Lupin III/Recap/S1 E1

The first episode of the first anime.

The Hida Speedway has been completed and Lupin is entered as one of the competitors, representing Japan. His goal is to take top prize at the first race. The race is actually a trap designed by the Scorpion Gang who are intent on killing Lupin and eliminating all criminal competition.

Lupin starts the race in the lead, closely followed by Zenigata. After avoiding two traps set for him, he switches places with Jigen who has an exact replica of Lupin's car, and a uniform to match. Lupin then visits the hotel where Scorpion is hiding and watching. Disguised as a plumber, he is able to flood the basement of the hotel. He uses an electrical cable to shock everyone other than himself and Fujiko, due to the flood. Rescuing Fujiko, Lupin heads back to his car.

Zenigata is still chasing Jigen, who is dressed exactly like Lupin except for his watch. The two of them pull another switch, and Jigen reacquaints himself with Fujiko. Who uses a mallet.

We switch back to Lupin, who is being celebrated as the first winner of Hida Speedway. Just as the trophy will explode, Lupin tosses it at the other Gang members. Fujiko meets with Zenigata just before Lupin blows up the last of the Scorpions.

Zenigata then confronts Lupin after the explosions. Fujiko has explained everything to him, in exchange for tearing up her arrest warrant. Lupin is arrested, although that lasts about as long as you may expect.

Tropes

 * Damsel in Distress: Fujiko is captured before the episode title is even shown.
 * Electrified Bathtub: A large-scale version is used for taking out the Scorpion members in the hotel.
 * Gratuitous Foreign Language: Scorpion is spelled/pronounced Scorpian.
 * Nebulous Evil Organization: The ScorpianClan doesn't have any specific goals aside from the death of Lupin. On the other hand, all the characters aside from Zenigata seem to know they should be stopped.
 * Tickle Torture: Occurs to Fujiko in one of the most famous scenes of the episode.