A modern twist on ‘Time Bandits’: A journey through time and humor

A new era for a classic tale

If one were to name a modern successor to Monty Python, the comedic duo of Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi would undoubtedly be strong contenders. Their unique blend of humor, showcased in projects like the mockumentary-turned-FX-series What We Do in the Shadows, echoes the goofy yet erudite style of the legendary British sketch troupe. It’s no surprise, then, that Clement and Waititi, along with Iain Morris, have chosen to adapt Terry Gilliam’s Time Bandits into a TV series. This adaptation pays homage to Gilliam’s fantastical style and the blustery humor of the original script, co-authored by Michael Palin.

A premise made for episodic adventure

Unlike many recent feature-to-series adaptations, Time Bandits boasts a premise that naturally lends itself to episodic storytelling. The story follows 11-year-old Kevin (Kal-El Tuck), who discovers a temporal portal in his bedroom. This discovery allows him to indulge his obsession with history, traveling through various eras with the help of a stolen map. Backed by the resources of Apple TV+, the series brings each historical period to life with impressive detail, from Mansa Musa’s gold-plated entourage in 14th-century Africa to the lush forests of feudal Japan.

A band of misfits

Kevin’s adventures are shared with a group of miscreants led by the overly confident Penelope (played by the phenomenal Lisa Kudrow). The Bandits, armed with their stolen map, are small-time thieves caught between two cosmic powers: Waititi’s Supreme Being, who owns the map, and Wrongness (a prosthetic-laden Clement), a quasi-Satanic figure who desires the map for his own nefarious purposes. Despite their scrappy nature, the Bandits are not particularly adept at their tasks. For instance, Widget (Roger Jean Nsengiyumva) is a navigator who struggles with navigation, and Judy (Charlyne Yi) is an empath who isn’t very good at reading emotions.

A family-friendly adventure

The Bandits’ misadventures bear a resemblance to the amateur pirates of Our Flag Means Death, another comedy executive produced by Waititi. Although that show was canceled after two seasons, Time Bandits serves as a suitable replacement for grieving fans. However, this series is distinctly family-friendly, fitting well within Apple’s portfolio of family-oriented content, which includes reboots of Fraggle Rock and the upcoming Yo Gabba Gabba. Catering to a younger audience is a natural fit for both Clement and Waititi, who have experience with coming-of-age projects like Hunt for the Wilderpeople.

The heart of the series

While Kevin is the protagonist, Kudrow’s Penelope serves as the comic center of gravity. Penelope insists that the Bandits operate as an egalitarian collective, but in truth, she is arrogant, impetuous, and naive. Kudrow’s performance combines the daffiness of Phoebe Buffay from Friends with the selfishness of Valerie Cherish from The Comeback, potentially introducing her talents to a new generation. Despite its transportive setup and impressive imagery, Time Bandits shines brightest in its simpler pleasures, anchored by Kevin’s sincere wonderment and the Bandits’ bumbling playfulness.

A journey worth taking

Time Bandits is a delightful blend of history, humor, and heart. It’s a series that not only pays tribute to its source material but also carves out its own unique space in the world of television. For fans of Clement and Waititi, as well as newcomers to their work, this series offers a whimsical escape through time, filled with laughter and adventure.