The "Pink Jacket" series has seen little play outside of Japan and is chiefly judged by Legend of the Gold of Babylon, the film produced during the same time period. While Babylon and this series share the same comedy style, the third series fares a bit better in its execution.

While no US distributor has released it on home video, the series was broadcasted by the digital television station UTBHollywood in Southern California in 2010. In September 2013, TMS stunned US fans by streaming the third series on Hulu complete with subtitles. However, only thirty of the fifty episodes were available at the time.

Japanese Title:
Rupan Sansei (Lupin the Third)
Jacket Color:
Pink
Initial Air Date:
1984 March 03
Final Air Date:
1985 December 24
Episode Count:
50
Run Time per Episode:
~30 minutes
Credits Scene from Third TV Series
Episode 1: The Gold Is Beckoning Lupin

Episode 1: The Gold Is Beckoning Lupin

Kinkai wa Rupan o Yobu
Air Date: 1984 March 3
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On his deathbed, the notorious gangster Al Capone gave a tile to his most loyal servant. That tile, along with four others, would reveal the location of his greatest treasure. After a quick phone call from Fujiko, Lupin and company are on the case. Quickly, they acquire four of the necessary tiles; but soon after, Fujiko is captured by the evil mob boss, Lord Chinkai while Lupin is intensely interrogated by Stromo the mercenary.

Should Lupin escape his tormentor will he be able to rescue Fujiko from hers? It all comes down to a race through Alcatraz in search of the last few tiles which hold the secret of Al Capone's treasure.

Note: Summary written by "DrSpengler"

Episode 2: Expose the Great Trap

Episode 2: Expose the Great Trap

Ouinaru Wana o Abake
Air Date: 1984 March 10
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With the permission of the ICPO Captain, Inspector Zenigata hatches a foolproof plan to at last capture Lupin. By melting down six tons of gold, forging it into the shape of a meteor, and then televising it's discovery to the world, Zenigata is positive Lupin will try to steal it. Indeed, Lupin does steal it; but under closer inspection with Goemon's sword, the meteor appears to be a gold-plated rock.

What happened to the six tons of gold? If Zenigata wants his job back, he will have to figure that out.

Note: Summary written by "DrSpengler"

Episode 3: Good Afternoon, Hell's Angel

Episode 3: Good Afternoon, Hell's Angel

Konnichiwa Jigoku no Tenshi
Air Date: 1984 March 17
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Lupin sneaks into an old castle to steal a collection of priceless angel paintings; what he finds instead is a teenage girl named Flora. Despite his numerous objections, Lupin cannot seem to get rid of her, and she accompanies him back to his hideout. As it turns out, Flora is the daughter of the late Malcolm Hurst, owner of the angel collection. If Lupin agrees to let her be a thief for the next three days, she will reveal the location of the paintings.

Lupin has no choice but to put up with this energetic girl all while avoiding attacks from Hurst's greedy ex-wife, who wants the paintings for herself.

Note: Summary written by "DrSpengler"

Episode 4: Telepathy Is Love's Signal

Episode 4: Telepathy Is Love's Signal

Terepashii wa Ai no Signal
Air Date: 1984 March 24
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Deep beneath the whirlpools of the Bermuda Triangle, Lupin and Jigen discover a pirate ship containing tons of Spanish gold. Before the two can collect it, a submarine manned by a team of female pirates intervenes. After a quick skirmish, Lupin and Jigen escape empty-handed, as do the pirates who cannot get past the whirlpools to reach the gold. Later that evening, Fujiko is kidnapped right before Lupin's eyes. The Captain informs him that if he wants to see Fujiko again he must steal the gold for them.

Will the pirates hold up their end of the bargain? And whose voice is Lupin hearing in his head?

