Episode 6 of Time Bandits finds the group's journey through time taking an
unexpected turn. A malfunctioning portal splits them up, with Judy vanishing
into the unknown. Undeterred, Kevin and the remaining bandits press on, arriving
in 1324 CE North Africa, at the height of the Mali Empire. Their destination:
the pilgrimage of Mansa Musa, the legendary ruler and the wealthiest man on
Earth.
Penelope, ever the opportunist, immediately hatches a plan to steal from the opulent ruler. However, the execution of their scheme is fraught with mishaps. Bittelig, smitten with Judy, finds himself distracted and is tasked with building a bath for one of Mansa Musa's wives. Alto's attempts at distraction prove disastrous, while Widgit, the group's navigator, becomes lost in the vast desert.
Despite the chaos, Mansa Musa's generosity proves to be the group's salvation. Impressed by Kevin's knowledge of history, the emperor takes a liking to the young boy, showering him with gold and even inviting him to Cairo. Penelope, her spirit dampened by the lack of a heist, finds herself conflicted. On one hand, the abundance of wealth contradicts her thieving nature, but on the other, the thrill of the chase is what drives her.
Kevin, sensing Penelope's discontent, devises a plan. He convinces Mansa Musa to set up a valuable artifact for Penelope to steal, hoping to reignite her passion. The plan works, and Penelope, with renewed determination, prepares for the heist. However, before she can execute it, the group decides to move on to another time period.
A twist of fate separates Kevin from the rest of the group as they jump through a portal. Overwhelmed by the opportunity to witness history firsthand, Kevin misses the portal, vanishing into the unknown. The episode concludes with a cliffhanger, as we learn that Fianna has followed the bandits to North Africa, and it's possible she has captured Kevin. Meanwhile, Judy's whereabouts remain a mystery, and the Supreme Being's sinister plans to manipulate her for his own ends continue to unfold.
This episode of Time Bandits is a whirlwind of adventure, filled with unexpected twists and turns. The introduction of Mansa Musa adds a touch of historical intrigue, while the personal struggles of the characters provide depth and emotional resonance. As the series progresses, the stakes continue to rise, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance.