As much as I love ground-breaking and edgy series such as The Handmaid’s Tale or Sharp Objects, a good old fashioned crime caper is nothing to be sneezed at. Lupin is popcorn entertainment at its best, pure escapism with a good dose of French panache.

What is it about

“Inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin, gentleman thief Assane Diop sets out to avenge his father for an injustice inflicted by a wealthy family.”

The positive

I first fell for Omar Sy’s abundant charms in the 2011 film, The Intouchables. (Avoid the remake at all costs. I am serious.) He is perfectly cast in this role as the dashing, intelligent and caring gentleman thief. His smile makes the world a better place.

Although Lupin deals with serious issues such as race, exploiting of the vulnerable and absent fathers, it presents these issues in the form of a clever, addictive and wildly charming heist show. Without these subjects, the series could have been bereft of heart and soul.

His relationships with women are especially endearing – from his ex-girlfriend, Claire, to the down-trodden journalist, Fabienne, he treats them with respect and care, in other words, like a gentleman.

The negative

It is a tiny bit schmaltzy at times, and some of the capers call for the suspension of disbelief, but who cares?

Recommendation

Just watch it. Omar’s smile…