The third installment of Apple TV+'s Time Bandits plunges our intrepid
time-hopping crew into the heart of the Middle Ages. As the episode opens, the
gravity of their situation becomes increasingly apparent. Fianna, Widgit's
former flame turned formidable foe, is revealed to be a pawn in Pure Evil's
grand scheme. The urgent need to reverse the coalification of Kevin's parents
becomes a driving force, but the allure of exploring the present time period
proves too tempting to resist.
Their journey takes an unexpected turn as they stumble upon the Jurassic era. A close encounter with a fearsome Pterosaur, expertly identified by the ever-knowledgeable Kevin, serves as a thrilling introduction to this prehistoric world. A hastily procured time portal whisks them away to the medieval England, where a serendipitous discovery transforms them into unlikely heroes. Kevin's possession of a Triceratops skull is mistaken for the head of a dragon, earning them the reputation of dragon slayers.
The tranquility of their newfound hero status is short-lived. A tyrannical sheriff oppresses the village, and the bandits find themselves caught in the crossfire. Their attempts to evade capture are unsuccessful, leading to a confrontation with the sheriff's ruthless henchman, De Plume. Imprisoned and facing a grim fate, Kevin's quick thinking and unexpected leadership qualities shine through. He manages to rally the villagers, inspiring them to overthrow their oppressor.
In a stroke of both ingenuity and chaos, Bittelig time-travels back to the Jurassic era to secure Pterosaur eggs as a solution to the village's famine. However, his actions inadvertently introduce the myth of dragons into the medieval world, undoing Kevin's efforts to enlighten the villagers about prehistoric life. With their mission accomplished, albeit with unintended consequences, the bandits make a hasty retreat, leaving the villagers to grapple with their newfound winged overlords.
Meanwhile, the spotlight shifts to Kevin's sister, Saffron. Unaware of the perilous adventures of her brother, she stumbles upon the time portal in their home. Transported to the world of Time Bandits, she finds herself on Madame Chung's mysterious ship. Despite the language barrier, Saffron manages to convey her desire to find Kevin. With Madame Chung's assistance, she is returned to the point of the original time portal opening. As she steps through, the episode concludes with a chilling revelation: cats are in league with Pure Evil.
The episode ends on a cliffhanger as Fianna, hot on the heels of the bandits, reaches the ancient city of Troy, drawing ever closer to the coveted map. Adding to the intrigue, two mysterious investigators, employed by the Supreme Being, are revealed to be tailing Fianna.
"Medieval" is a captivating chapter in the Time Bandits saga, blending humor, adventure, and a touch of historical fiction. It showcases the characters' growth and development, with Kevin emerging as a natural leader and the bandits displaying unexpected resourcefulness. The episode also introduces new elements to the plot, such as Saffron's involvement and the increasing complexity of the conflict between the Supreme Being, Pure Evil, and their respective minions. As the series progresses, the stakes continue to rise, promising even more thrilling and unpredictable time-hopping escapades.