Summary
Lupin continues to be cool and slick by nature — the only difference is that season 2 feels more personal, which works in the story’s favor.
This review of Netflix’s Lupin season 2 contains no spoilers — the second part will be released on the streaming service on June 10, 2021.
Lupin landed on streaming at the beginning of 2021 and surprisingly became a significant dark horse this year. When I wrote my review of part 1, I knew the crime thriller was noteworthy, but readers can forgive if I was apprehensive. Not only did Lupin exceed expectations, but it quickly became a staple of Netflix — a feat difficult to muster when the streaming service is trigger-happy on cancellations.
Season 2 of Lupin, or part 2, is merely a continuation of where we were left, so it’s surprising that Netflix did not decide to make the story into one season at ten episodes rather than two seasons at five episodes each.
If we rack our brains, season 1 left Assane Diop (played by Omar Sy) in a dangerous position; his Lupin tactics were no longer a game — his son had been kidnapped right under his gaze, and not only is that a parent’s worse fear, but it also destroyed Claire’s trust in him. Lupin became real — it transformed from “cat and mouse” to be personal for the lead character. Obtaining justice for his father and saving his son from Hubert’s henchman Leonard becomes the Assane’s mountain in season 2.
But with the stakes higher, Lupin season 2 does not betray what made part 1 thirstily fascinating. The series continues to play with many moving parts, giving the audience a full-circle view of specific events. However, part 2 is less intrinsic and complex in style, merely because the lead character is running out of time to achieve his goal. Being less complex does not necessarily dull the story — with the objective moving closer, the tension leading up to the finale is a satisfying watch. While the purpose is to replicate Lupin’s rich narratives, the less contextual approach is welcoming.
Lupin highlights the privilege of wealth more than ever, platforming how rich men can utilize cash with loopholes and an abundance of audacity. Hubert’s plans to extinguish the past are a reminder that the rich attempt to play by their own rules, and thematically, Assane is fighting back with a whole heap of racism thrown at him; with the messages clear, the story is mindful as much as action-filled.
Do we need a third season? While Assane could easily be the next alternate James Bond, the writers may struggle to flesh out a new story. The whole point of part two is to conclude Assane’s story with his father. A third part would mean hashing out an entirely different story. I wouldn’t put it past Netflix to commission another story, especially due to its popularity.
Lupin continues to be cool and slick by nature — the only difference is that season 2 feels more personal, which works in the story’s favor.
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