In the new series on Apple TV+, Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement do their best to capture the zany tone of Terry Gilliam’s forgotten classic, TIME BANDITS. And for the most part, it works. The series is a natural extension of OUR FLAG MEANS DEATH (minus the R-rating) mixed with the writing of WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS (minus the docu-style).
While the two-episode premiere is imperfect, the show has an “it” quality that makes me want more. That primarily reflects how much fun the cast, writers, and creators are having paying homage to Gilliam’s original while also charting a new course.
What I love about the original TIME BANDITS was it was the only thing near appropriate that a kid could watch from one of the masterminds behind MONTY PYTHON. As a kid, it was my introduction to Gilliam’s work, and it forged a path in which I’ve followed his films closely throughout the years. It makes perfect sense that the heir to the throne who takes on that style is Clement and Waititi. Their work has always been odd, and their voices work to carry on Gilliam’s torch.
So far, TIME BANDITS is a family trip worth taking. I don’t know if they’ll be able to stick the landing, but I’m willing to jump through all the time portals available to find out.
It premieres on Apple TV+ on 7/24.