Note: Summary written by "DrSpengler"

Episode 5: Goemon Daydream

Episode 5: Goemon Daydream

Goemon Musou
Air Date: 1984 April 7
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Lupin, Jigen and Goemon head to an ancient South African temple to receive a treasure map from a retired Nazi. Shortly after receiving the map, it is stolen from them by two young soldiers and a giant condor who are working for another former Nazi. Fleeing with the map, one of the soldiers, a young lady, encounters Goemon. Before she can shoot, Goemon cuts all of her clothes to ribbons not realizing she was a woman. She escapes with the map via her pet condor while Goemon, disgraced by his actions, leaves to meditate.

Will Lupin be able to outwit the former Nazi? And can Goemon ever get the image of naked women out of his head?

Note: Summary written by "DrSpengler"

Episode 6: Lupin Has Come with a Tank

Episode 6: Lupin Has Come with a Tank

Rupan ga Sensha de Yattekita
Air Date: 1984 May 19
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Alone, Jigen enters a bar to meet with his old war buddy, Giranko. Back in his army days, Giranko taught Jigen his infamous quickdraw. But his friend seems troubled. Soon, the enemy army invades the city, and Giranko heads off to battle with Jigen not far behind. Meanwhile, Lupin and Goemon search the city for their lost comrade so they can find the lost treasure they came in search for and leave. But Jigen will not go.

What is Giranko hiding? And can Lupin withstand the might of an entire army?

Note: Summary written by "DrSpengler"

Episode 7: The Man Is Called the Death Garb

Episode 7: The Man Is Called the Death Garb

Shinigami Gaabu to Yobareta Otoko
Air Date: 1984 May 26
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Back in her younger days, Fujiko performed a heist with the man known as Death Garb. Greedily, she left him to die so she could have the money for herself. Now, Death Garb is back and has the ability to effortlessly dodge bullets. Lupin dedicates himself to Fujiko's survival, but Fujiko seems more interested in using him as a shield. After first avoiding a round from Jigen's magnum and then the best strikes Goemon can offer, all hope seems lost.

How did Death Garb obtain his new power, and can Lupin devise a way to kill him?

Note: Summary written by "DrSpengler"

Episode 8: Virgin Mary's Getaway Strategy

Episode 8: Virgin Mary's Getaway Strategy

Seibo Mariya no Dasshutsu Sakusen
Air Date: 1984 June 9
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Deep within the frozen Alaskan wilderness, a mysterious cult chants before a sold gold Virgin Mary idol. The high priest prophesizes the coming of the great demon who will steal their sacred artifact. Elsewhere, Lupin and Fujiko are escaping a fleet of police officers. Without warning, a team of hooded cult members appears and quickly abducts Fujiko right from their getaway car. Lupin gathers his teammates and heads off to Alaska to save Fujiko before she is burned at the stake.

All is not as it seems, however. What is the true identity of the high priest and his cult? And does somebody else have eyes for the Virgin Mary statue?

Note: Summary written by "DrSpengler"

Episode 9: The Copy-Man Comes Expensive

Episode 9: The Copy-Man Comes Expensive

Kopii Ningen wa Takaku Tsuku
Air Date: 1984 June 16
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Lupin visits a doctor to seek treatment for one of the worst cases of athlete's foot in the world. The Doctor takes a skin sample and informs him that the only way to make a cure is with powder from an ancient seed locked away in a museum. Unable to withstand the horrible itching, Lupin sets off immediately to steal the seed. Unfortunately for him, he was set up, and Zenigata arrests him with haste. To make matters worse, the Doctor has plans for the skin sample that he took from Lupin.

Lupin must escape the clutches of Zenigata and stop the mad Doctor before his identity is mass-produced.

Note: Summary written by "DrSpengler"

Episode 10: Lay a Plot with the Treasure

Episode 10: Lay a Plot with the Treasure

Hihou wa Inbou no Nioi
Air Date: 1984 June 23
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A message appears in the morning paper reading "Lupin Is an Idiot". Lupin says it is a secret code from his late grandfather telling him it's time to reclaim Lupin the First's prized diamond. But the gem is locked away in police headquarters, encased in a globe of liquid. Should a single vibration touch the liquid, the entire facility will explode. To make matters worse, Lupin is tricked into accepting a challenge from the police chief. If he does not steal the diamond within one week, he will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Will Lupin seek outside help to obtain the diamond? And why is Goemon practicing sword techniques on water balloons?

