Great Pretender Season 1 Hindi Subbed [23/23] {Complete}
GREAT PRETENDER
Great PretenderSynopsis
Self-styled “Japan's greatest swindler” Makoto Edamura is mainly targeting elder people and occasional foreign travelers. But when he tries to scam an apparently clueless French tourist in Tokyo, he can't possibly imagine that what looked like just another ordinary job is going to take him all the way to Los Angeles, tied upside-down on the famous Hollywood sign… And he is yet to find out what fate awaits him! (Source: Crunchyroll)
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Great Pretender Season 1: A Masterclass in Anime Heist Storytelling
Great Pretender Season 1, produced by Wit Studio and released in 2020, redefines the anime heist genre with a vibrant blend of deception, character depth, and global flair. This 23-episode series, structured into four distinct “cases,” follows Makoto “Edamame” Edamura, a small-time Japanese conman who gets swept into the high-stakes world of international swindling under the enigmatic Laurent Thierry. What sets this anime apart is its refusal to settle for predictable tropes, instead weaving a narrative that balances moral ambiguity, emotional weight, and stylistic audacity. Below, we explore why Great Pretender Season 1 stands as a unique and powerful addition to anime, drawing from its storytelling, characters, visuals, and themes without veering into promotional fluff.
A Narrative That Plays You Like a Mark
The series kicks off with a premise that feels familiar: Makoto, a self-proclaimed “Japan’s greatest swindler,” tries to scam a tourist, only to realize he’s been outplayed by Laurent, a suave Frenchman running a global con operation. From there, the show unfolds across four cases—Los Angeles Connection, Singapore Sky, Snow of London, and Wizard of Far East—each a self-contained heist arc spanning exotic locales. Unlike traditional heists that prioritize cleverness over substance, Great Pretender uses its cons as a lens to explore human nature. Each case peels back layers of its characters, revealing their motivations, traumas, and moral dilemmas.
What makes the storytelling next-level is its Sherlock Holmes-style approach: the audience is given enough clues to piece together the con, but the joy lies in watching the pieces fall into place. For example, the Los Angeles Connection (episodes 1-5) sees the crew targeting a drug-lord-turned-movie-producer, blending absurd humor with sharp commentary on Hollywood’s underbelly. The pacing is deliberate, with each case (3-9 episodes) allowing room for character development without dragging. However, the fourth case, Wizard of Far East, takes a darker turn, diving into human trafficking and familial betrayal, which some viewers found jarring due to its tonal shift. This risk, while divisive, showcases the show’s willingness to push boundaries, avoiding the formulaic safety of earlier arcs.
Characters That Steal the Show
The ensemble cast is the beating heart of Great Pretender. Makoto, voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi, is a flawed everyman whose internal struggle—whether to embrace or escape the conman life—grounds the series. His arc is compelling because he’s not a mastermind; he’s a reluctant participant, often kept in the dark by his own team, which adds tension and relatability. Laurent Thierry, the charismatic mastermind, is both charming and unsettling, with hints of a darker past that keep you guessing. Supporting players like Abigail Jones, a stoic ex-soldier with a tragic backstory, and Cynthia, a cunning actress, bring depth through their own histories, revealed gradually across cases.
The show’s diversity is notable, with characters from Japan, France, Israel, and Taiwan, portrayed with nuance rather than stereotypes. Each member of Team Confidence operates in a moral gray zone, targeting corrupt elites but profiting themselves. This Robin Hood-esque code—stealing from the wicked but not exactly giving to the poor—forces viewers to question whether they’re heroes or just polished criminals. The interplay between the crew’s camaraderie and their personal demons elevates the series beyond a simple caper, making every betrayal or twist hit harder.
Visual and Auditory Artistry
Wit Studio, known for Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga, delivers a visual feast in Great Pretender. The art style is a bold departure from anime norms, using vibrant, cel-shaded color palettes that shift with each locale—sun-drenched oranges for Los Angeles, lush greens for Singapore, and moody blues for London. Backgrounds by Studio Bamboo and Suuuu are so detailed they could star in their own show, turning every frame into a potential wallpaper. The animation is expressive, capturing subtle character emotions and over-the-top heist theatrics with equal finesse.
The soundtrack, composed by Yutaka Yamada, is a jazzy, energetic pulse that mirrors the show’s playful yet dangerous vibe. The ending theme, Freddie Mercury’s cover of “The Great Pretender,” is a stroke of genius, its wistful irony tying perfectly to the characters’ duplicitous lives. The opening, “G.P.,” blends modern and retro vibes, setting the tone for a series that feels both timeless and contemporary. These elements don’t just complement the story—they amplify its emotional and thematic resonance.
Themes That Cut Deep
At its core, Great Pretender is about identity and choice. Makoto’s journey reflects a universal question: can you escape your past, or are you doomed to repeat it? His father’s history with human trafficking looms large, especially in the final case, forcing Makoto to confront whether he’s becoming what he despises. The show doesn’t shy away from heavy topics—greed, corruption, trauma, and the ethics of vigilante justice—but it balances them with humor and heart, avoiding preachiness.
The series also critiques societal power structures. Each target, from drug lords to art fraudsters, represents a facet of systemic corruption, and the cons expose how wealth and influence shield the guilty. Yet, the show never lets its protagonists off the hook, questioning whether their “justice” is just self-serving chaos. This moral ambiguity, paired with unpredictable twists, keeps viewers engaged and introspective.
Where It Stumbles
No show is flawless, and Great Pretender has its hiccups. The fourth case, while ambitious, feels overstuffed, with plot twists that stretch believability even for a heist anime. Some criticize the cons for relying on overly gullible marks or improbable logistics, which can undercut the sense of stakes. Additionally, Makoto’s treatment by the team—often excluded from plans—can frustrate viewers who want him to shine as a conman. These flaws, however, don’t overshadow the series’ strengths; they highlight its ambition to take risks rather than play it safe.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Great Pretender Season 1 is a rare anime that feels both universal and singular. It draws inspiration from heist classics like The Sting and Ocean’s Eleven while carving its own path with a global perspective, diverse cast, and emotional depth. Its ability to blend comedy, drama, and suspense without losing its whimsical charm makes it a standout. The series doesn’t just entertain—it challenges you to question morality, revel in deception, and savor the ride. Available on Netflix, it’s a binge-worthy journey that proves anime can tackle the heist genre with unparalleled flair.
