The fourth episode of Time Bandits transports our time-hopping crew to the
vibrant yet perilous era of Prohibition. After a brief stop in 700 CE England,
where they successfully pilfer a stash of mead, the bandits find themselves
immersed in the glitz and glamour of 1920s New York City. Their arrival
coincides with the rise of infamous gangster Bumpy Johnson, and a series of
mistaken identities leads to an unexpected alliance.
Penelope, with her commanding presence, is mistaken for the legendary Madame Queenie, while Kevin, the youngest of the group, is assumed to be the notorious Babyface. This fortuitous error propels the bandits into the world of organized crime, where they quickly adapt to their new roles. The trio of Bumpy Johnson, Ernie Fingers, and Larry Always Late, initially wary of these newcomers, are soon won over by Penelope's charm and Kevin's youthful bravado.
However, their newfound prosperity and influence attract unwanted attention. Goon Boss, a rival gangster, and the real Babyface, eager to reclaim his identity, begin to close in on the bandits. The group's idyllic existence is shattered as they face the harsh realities of the criminal underworld. A series of mishaps, including Bittelig and Judy getting stranded in 700 CE England due to a portal malfunction, further complicates their situation.
The episode reaches a climax as the bandits are apprehended by Madame Queenie herself, who is furious about their unauthorized intrusion into her territory. Their lives hang in the balance as they face the wrath of the formidable crime boss.
Meanwhile, a shocking revelation unfolds in the realm of the divine. The Supreme Being, the omnipotent creator of the universe, confesses to his assistants that he has grown weary of humanity. Disturbed by the constant wars and suffering, he contemplates a drastic solution: the complete annihilation of the human race. The Supreme Being's plan to create a pristine Earth 2.0 is met with resistance from his subordinates, who suggest a less destructive approach. However, the creator remains steadfast in his decision, making it clear that he will stop at nothing to achieve his goal.
The episode concludes with a chilling realization: the two most powerful entities in the universe, the Supreme Being and Pure Evil, share a common objective - the remaking of the world. While their methods differ drastically, both pose an existential threat to humanity. The stage is set for an epic showdown as the bandits, caught in the crossfire of cosmic forces, must find a way to prevent the annihilation of their species.
This episode of Time Bandits masterfully blends historical fiction, comedy, and science fiction, creating a captivating and thought-provoking narrative. The characters' journey through the Roaring Twenties is both exhilarating and perilous, while the revelation of the Supreme Being's sinister plan adds a layer of cosmic horror to the story. As the series progresses, the stakes continue to rise, promising a thrilling and unpredictable conclusion.