Note: Summary written by "DrSpengler"

Episode 11: The Ruby Sheds Bloody Tears

Episode 11: The Ruby Sheds Bloody Tears

Rubii wa Chi no Ase o Nagasu
Air Date: 1984 July 7
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In Chicago, a sniper kills a man under the orders of the mysterious "Mother". Even more strange, Fujiko seems to be under her spell. Lupin sneaks into Mother's mansion and manages to steal the Dracula Heart ruby. Once every century, this ruby bleeds, and whoever drinks its blood is granted youth for another 100 years. Mother has used the blood to maintain life for the past 300 years and will not be denied. She wants the ruby back, and Fujiko will do anything to reclaim it for her.

Lupin has his work cut out for him as he struggles to escape Mother's crew of assassins, the sudden arrival of Zenigata, and even Fujiko.

Note: Summary written by "DrSpengler"

Episode 12: The Prisoner of a Valtan Palace

Episode 12: The Prisoner of a Valtan Palace

Barutankan no Toriko
Air Date: 1984 July 28
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After much labor, Lupin successfully steals a painting of Lupin the First's beloved. He is less than thrilled to discover that it is in fact a fake. Fujiko enters the scene and explains that it is actually a Valtan forgery. Valtan has the artist and his daughter Sofia captive in his palace; he forces him at gunpoint to recreate his own paintings. Lupin heads off to Valtan's palace to rescue an old friend of his grandfather's and maybe keep a few paintings for himself.

Things get tricky as Lupin struggles to rescue Sofia, outwit Zenigata, free his old friend, foil Valtan, and steal all the original paintings. Can he pull it off?

Note: Summary written by "DrSpengler"

Episode 13: Play a Joke on the Variation

Episode 13: Play a Joke on the Variation

Warunori Hensoukyoku
Air Date: 1984 October 20
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After narrowly escaping Zenigata, Lupin is both physically and mentally exhausted. However, he jumps at the chance to help Fujiko. Together, they attend a party of rich women located in an old castle, intent on stealing all their jewelry. Things take a turn for the worse when the castle tower they are in turns out to be a rocket ship that carries them all to an island nation at war. Zenigata is then called in to collect funds for the ransom of all the women as well as capture Lupin. When he gets there, he finds Lupin hanging from a cross, seconds away from being shot to death by Fujiko. It is all part of the plot designed by the mysterious Madam Razor.

Will Zenigata rescue Lupin? If so, can Lupin figure exactly what the heck is going on? All this in an episode which makes absolutely no sense.

Note: Summary written by "DrSpengler"

Episode 14: Let's Play the Abduction

Episode 14: Let's Play the Abduction

Yuukai Geemu wa Osuki
Air Date: 1984 October 27
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In Central Park, Zenigata waits outside an armored car to ambush Lupin. Not to protect the money, but because Lupin is the prime suspect in the kidnapping of Madam Fiona. Lupin steals the money, eludes Zenigata, and delivers it to another party. It would seem he had been hypnotized by Fujiko to perform the task and is quickly knocked out with a monkey wrench. Zenigata arrests Lupin; and shortly afterward, Madam Fiona is set free claiming Lupin to be her kidnapper. Fujiko arrives at Madam Fiona's mansion expecting her cut of the profits only to find that Madam Fiona insists that she marry her bratty son, Roger. With the help of Goemon and Jigen, Lupin escapes prison.

What's next on the "To-Do" list? Rescue Fujiko, get back the money, and restore his "good" name.

