Netflix: “Lupin,” Season 3

The third season of “Lupin” (Netflix) gives lie to the notion that all good series eventually jump the shark. Au contraire, mes amis! The suave Assane Diop (Omar Sy), France’s most resourceful, debonair thief, remains at the top of his game—doing whatever it takes to save the world (and his loved ones) from the unscrupulous 1 percent.

This season, Assane’s absent mother (Naky Sy Savane) becomes the focus. Having not heard from her in years, Assane suddenly begins receiving messages that she’s been kidnapped and being held hostage in Paris. The price for her freedom? Steal a priceless black pearl from a Place Vendome jeweler. And retrieve a painting by Manet from another set of thieves.

So who’s this kidnapper? Jean-Luc Keller (Salif Cisse), young Assane’s guardian and boxing coach who’s seeking revenge for an episode gone bad between the two long ago.

Questions abound: Will Assane be able to save his mother by delivering the loot, and will the thieves honor their part of the bargain? Will the bumbling police catch Assane in the act—for these bold crimes and other robberies he’s committed?

Never underestimate Assane. After all he is based on Arsene Lupin, the fictional gentleman thief and master of disguise created in 1905 by French writer Maurice Leblanc. And like his hero, Assane outwits and outthinks his antagonists at every turn.

The cast is as superb as ever. They include Assane’s wife Claire (Ludivine Saignier), his son Raoul (Etan Simon), and his nerdy sidekick Ben (Antoine Guey). Kudos as well to Yousseff (Sofiane Guerrab), the policeman who’s read the Leblanc books and uses his knowledge to try and anticipate Assane’s next moves.

The quizzical finale raises questions of whether “Lupin” will have a next season. Dear Netflix: denying us any further episodes of this superbly directed show would be the biggest robbery since Brinks.

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