Ep 16. Cruisin in Drag
- July 24, 1978
- 24 min
Lupin the 3rd, Part 2 is a classic anime series that follows the adventures of master thief Arsene Lupin III and his gang of accomplices as they travel the world stealing priceless treasures and outsmarting both the police and rival thieves. The show is known for its blend of action, comedy, and intrigue, as well as its stylish aesthetic and iconic characters.
Season 2, episode 16, titled "Cruisin in Drag," is a prime example of what makes Lupin the 3rd so entertaining and beloved by fans. In this episode, Lupin and his friends Jigen, Goemon, and Fujiko embark on a new heist, only to run into unexpected obstacles at every turn.
The episode begins with Lupin and his crew stealing a valuable statue from a museum, only to discover that it has been rigged with explosives. They narrowly escape the blast, but are forced to abandon their car and make a hasty retreat on foot. With the police hot on their trail, Lupin must come up with a new plan to get the statue off the island and out of the country.
Enter Madame Doubtfire, a notorious cross-dressing smuggler who owes Lupin a favor. Lupin decides to disguise himself as a woman and join Madame Doubtfire's smuggling ring, hoping to use her connections to get the statue safely out of the country. Meanwhile, Jigen and Goemon pose as her bodyguards, while Fujiko plays the role of a wealthy client.
As Lupin infiltrates the smuggling operation, he discovers that Madame Doubtfire is not as trustworthy as he had hoped. She has partnered with a rival gang of smugglers who want to take over the operation and eliminate any competition. Lupin must use all of his wits and cunning to outsmart Madame Doubtfire and her partners in crime, all while maintaining his disguise as a glamorous woman.
The episode is filled with plenty of action and humor, as well as some surprisingly poignant moments. Lupin's cross-dressing antics provide plenty of laughs, but the episode also explores themes of identity and deception, as Lupin struggles to maintain his facade while also being true to himself. There are also some great moments of camaraderie between Lupin and his crew, as they work together to outsmart their enemies and pull off the heist.
Overall, "Cruisin in Drag" is a fun and memorable episode of Lupin the 3rd, Part 2 that showcases everything that makes the show so great. Fans of the series will love the blend of action, comedy, and intrigue, as well as the iconic characters and stylish aesthetic. Newcomers to the series will find plenty to enjoy as well, as the episode is both accessible and entertaining on its own.