Note: Summary written by "DrSpengler"

Episode 15: The Killer Comes Along Quietly

Episode 15: The Killer Comes Along Quietly

Koroshi ga Shizuka ni Yattekuru
Air Date: 1984 November 3
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In an abandoned baseball stadium, Jigen and a mysterious woman are shooting it out. She soon bests Jigen and proceeds to take on Goemon in a sword fight. She manages to strike him down as well. Lupin shows up and congratulates her on the success of her training with him. The woman's name is Glory, and Lupin needs her in order to access an ancient treasure. Only a girl who is pure of heart can ride atop a camel that will lead them to the treasure. Lupin and Glory head off to Jordan leaving Jigen and Goemon behind. They find out quickly that Lupin is in danger. Bruce the Robot-Man, one of the world's greatest assassins, is after Lupin and his $100,000 reward.

Will Glory's training save her when the Robot-Man strikes? And is she all that she seems to be?

Note: Summary written by "DrSpengler"

Episode 16: The Golden Apple has Poison

Episode 16: The Golden Apple has Poison

Oogon no Ringo Niwa Doku ga Aru
Air Date: 1984 November 10
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Lupin and Jigen sneak aboard a yacht narrowly avoiding Zenigata; aboard that yacht is the precious golden apple being sent to New York for exhibition. Zenigata catches on to Lupin's plans to steal the apple and keeps his eyes open. Meanwhile, Fujiko is trying to get her hands on it as well, but she is stuck with the owner of the apple, the annoying Prince Oji. When the attempt on the yacht does not work out, Lupin has plans for the New York Marathon.

Will Lupin or Fujiko ever get their hands on the apple? What tricks does Zenigata have up his sleeve? And what secret does the golden apple hold?

Note: Summary written by "Crackerjack"

Episode 17: Are You Really Getting Married?

Episode 17: Are You Really Getting Married?

Kekkon Surutte Hontou Desu ka
Air Date: 1984 November 17
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It is Fujiko's birthday, and this year she wants the "Golden Puppet" worth ten million dollars. If Lupin can get her the Golden Puppet, Fujiko claims she will marry him. Lupin goes to the bank vault and escapes with all the gold nuggets. Now, they must get married, but Fujiko gives Lupin a sleeping potion and escapes with the Golden Puppet. Lupin manages to find her, and they both get arrested by Zenigata. In jail, Lupin pleads for a wedding in the biggest church, and Zenigata allows it.

Will they really get married? Where did Goemon and Jigen run off to?

Note: Summary written by "Crackerjack"

Episode 18: Show Time Is Death Feeling

Episode 18: Show Time Is Death Feeling

Shoutaimu wa Shi no Kaori
Air Date: 1984 November 24
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Lupin and Jigen are after the party presents of "the boss of the underworld". While checking out the future scene of the crime, Lupin finds a dancer named Jenny. Jenny is being stalked by two thugs, but Lupin saves her. Lupin hangs out with this Jenny so he can get some valuable information on the premises.

Will Lupin succeed in his mission, and what secrets does Jenny hold?

Note: Summary written by "Crackerjack"

Episode 19: An Act of Betrayal

Episode 19: An Act of Betrayal

Uragiri no Kouya o Hashire
Air Date: 1984 December 1
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Lupin breaks into a prison and frees a strange looking man he knows from previous heists. When the strange man questions what Lupin plans on doing with him, Lupin begins to talk about a hidden "safe trunk" containing millions. Lupin proposes an offer to split it 50-50 if he helps him get the trunk, an offer the man readily agrees to. But Zenigata is on Lupin's tail.

Who is this man, and will he really agree to help Lupin? Will Jigen and company come to help? Will Zenigata finally catch Lupin?

Note: Summary written by Andrew

Episode 20: Cross His Name Off the List

Episode 20: Cross His Name Off the List

Kako o Keshita Otoko
Air Date: 1984 December 8
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Lupin and Fujiko are enjoying a nice day together. Fujiko asks Lupin to steal an expensive painting. Learning Fujiko is the reward, Lupin jumps at the job. After Lupin runs off with the painting, he learns its a fake and finds himself in a bind when he learns Fujiko double crossed him and is working for the owner of the painting. After finding out the man once conned him years before, Lupin begins to wonder what this man plans to do. Lupin's suspicions get the best of him, and after a couple of failed attempts, he breaks into the man's house.

