The seventh episode of Time Bandits plunges our intrepid time travelers into
the heart of the Ice Age. Picking up directly from the cliffhanger of the
previous episode, where it seemed Kevin might be stranded, we discover the
entire gang has been whisked away to this prehistoric world. Their arrival is
marked with a chilling introduction to the era's apex predator, the Smilodon, a
close encounter that nearly ends in catastrophe for the group. A subsequent
avalanche buries them in snow, only for them to be miraculously rescued by a
tribe of Neanderthals.
This is where the episode takes a surprising turn. We are reunited with Saffron, the mysterious girl who has been searching for Kevin since their separation in medieval England. To everyone's astonishment, she has become an integral part of the Neanderthal tribe, having spent the last three years living among them. Her integration into this primitive society is nothing short of extraordinary. She's taught them British slang, a peculiar linguistic bridge between eras that brings a touch of absurdity to the otherwise harsh environment.
The episode delves into the dynamics of this newfound community. We meet Faza, Howler, Tooth Tooth, and Meatgirl, Saffron's adopted family. Alto, the ever-optimistic dreamer, attempts to introduce the Neanderthals to the world of theater, a comical endeavor given the language barrier. Bittelig, the gentle giant, finds himself in a moral dilemma when he discovers a wounded woolly rhinoceros. His inability to euthanize the suffering creature reveals a depth of compassion unexpected in this brutal setting.
Penelope, ever the pragmatist, clashes with the tribe's leader when she expresses her intention to take Saffron back to her own time. The Neanderthals, having grown attached to Saffron, are fiercely protective of her. A tense standoff ensues, culminating in a peculiar challenge: Penelope must retrieve a rock from a distant location and return without assistance. Her successful completion of this trial, though fraught with panic, secures the group's passage.
Amidst this chaos, Kevin finally reveals to Saffron the dire situation of their parents, transformed into lumps of coal by the sinister Fianna. Saffron, undeterred by the seemingly insurmountable odds, assures Kevin that they will find a way to reverse the damage. Their unwavering determination to save their parents serves as a poignant reminder of the emotional core of their adventure.
The episode concludes with the group preparing to use a portal to travel back to the moment before their parents' tragic transformation. The stage is set for a climactic confrontation with Fianna, and the stakes have never been higher. As the Time Bandits step through the portal, the audience is left on the edge of their seats, eager to see how they will confront this formidable foe and save their loved ones.
This episode of Time Bandits masterfully blends humor, heart, and adventure. It introduces us to a fascinating new world while deepening our understanding of the characters. The unexpected bond between Saffron and the Neanderthals is a testament to the show's ability to find humanity in the most unlikely places.