Lupin finally returns to Netflix with Part 3 — and the wait was well worth it. The French series, created by George Kay, combines charisma, clever heists, and a personable lead to bring its story to life. And while Part 3’s plot isn’t as intense as Part 1’s, Lupin is still firing on all cylinders. The new season provides answers to unanswered questions from the previous two parts, which further fleshes out Assane Diop’s character and his personal relationships. With an effervescent performance from Omar Sy, Lupin Part 3 has enough twists, thrilling heists, and character development to maintain interest and excitement.

Lupin Part 2 left off with Assane (Sy) disappearing from Paris after being chased by police. Part 3 picks up a year later, with Assane in hiding in Marseilles. But hiding out doesn’t mean he hasn’t been keeping tabs on his wife Claire (Ludivine Sagnier) and son Raoul (Etan Simon), who have been hounded by the police and the media alike. Wanting them to live in peace, Assane returns to Paris to meet with best friend and accomplice Benjamin (Antoine Gouy) about what will be his final heist — stealing the expensive black pearl from a museum. But just when Assane thinks he’s in the clear, something personal draws him back into doing more heists, and he’s forced to work for a mysterious person with a link to his past, all while the police continue their attempts to catch him.

Lupin Part 3 starts with a bang. The heist to steal the black pearl is intense, with plenty of turns and tension that will leave you on the edge of your seat. After the first heist, however, things slow down a bit as a new story is established, but the writers still manage to weave together a captivating and thrilling story that doesn’t abandon character development. Assane and the dynamics he’s built from the beginning are crucial elements of the story, and when one betrayal happens about halfway through, I felt gutted by it because the relationships are just as central to the narrative as the heists.

Sure, Lupin’s latest batch of episodes include occasionally unnecessary flashbacks to moments that are obvious to figure out from previous scenes, and certain subplots will make you wonder why Assane doesn’t share the truth, but none of this takes away from the sharp, and frankly cool, execution of the season. Whenever you start to question what’s next, and how Assane can get himself out of dangerous and tense situations, Lupin’s slick writing surprises and excites in equal measure. It’s driven and enthralling, with an exuberant energy that fuels the story until its final moment (one that teases more to come in a potential Part 4).

Of course, the series wouldn’t be what it is without Omar Sy’s utterly charming performance. The actor confidently saunters in and out of rooms, his voice honey, managing to catch people off guard enough to get Assane what he wants. Sy plays the role with a lot of panache and a personability that completely draws us into his world. We’re so caught up in his disguises and how he speaks to people that it’s easy to miss his quick cons. It’s honestly fantastic. Ludivine Sagnier is also great as Claire, and she has more to do this season, allowing her to flex more of her acting muscle. The rest of the supporting cast is excellent, rounding out Assane’s world nicely, though Soufiane Guerrab as Youssef Guerrab — the Ganimard to Assane’s Lupin — is a particular standout.

All in all, Lupin continues to entertain with its smooth storytelling and characters. The series’ world is engrossing and the heists are enticing and fun. By season’s end I wanted more of Assane and his story, and the writers tease much more to come on that front. Just when you think Assane’s journey might be over, Lupin comes up with new ways to remain refreshing and on top of its game. And really, that’s what continues to make the series so riveting to watch.

Lupin Part 3, which consists of seven episodes, is now available to stream on Netflix.