What does this man wish to do, and what is Fujiko up to?

Note: Summary written by Andrew

Episode 21: Farewell, Golden Legend

Episode 21: Farewell, Golden Legend

Saraba Oogon-densetsu
Air Date: 1984 December 15
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An ancient japanese piece of art is being excavated when Lupin and Jigen pop onto the scene. Apparently, the "Golden Legend" has a dazzling pearl where its eye is, and Lupin wants it. After learning more about the "Golden Legend", they kidnap one of the archeologists, and Lupin and company find themselves on a wild adventure with Zenigata on their tail... and maybe someone else too.

Who else is after Lupin and company? Where will they find themselves? Will this archeologist help Lupin find the Golden Legend?

Note: Summary written by Andrew

Episode 22: The Fire Is Not Suitable for a Diamond

Episode 22: The Fire Is Not Suitable for a Diamond

Dia ni Honoo wa Niawanai
Air Date: 1984 December 22
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Lupin and company are sneaking inside a room with a vault in it. After breaking into the vault, they all begin to steal thousands of wonderful diamonds. But a fire breaks loose in the room, and they narrowly escape with only one diamond but without Fujiko. Lupin immediately investigates the incident and soon finds that the diamonds are all fakes and part of a plan to make the cost of the diamonds rise. What Lupin doesn't know is that the owner is telling Zenigata that Lupin burned the diamonds to increase their value.

Lupin will not let this go unanswered. What will Lupin do? Where did Fujiko run off to?

Note: Summary written by Andrew

Episode 23: The Strategy of Beirut Mobile Bank Robbery

Episode 23: The Strategy of Beirut Mobile Bank Robbery

Beiruuto Idou ginkou goudatsu sakusen
Air Date: 1984 December 29
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Lupin and company plan to rob a bank, but not just any bank. This bank carries the "Prince of Oils" money and has extremely high security. Also, wheels on the bottom of the bank enable it to move, making it an unusually difficult task for Lupin. In order to get inside of the bank, they need to wait for the bank to stop moving. Disguising himself, Lupin manages to get into the bank, but will he be able to leave?

Note: Summary written by Andrew

Episode 24: Pray for the Repose of Your Soul

Episode 24: Pray for the Repose of Your Soul

Tomoyo Fukaku Nemure
Air Date: 1985 January 12
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Lupin has his sights on a valuable antique owned by Hong Kong businessman Gozen. However, Gozen has plans to amuse himself by using the antique to bait Lupin and the gang into a trap. To counter Goemon's swordsmanship, Gozen enlists the kung-fu expert and Goemon's former rival Seiryu. Silver threads gleam in the moonlight, and the martial arts battle rages in the sky between the skyscrapers. Can Goemon best his rival and help Lupin secure Gozen's prize?

Note: This is one of the darker episodes seen since the first TV series featuring a rather serious and menacing character design for Goemon.

Episode 25: We Are Not Angels

Episode 25: We Are Not Angels

Oretachi wa Tenshi Jyanai
Air Date: 1985 January 19
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Lupin has set his eyes on the "Heart's Eggs", but the woman who possesses them has them locked behind an impregnable safe. Can Lupin penetrate the safe and steal the eggs? Are his motives selfish, or does he have a benevolent streak?

Episode 26: The Ghost of New York

Episode 26: The Ghost of New York

New York no Yuurei
Air Date: 1985 January 26
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The gang is in New York to steal a solid gold pinball machine, but Goemon finds himself haunted by an attractive specter. Will the gang be pinball wizards, or will Goemon's friendly ghost spook the treasure away?

