Time Bandits centers around
two main characters, Kevin Haddock (Kal-El Tuck), a boy plucked out of time for a quest to save his parents, and Penelope (Lisa Kudrow), the scatterbrained and sarcastic de facto leader of the bandits. Kevin's unwavering "teacher's pet" energy is purposefully annoying without the show making us hate a child character or actor, and Tuck does a commendable job with a demanding role—he has to speak with authority surrounded by outlandish characters in a plot-heavy adventure series with a new historical setting every episode.
It may come as no surprise to seasoned
TV fans, but Kudrow is utterly fantastic in Time Bandits, blending into the riff-heavy style of Waititi's series and carrying the emotional stakes of a show that veers between grave peril and utter nonsense a few times per episode.
It's been evident for thirty years now that she has the comic timing of a true master,
— Rory Doherty, July 23, 2024 re: Apple TV+’s Time Bandits
Lisa Kudrow as “Penelope” in Apple TV+’s Time Bandits
Taika Waititi as “Supreme Being” appearing in a vision to Kevin as “Penelope” in Apple TV+’s Time Bandits
It’s true - there’s so much to love about it. I like what Rory Doherty wrote July 23, 2024: “Apple TV+’s Time Bandits Is a Winning Adventure-Comedy Romp” #TimeBandits