After a three-year hiatus, Netflix’s French heist series Lupin returns for Part 4 with a soap opera bent, and it’s all the better for it. The season opens with an extended recap narrated by the gentleman thief Assane Diop (Omar Sy), serving as a reminder of the events from the less focused previous season. This entry largely functions as a soft reboot, embracing the dramatic underpinnings that have always been central to its appeal. The result is an eight-episode run that, despite some narrative wheel-spinning near its conclusion, delivers the kind of ludicrous melodrama that makes the series an enjoyable escape.
Part 3 concluded with Assane imprisoned alongside his rival, Hubert Pellegrini. However, Part 4 bypasses this cliffhanger, revealing that four years have passed and Assane has been behind bars, save for a brief escape designed to trap Pellegrini. Now nearing release for good behavior, Assane's attempt to go straight is thwarted by a pair of signature heists, forcing him to go rogue to prove his innocence.
During Assane's absence, his son Raoul (Théo Christine) has grown into a frustrated young adult. Raoul, once a minor plot device, becomes a central figure, though the narrative frequently sidelines him until his frustrations reach a critical point. A complex conspiracy unfolds, featuring a copycat thief and numerous soap opera-esque twists, including secret lineages and unexpected resurrections. This forces Assane to seek alliances with former adversaries in pursuit of a hidden treasure. His persistent pursuer, police detective Youssef Guédira (Soufiane Guerrab), remains on his trail, especially after his partner, Sofia Belkacem (Shirine Boutella), is gravely injured.
Further complicating matters, Assane’s ex-wife Claire (Ludivine Sagnier) has begun a relationship with his best friend Benjamin (Antoine Gouy). This adds another layer of interpersonal drama, particularly as flashbacks explore the characters’ youth. The season introduces a secret society with concerning blood-purity themes, recontextualizing the series’ modern interpretation of Maurice Leblanc’s Arsène Lupin. The show masterfully presents these developments as if they were meticulously planned from the outset, even when they appear to be constructed on the fly.
Despite its improvisational feel, the season offers moments of genuine ingenuity. Assane continues to exploit racial prejudice in his elaborate heists, including a scheme involving a reenactment of a forgotten Black French general's exploits. The series’ editing is more refined, relying on subtle visual cues and previously unnoticed details to reveal how Assane's deceptions are executed, rather than solely on unseen elements.
The season’s exploration of family themes draws parallels to the later Fast & Furious films. Assane grapples with making amends with Raoul while simultaneously joining a new group of thieves. Among them is Adèle Kapoor (Laïka Blanc-Francard), a skilled hacker whose involvement expands the series’ commentary on racism in contemporary France and introduces a tech-focused element to the heists, including the use of AI deepfakes. While her backstory is somewhat underdeveloped, Adèle serves as a capable rival to Assane, providing a much-needed dramatic counterweight.
While the new plot directions borrow heavily from established franchises like Bond, Indiana Jones, and Mission: Impossible, Lupin skillfully synthesizes these influences into something uniquely enjoyable. The series walks a fine line between convoluted plotlines and emotional character moments, ultimately finding a balance that works. The season concludes in an unexpected manner, setting the stage for potentially compelling dilemmas in a hypothetical fifth season.
Verdict
Lupin returns in style with a highly melodramatic fourth season. The three-year gap has allowed for significant developments in Assane Diop’s family life, forcing him into difficult choices and surprising alliances. The show’s intricate heists are now more operatic, complex, and ultimately, more entertaining.