Episode 27: Code Name Is Alaska Star

Episode 27: Code Name Is Alaska Star

Angoumei wa Arasuka no Hoshi
Air Date: 1985 February 2
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The Star of Alaska is a mysterious gem sought by the CIA, the KGB, and now Lupin. The Star is also tied to Barbara, a woman from Jigen's past. As the parties maneuver for the gem, a shot rings out... Barbara!

Note: Features a new opening animation sequence.

Episode 28: The Alaska Star Is a Ticket to Hell

Episode 28: The Alaska Star Is a Ticket to Hell

Arasuka no Hoshi wa Jigoku eno Housyuu
Air Date: 1985 February 9
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A showdown for the Alaska Star is brewing, but Jigen has a personal score to settle with Georgy. As the Star sparkles in the twilight, is Jigen doomed to repeat the past?

Episode 29: Let's Go to the Honey-Moon

Episode 29: Let's Go to the Honey-Moon

Tsuki e Honey-Moon ni Ikou
Air Date: 1985 February 16
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Lupin has won Fujiko's hand in marriage by stealing Marie Antoinette's bridal ensemble; as a honeymoon surprise, Lupin plans their trip to... the moon?! Does Lupin's plan have the right stuff, or will his wedding flame out?

Episode 30: The Name of the Cocktail Is Revenge

Episode 30: The Name of the Cocktail Is Revenge

Kakuteru no Na wa Fukushuu
Air Date: 1985 February 23
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One rainy night, a valuable gold shipment makes its way across the country, but Lupin is busy playing bartender to an attractive woman. He pours her a special cocktail laced with the promise of revenge for her father's murder. Does revenge and thievery mix well?

Episode 31: Reversal. Reversal and Again Reversal

Episode 31: Reversal. Reversal and Again Reversal

Gyakuten. Gyakuten mata Gyakuten
Air Date: 1985 March 2
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Mr. Gellon has an impressive art collection, a collection worthy of Lupin's special attention. However, Mr. Gellon is aware of Lupin's motives and takes steps to ensure the safety of his collection. Both sides try every conniving trick in their arsenal to thwart the other; can Gellon and his luchadore henchman stop Lupin from making off with his entire gallery?

Episode 32: 10 million Dollar Key

Episode 32: 10 million Dollar Key

1000man-doru no Kagi
Air Date: 1985 March 9
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Stopping for some fast food proves to be a fast way to prison for Lupin courtesy of Zenigata. A mysterious man breaks Lupin out of prison and takes him to his boss. They have an interesting proposal for Lupin -- steal the ten million dollar US presidential limo for us. Lupin is game for the challenge and knocks over the Chase Manhattan bank to find the spare key. Lupin's clients have a more sinister plot behind the theft and want Lupin to take the fall. Is Lupin destined to save the US government?

Note: The US president featured is clearly Ronald Reagan. The story also features a rare happy ending for Zenigata complete with a handshake, photo opportunity, and newspaper story.

Episode 33: A Boy Genius Plays a Dangerous Game

Episode 33: A Boy Genius Plays a Dangerous Game

Tensai shounen no Kiken na Asobi
Air Date: 1985 March 16
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The Macintosh Jewelry building is Lupin's next target, but he quickly finds himself having to rescue a kidnapped boy. This is no ordinary boy though; his is the keeper of revolutionary scientific research. He also happens to be a huge fan of Lupin and as much of a lecher as Lupin. How can Lupin stop Macintosh from stealing the boy's secrets, steal Macintosh's inventory, and keep himself from getting slapped for the boy's penchant for peeking up women's skirts?

Episode 34: Manhattan Crisis

Episode 34: Manhattan Crisis

Manhattan-crisis
Air Date: 1985 March 23
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Lupin is in Manhattan to score the mafia's largest cash deposit, but the mafia has caught wind of his plans. To thwart Lupin, they have placed a hefty bounty on his head, and all of New York aims to collect! Can Lupin take a bite out of the Big Apple for himself, or is he going to be worm food?

