Time Bandits Season 1 Episodes 9 and 10 Review: Pell-Mell / Fortress of Darkness

Time Bandits Season 1 Episodes 9 and 10, “Pell-Mell/Fortress of Darkness,” have some of the most fun story beats of the series so far.

Yet the humor continues to lean far too silly and childish. From beginning to end, the show never strays from being a story aimed at kids and families. If you were looking for something darker or more nuanced, Time Bandits would never be that.

The show plays up the time travel element amusingly and uniquely on “Pell-Mell.”

The bandits go back to when their previous companion, Susan, got crushed by a boulder. Susan has been an enigma throughout the first season and we finally get to see the character in the flesh. Unfortunately, she turns out to be overwhelming. 

Gela portrays Susan as grounded, which was not the vision the other bandits envisioned her as. However, the reveal that Susan faked her death so that she could run away with Penelope’s (Lisa Kudrow) fiance is where this storyline becomes underwhelming.

The expectation was that Gavin would be an important figure of the season. Instead, he is just a normal dude living in a shack with Susan. The shack ends up being on top of a giant, which is the most interesting thing about Susan and Gavin’s coupling.

The humor of the episode is lukewarm. The most amusing moment occurs when the group comes across the Great Wall of China. The wall was only a few bricks high, making it easy for anyone to cross.

The bandits also travel to a European city where plague-infested bodies are being dropped. The humor in this section of the episode is meant to metaphorically represent the real-world reaction to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Several villagers downplay the plague’s severity and pretend it isn’t a problem. The whole metaphor feels heavy-handed, though it does play with the series’ theme about how humanity has always been stupid.

“Fortress of Darkness” is a much stronger episode, with better humor and character moments.

The team finally meats Pure Evil in his fortress to save Kevin’s and Saffron Haddock’s parents.

Jemaine Clement’s performance as Pure Evil has been mostly a mixed bag throughout the season. Nonetheless, the finale contains his best material. The funny thing about Pure Evil is that he is open about his evil intentions.

Mr. and Mrs. Haddock have the most giggle-worthy moments during the finale. Despite being chained up, the Haddocks enjoy their time with Pure Evil. There is a standout moment where Pure Evil tortures the people Kevin loves, and the Haddocks are relieved to realize they weren’t the ones being punished.

Another standout moment is when Pure Evil tempts each group member by showing them a vision of their deepest desire.

For Widgit (Roger Jean Nsengiyumva), it is becoming the most competent and confident person in the room who can open any jar. For Bittelig (Rune Temte), Pure Evil only shows him a few seconds into the future because he’s happiest with everyone.

It’s a very wholesome moment that endures Bittelig.

Taika Waititi returns as the Supreme Being to get the bandit’s map. The final episode also provides Waititi’s best performance as the Supreme Being, with the actor hamming it up for the screen.

Kevin outsmarts both entities in a very obvious and telegraphed switcheroo.

Sadly, the season ends on an annoying cliffhanger. With the status of a second season uncertain, the time bandits may be left stranded.

Judy, or knowledge of her whereabouts, is never brought up again. (Her absence likely stems from actor Charlene Yi’s claims of facing abuse on set, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.)

Judy’s absence is barely felt, as the character contributed little beforehand. If anything, the team becomes more well-rounded because a small ensemble gives the rest of the bandits more time to shine.

The humor in the final two episodes remains hit-or-miss, but the series remains fun. The characters are silly yet charming. Hopefully, we will get more of our favorite bandits in the future.

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Season 1 of Time Bandits is available to stream on Apple TV+.

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