Daisuke Jigen serves as a key ally to Lupin III in the anime pilot film, introduced alongside the core group intended for the series. This establishes his operational role with Lupin during this early phase. The pilot adapts narrative elements from specific manga chapters, forming the foundation for Jigen's actions and interactions within its storyline.

The film highlights Jigen's characteristic firearms proficiency. During action sequences, he strategically uses his environment and marksmanship, exemplified by shattering a chandelier to incapacitate police officers taking cover.

An element of early adaptation distinctiveness appears in Jigen's interaction with Fujiko Mine. During her introductory montage depicting her holstering a gun in her garter, the pilot shows Jigen openly appreciating her appearance. This display contrasts with his later, consistently portrayed persona of general distrust or disinterest towards women, particularly Fujiko.

The pilot also introduces abandoned characters and dynamics. Goemon Ishikawa XIII appears as an antagonist working alongside Inspector Zenigata and Detective Kogoro Akechi against Lupin, Jigen, and Fujiko. This initial configuration significantly departs from the established team dynamic familiar in later media. Kogoro Akechi, appearing as Zenigata's partner, was largely absent from subsequent anime adaptations until much later reintroductions.