Episode 35: Target Was Gone Beyond the Snow Field

Episode 35:Target Was Gone Beyond the Snow Field

Taagetto wa Hakugin no Hateni
Air Date: 1985 March 30
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When a heist of gold bullion goes awry, Lupin suspects a pair of adept disguise artists beat them to the score. He finds them tucked away in a mountain cabin but also finds himself Zenigata's prisoner! How will Lupin get his plan rolling and steal the gold for himself?

Episode 36: The Eagle Alights on the Glory

Episode 36: The Eagle Alights on the Glory

Washi no Maioriru Toki
Air Date: 1985 April 6
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Betraying Lupin once again, Fujiko steals a golden bird statue from him, but her heart has been stolen by Valon. Valon leads the rebel forces of a small African nation and believes the bird is the key to a legendary treasure that will overthrow the dictatorship. To find the treasure, they must penetrate the computer controlled defenses of the dictator's palace. Will the golden bird soar towards freedom?

Episode 37: Pops Boils over with Rage

Episode 37: Pops Boils over with Rage

Tottsuan ooi ni Ikaru
Air Date: 1985 April 20
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An attempt to break an old man out of prison turns into a trap for Lupin. He can quickly escape from this trap, but others have set another more dangerous trap in motion. When Zenigata's rage boils over, Lupin has more to worry about than a set of cuffs.

Episode 38: Letiethia Loved Me

Episode 38: Letiethia Loved Me

Ore o Aishita Retishia
Air Date: 1985 April 27
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While trying to enjoy a simple Japanese meal, Goemon has been arrested and thrown into prison! This is all part of a scheme to use Goemon as leverage against Lupin. An arm to a mermaid statue is in the wreckage of the Santa Maria; if Lupin can retrieve it, Goemon will be freed as payment for Lupin's services. Can Lupin outwit everyone and resist the amorous advances of a dolphin?

Episode 39: Give the Gold to the Rival

Episode 39: Give the Gold to the Rival

Raibaru ni Oogon o
Air Date: 1985 May 11
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A Neo Nazi organization has stolen a shipment of gold to finance their dream of a United States of Africa. Lupin is taking the blame for the job and for trying to kill Zenigata. Can Lupin clear his name when his opponent is a solid gold tank?!

Episode 40: In a Panic over the Treasure

Episode 40: In a Panic over the Treasure

Ichimai no otakara de dai-konsen
Air Date: 1985 May 25
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Lupin has lottery fever! However, he never leaves anything to random chance. All that stands between him and the jackpot is an elaborate security system. And the winning number is...

Episode 41: A Night under Martial Law

Episode 41: A Night under Martial Law

Kaigenrei no Yoru
Air Date: 1985 June 08
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Lupin is using a coup d'état to pilfer a nation's treasure but finds the treasure already gone. While in disguise as an evil general, Jigen has also been wounded by a mysterious woman. Do the paths of revenge and avarice cross each other?

Episode 42: Plunder the Pyramid of Insurance

Episode 42: Plunder the Pyramid of Insurance

Piramiddo no Hokenkin o Ubae
Air Date: 1985 June 22
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Lupin decides to engage in a little pyramid scheme with two hired guns. Can Lupin turn those giant stone bricks into giant piles of cash?

Episode 43: Farewell, Cinderella

Episode 43: Farewell, Cinderella

Saraba Shinderera
Air Date: 1985 June 29
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A king concocts a scheme to find a new Cinderella to fit his diamond slipper. However, Lupin has a different ending in mind for this fairy tale. Who will win the happy ending?

Episode 44: Our Papa Is a Thief

Episode 44: Our Papa Is a Thief

Boku-tachi no Papa wa Dorobou
Air Date: 1985 July 06
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Lupin has his eyes set on a jewel heist, but he finds his hands a bit full. Some children are claiming that he is their father! Jigen and Goemon scoff at Lupin's impropriety until they find themselves in the same mess. Can the gang juggle their jobs and fatherhood?

