Is Lisa Kudrow’s new comedy Time Bandits worth a watch?

As a long-time gamer and lover of children’s shows, I have seen my fair share of both the good and the not-so-good. Some shows are enjoyable for both kids and adults, while others require you to borrow your children’s perspective to fully appreciate them. Lisa Kudrow’s new Apple TV+ series “Time Bandits” falls into the latter category.


There are two kinds of children’s shows that are popular among families. Some shows are enjoyable for both adults and kids, like “Bluey,” which adults may secretly enjoy (wink, wink). Other shows are more suitable for young viewers alone, requiring adult supervision.

Refreshing the children’s purity adds allure – peeling away the cynicism for mature audiences.

Lisa Kudrow’s latest show, “Time Bandits,” is suited for an audience with a unique perspective, making it more appealing to children or those with a childlike imagination.

While it’s not a poorly made watch on its own, it may not live up to your expectations for excitement and realism. And let’s face it, a group of time-traveling outlaws trying to dodge a giant villain and save the world is quite an unusual concept to begin with.

Is Lisa Kudrow's new comedy Time Bandits worth a watch?

In this story, Jennifer Aniston’s character from “Friends,” Kudrow, takes the role of Penelope – a reluctant bandit leader. Unintentionally, they bring along Kal-El Tuck, an 11-year-old expert, for their perilous journey.

Despite taking on various roles since departing from “Friends” – such as in “Romy and Michele’s Highschool Reunion,” “Scandal,” “The Good Place,” and “Feel Good” among others – Phoebe Buffay, played by Kudrow, remains her most iconic character for numerous fans.

For those curious about how Penelope compares to the unique brilliance of the creator of “Smelly Cat,” it’s worth noting that Kudrow’s portrayal of Penelope carries a certain relatable feeling. Her delivery may bring Phoebe to mind, but thankfully, the resemblance stops there. In fact, Penelope and Phoebe are polar opposites in terms of character.

Kudrow presents a different side of the character, moving away from their cheerful and trusting disposition. Instead, we encounter a figure who is bitter, grumpy, and has a strong inclination towards forming relationships out of necessity rather than preference. This character also harbors deep-rooted mistrust.

Is Lisa Kudrow's new comedy Time Bandits worth a watch?

In a more relatable phrasing, Kudrow’s portrayal of Penelope’s boss now displays a quirky yet more realistic demeanor.

When she felt down, Kevin was there to lift her spirits. Despite being a common theme (a brilliant yet misunderstood ‘nerd’ ignored by parents and bullied by peers for his curiosity and passion for history), Kevin, as portrayed by Tuck, had an endearing sincerity.

With a gentle and compassionate nature contrasting his low self-worth and feeling of being an outsider, his story holds great potential for a transformative hero journey.

In the first two episodes, there are hints of intrigue between Kevin and Penelope. However, their sugary and overused introduction for Kevin has not been fully explored yet.

Penelopé’s shallowness remains unchanged, leaving viewers uninterested and unimpressed. As a result, their current interactions seem insignificant.

Is Lisa Kudrow's new comedy Time Bandits worth a watch?

In a comedy, the humorous elements take a more subtle approach. While they add an underlying sense of amusement and maintain a cheerful atmosphere, there aren’t any moments that elicit a strong feeling of joy or laughter. Instead, these moments are expressed in a hushed manner, with fewer instances of grandiose humor when a more profound impact is desired.

Together, the disorganized band of unfortunate thieves operate with an excessive amount of jingling keys and keyrings. A flashlight and a versatile Swiss Army knife are among their possessions, which prove useful from time to time but mostly serve as sources of comfort for them.

The show presents an unusual sight with mismatched sock pairs grouped together, making do when necessary. However, we can’t help but feel that the characters’ personas seem contrived and overly emphasized for the camera. We long for more depth and authenticity in their interactions.

In my gaming experience, the way “Time Bandits” presents historical facts with a light-hearted and simplified approach, as seen in the initial episodes, doesn’t quite resonate with me. It feels more like eating a spoonful of sugar than an engaging learning experience.

Is Lisa Kudrow's new comedy Time Bandits worth a watch?

The production presents a rapid succession of historical facts from various time periods, leaving little time for viewers to fully comprehend or connect the dots between them. As a result, audiences are frequently transported to new settings with unique rules and outlandish events, creating a challenging experience for contextual understanding.

Sure thing! This TV show isn’t real-life like a documentary, but just like “Horrible Histories,” they manage to make it believable and entertaining.

Despite all the discussions, Taika Waititi’s version of the 1981 cult-movie holds potential. By exploring the characters in greater depth and amplifying the absurdity for larger doses of humor, it may turn out to be an enjoyable experience.

You can currently stream episodes 1 and 2 of “Time Bandits” on Apple TV+. New episodes will be added every week on Wednesdays.

Is Lisa Kudrow's new comedy Time Bandits worth a watch?Is Lisa Kudrow's new comedy Time Bandits worth a watch?Is Lisa Kudrow's new comedy Time Bandits worth a watch?Is Lisa Kudrow's new comedy Time Bandits worth a watch?Is Lisa Kudrow's new comedy Time Bandits worth a watch?


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2024-07-24 09:19

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