Lupin (Philippine TV series)

Arsène Lupin

Created by Maurice Leblanc, Arsène Lupin first appeared in a series of short stories serialized in 1905 and published in book form as Arsène Lupin, gentleman-cambrioleur in 1907 (translated into English as The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsene Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar).

Born in the late 19th century, Lupin is a gentleman thief, a master of disguise, and an amateur detective. While operating on the wrong side of the law, he is still a force for good. Those whom Lupin defeats are worse villains than he. Other characters in the stories include Lupin's faithful accomplice Grognard and his lawman adversary Inspector Justin Ganimard. In some stories Lupin faces Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes (called "Herlock Sholmès" for copyright reasons).

The Lupin stories have been adapted for television (including animation), cinema, and comics.

Lupin III

Lupin III was created by Monkey Punch in 1967 (without permission from the estate of Maurice Leblanc) and has starred in several manga series, television series, and films. GMA had previously aired a dubbed version of the television series.

The world's most skillful and most wanted thief, this Lupin is the grandson of the original. Sometimes he just steals whatever he wants, and at other times he prefers to steal from disreputable people. Often he will take it upon himself and his gang to foil other criminals engaged in more serious crimes. He often appears incompetent, but it is mostly a disguise. While he has been arrested and thrown in jail on a number of occasions he has always managed to escape. He also has a fondness for fancy gadgets from time to time.

Extended and Guest cast

Production Crew

Casting the leading ladies

Ehra Madrigal was the first of the leading ladies to be in the cast. It was thought of that she will play the role of Fujiko Mine from the anime. Rhian Ramos was then included in the cast leading some people to think that she will play Lady Clarisse Cagliostro from the Lupin movie The Castle of Cagliostro. But when a third leading lady, Katrina Halili, was included in the cast, GMA Network announced that nothing except only some elements of the characters from the anime will be in the series.

Weeks before its initial release date, a fourth leading lady was brewing. Some suggested that it would be Georgina Wilson, Richard Gutierrez's then-girlfriend. It was denied by the network, and beauty queen-model Abby Cruz was included for the fourth leading lady role instead.

Casting Lupin's master

Cesar Montano was included in the cast and has done all the promotional photo shoots for the series. He was set to play Lupin's master. But he had to leave the series after he decided to run for senator in the 2007 Philippine elections, as his appearance in Lupin during the campaign would constitute a violation of election laws.

Edu Manzano was initially eyed to replace him, but he also had to turn down the role due to two prior commitments he has made with GMA Network's rival network ABS-CBN: to host Pilipinas, Game KNB? in place of original host Kris Aquino and appear in the drama series Walang Kapalit.

It was Michael de Mesa who finally took on the role of Minggoy Buang/Miguel Apacer that was initially offered to Cesar Montano and Edu Manzano.

Reaction

Overall, the series was well received by critics and audiences, but fans of the Lupin III anime and manga series expressed disappointment at the perceived unfaithful adaptation. Many critics have mentioned that Richard Gutierrez has improved a lot on his acting and Mike Tuviera, the director of the series, for his directing skills. Janno Gibbs was also praised by many critics, viewers and anime/manga fans for his comedic portrayal of the detective (homage to Detective Zenigata of anime series) with a personal commitment to put Lupin behind bars for good. GMA Records has decided to release a DVD Series some time in September.

Synopsis

Lupin (Richard Gutierrez) is a veteran thief trained by his father Duroy (Tirso Cruz III) in the art of stealing from a young age. But after meeting his girlfriend Angelie (Abby Cruz), Lupin sought to turn over a new leaf by quitting his job as a thief and then marrying her. Upon learning of this, Duroy, fearing of losing his greatest asset, secretly connived with the Maskardo Gang to ruin his son's dreams by assassinating Angelie during her wedding with Lupin. The plan was eventually consummated, and Duroy then secretly killed the perpetrators to cover his tracks. Duroy's involvement might have forever remained a secret had it not been for his female asset Ashley Calibre (Katrina Halili),who is mastered at using pistols, who managed to get wind of the consummated plot when she chanced upon hearing about it in a secret conversation between Duroy and his right-hand man Perez (Ramon Christopher). Ashley then informed Lupin about this, thus starting Lupin's quest to avenge Angelie's death without ending up behind bars.Meanwhile, Inspector Clavio Angeles (Janno Gibbs) was assigned to the mysterious thief,later identified as Lupin.He eventually accomplished his plan and sent Lupin to an escape-proof prison,where Lupin met his real father,Arsenio Lupin.Ashley and Brigitte,a knife-wielder assassin are Lupin's loyal henchmen that follows his every work.Ashley later succumbed on her wounds and died on her car after a failed assassination attempt an Duroy.Duroy later died when he faced Lupin.

He lastly sets up Inspector Clavio's promotion and honor ceremony by stealing his medal and replacing it with a box full of wasps,all while in a yacht.

DVD release

The series was released onto DVD-format by GMA Records. The DVDs are in volumes, containing all of the shows episodes.

Soundtrack

The theme song for the show was both composed and performed by Janno Gibbs, who also portrayed the character Inspector Clavio in the series. The musical arrangement of the theme song pays tribute to the iconic James Bond theme songs from the 1960s and early 1970s, with a particular nod to "The World Is Not Enough" by Garbage, which is the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name.