Lupin the Third (1971–1977)
Quite Possibly, the best animated series ever
16 January 2004
Warning: Spoilers
May contain mild spoilers to those who haven't heard of it.

Okay, basic plot? We'll go back to the late 1800s/early 1900s for this. Arsene Lupin is the greatest thief in France, and quite possibly the world. His trademark? He warns the person he is going to rob (usually a corrupt royal) and offers them to give him one object he desires, otherwise Lupin will rob the royal of everything they own.

Cut to, the nineteen sixties. Lupin's grandson, Arsene Lupin the Third, has become the greatest thief in the WORLD. With the help of a former mafia enforcer, Jigen, a samurai who owes Lupin a life debt, Goemon, and occasionally (Though she usually works AGAINST Lupin to steal the same prize) Fujiko Mine, a beautiful thief who uses her good looks and sex to get what she wants. All the while the gang is being chased by bumbling interpol detective, Inspector Zenigata. Zenigata has vowed that he will not rest, until he has Lupin and his gang in custody, and has become obsessed with arresting the thief.

All in all, this is a wonderful show. It brings to mind the original Pink Panther, and The Return of the Pink Panther (Both of which involved "the world's greatest thief" The Phantom.) Zenigata is a great take on the bumbling detective, and in the American Dub, Lupin (who's main weakness is the opposite sex (especially Fujiko) and his own ego) sounds almost identical to Don Adams.

All in all, my rating of this series is 5/5. Can't wait to see the American big budget film that's in the works.
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