Episode 45: A Toast to the Con-Game

Episode 45: A Toast to the Con-Game

Kon-geemu ni Kanpai
Air Date: 1985 July 20
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The key to an unbreakable safe is hidden in a near impregnable prison. With a bit of help, Lupin makes off with the key, but crime boss Carlos makes off with the safe. As the two sides square off, can any of them remember the old saying about honor among thieves?

Episode 46: Worn-Out Wings

Episode 46: Worn-Out Wings

Ore no tsubasa wa Scrap
Air Date: 1985 July 27
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When did Lupin start playing with dolls?! The dolls in question can lead to a large sum of money and are promptly stolen by Lupin. However, Fujiko double crosses him (again!) and takes them to an eccentric collector. The collector wants to make Fujiko part of his collection too. With Lupin and the gang stuck on a deserted island, can he rescue Fujiko and the treasure? Fly, Zantetsuken!

Episode 47: A Famous Picture

Episode 47: A Famous Picture

Ichimai no Meiga
Air Date: 1985 August 17
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A young boy named Ken attacks Goemon! Ken's father was killed by the mafia after painting a picture that contains a treasure map. Goemon enlists Lupin's help to avenge Ken's loss. With Ken kidnapped, can Lupin reveal the painting's secret and keep Ken from suffering his father's fate?

Episode 48: Tears Stood in Hades' Eyes

Episode 48: Tears Stood in Hades' Eyes

Hadisu no Namida
Air Date: 1985 August 31
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The Tears of Hades is an exquisitely large diamond embedded in a statue; Lupin plucks it from Hade's eye but soon finds more than meets the eye. The diamond holds secret plans, and a group of mercenaries want Lupin to exchange it for the life of a girl named Maria. Does Hades weep for joy or sorrow?

Episode 49: Pops Was Adopted into the Family

Episode 49: Pops Was Adopted into the Family

Tottsuan ga Youshi ni Natta hi
Air Date: 1985 September 28
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Lupin wants to steal the valuable jewel of a famous female shot putter, but Zenigata is putting up a valiant defense. His efforts impress the lady so much that she wants to adopt him! Whose tenacity will win the day?

Episode 50: Kill the Atomic Submarine Ivanov

Episode 50: Kill the Atomic Submarine Ivanov

Gensen Iwanofu no Massatsu-shirei
Air Date: 1985 December 25
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Lupin has absconded with the Russian submarine Ivanov, and the world's spy agencies are haggling over the price to buy it with Fujiko. However, Lupin just wants to use it to salvage some sunken gold in Bermuda. Will the Ivanov be Lupin's watery, iron coffin?

My preconceptions going into this series were based on Legend of the Gold of Babylon; I was expecting an arduous journey through fifty episodes. However, this third TV series managed to be more entertaining, though not by much. Most of the episodes are mediocre heists lacking the wacky panache the second series mustered. The rest range from absurd slapstick to some of the hard edge the first series had. It was not an exceptional run of fifty episodes, but it managed to be just entertaining enough to keep me watching.

With passable stories, one would hope that the animation and character designs would provide some decent eye candy to help. Not the case with the third series; the character designs are atrocious making the cast elongated, amorphous blobs. Fujiko comes off the worst looking like a hideous, old crone half the time. Near the end of the series, the characters edge back towards more familiar designs, but multiple animators must have been working on the series as they shift from the familiar back to the hideous for the last few episodes.

Overall, this could have been much worse; I could not have sat through fifty episodes of material like Babylon. I managed to get some enjoyment out the series, but it is not one I will be pulling off the shelf much.

Lupin III:
Daisuke Jigen:
Goemon Ishikawa:
Fujiko Mine:
Inspector Zenigata:

Cast data provided by Anime News Network. Check their official page for any additional data not supplied through their API.

Staff data provided by Anime News Network. Check their official page for any additional data not supplied through their API.