Episode 45, "Emperor Overthrown"

*****SPOILERS*****

Episode 44, "Departure"

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: Seeing that Julian is upset about being reassigned, Yang approaches him to give him a pep talk. Yang expresses his suspicion that Phezzan is assisting Reinhard in conquering the Alliance. He also wonders if the Alliance has outlived its purpose. Julian says his goodbyes to staff at Iserlohn, including Calsenes, Poplin, Murai, Attenborough, and Schönkopf. Yang still has his concerns for Julian, who is likewise concerned if Yang can handle himself alone. Julian departs Iserlohn in the company of Louis Machungo.

It's the oldest anime I've reviewed here on Otaku Evolution, and the oldest in my collection, 1971's Lupin III Part I, the original Lupin TV series! I'm super happy to get to talk about this groundbreaking show, it's mood change, and how fun the whole thing can be (and how lame it can be, too). I'm also thrilled that it's finally been dubbed into English with a voice cast I adore. But whether or not you watch it dubbed or in its original Japanese, you're going to have a good time with these hilarious heists... usually. So this Thanksgiving season, stuff yourself with a cornucopia of fun, as I take a look at an anime classic.

Episode 43, "Declaration of War"

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: On Heinessen, opinions are mixed on the establishment of the Legitimate Galactic Empire and Reinhard von Lohengramm's declaration. Many are relying on the leadership of Job Trunicht and the military prowess of Yang Wenli to protect them from the Empire. João Rebelo expresses his misgivings about Yang to his colleague Huang Rui. The government-in-exile has difficulty dealing with a charmless prince, who they must drug to keep up appearances. After a reshuffling of military personnel, Julian Mintz is reassigned to Phezzan.

Episode 42, "The Legitimate Galactic Empire Government"

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: Peaceful days pass at Iserlohn, until suddenly Chairman Job Trunicht on Heinessen announces the "liberation" of Erwin Josef II and the establishment of the Legitimate Galactic Empire government-in-exile in the Alliance, sending waves throughout the base. Yang discerns that this situation is to Reinhard's advantage and that he may have had something to do with the abduction. Merkatz is in a difficult situation, as he has been named the Minister of MIlitary Affairs for the government-in-exile. Reinhard von Lohengramm announces in a public broadcast his intention to punish the Alliance.

Episode 41, "The Die is Cast"

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: Reinhard announces the abduction of the Emperor to his subordinates. They speculate about the possible interference of the Free Planets Alliance. Alone with Mittermeyer, Reuenthal wonders aloud who had the most to gain from the Emperor's kidnapping. Hildegard confronts Reinhard with her suspicion that he let Vice Admiral Molt take the blame for the Phezzani plot, just as it is announced that Molt has committed suicide. On Phezzan, Rupert Kesserling reports to Rubinsky about Boltik's weakness in the negotiation with Reinhard, but Rubinsky shows little concern. Later on, Kesserling plots with Dominique Saint-Pierré about supplanting his father.

Episode 40, "Maze"

*****SPOILERS*****

I have my reservations (Lupin is an adult series, they're not going to try to appeal to young kids, are they?), and I wish it was a new Takeshi Koike project (still waiting for that fourth movie), but I guess I'll check it out. I bet it'll be better than Part 6.

Episode 39, "Thunderclaps"

*****SPOILERS*****

Synopsis: Reinhard receives a report of the arrival of Alfred von Landsberg and Leopold Schumacher on Odin. Hilda surmises its for a kidnapping plot, mostly likely involving the young Kaiser, Erwin Josef II. Upon his request to secure her property, Hilda visits his sister Annerose to get her permission. Annerose is reluctant, but is eventually persuaded to take on security. Reinhard has the Phezzani commissioner to the Empire come to his office, where he cuts through the bureaucrat's doublespeak and makes him admit to the plot at hand, which will give Reinhard cassus belli regarding the FPA. Reinhard demands Imperial passage through the Phezzan Corridor to achieve his goal.