but the story is interesting enough to make it worth a rent.

Last updated Thursday, October 06 2005. Created Thursday, October 06 2005.