Episode 6 of Time Bandits commences with the motley crew soaring through the vast expanse of nothingness, only to be abruptly deposited in the heart of a desolate desert, where Judy's absence looms large, though their spirits remain buoyed by the belief that she will inevitably reunite with them. Kevin leaves behind a trail of arrows, marking their path like celestial breadcrumbs, leading to an era and location unparalleled: Northern Africa, in the year 1324 CE.
Over the crest of a dune, they stumble upon a settlement that turns out to be none other than the domain of Mansa Musa, the ruler of the opulent Malian Empire, where the King reigns supreme as the wealthiest sovereign in recorded history. Penelope's eyes gleam with ambition as she concocts a grandiose scheme—a symphony of Kevin's encyclopedic narration and her own cunning thievery, intended to lull the King into slumber while they plunder his vast gold reserves.
Yet, fate had other plans. Bittelig's inadvertent exposure to the King lands him a surprising task, and Penelope's clumsy attempt at distraction backfires spectacularly, resulting in her swift capture. Widgit, meanwhile, finds himself stranded in the unforgiving desert, his search for the portal leading him to a desolate solitude under the starry sky.
In a twist of fate, the remaining bandits are showered with generosity by Mansa Musa, who mistakes them for humble travelers rather than the mischievous outlaws they truly are. As they prepare to depart, they are introduced to Balla Kouyate, the King's amateur historian from England, a revelation that prompts mixed reactions from Kevin, who eagerly seizes the opportunity to journey to Cairo and meet the Sultan, while Penelope grapples with self-doubt about her thieving prowess.
Under the twinkling canopy of stars, Widgit experiences a revelation, realizing the cosmos themselves could be his compass, guiding him home. Parallel to this, Alto offers sage advice to Farba, who is immersed in preparing a bath for his beloved. But his counsel, rooted in the confession of love, threatens to upend the delicate balance of their relationship as Inari coldly rejects Alto's affections, leaving him heartbroken.
The caravan plods its way to Khan E-khalif, yet Penelope's spirits are weighed down by a profound melancholy, her path forward shrouded in uncertainty. Kevin, on the other hand, basks in the limelight, accompanying Mansa Manu as they embark on a journey to meet the sultan. Their camaraderie disrupted by Bittelig's sudden intervention, who whisks Kevin aside for a private word. Little do they know, Widgit stealthily retraces his steps, while Fianna, guided by Kevin's whimsical arrow etched in the sand, trails him towards Cairo.
The encounter between Mansa Musa and the sultan is fraught with tension, as each side contends over the order of kneeling, their jests masked by a deeper disagreement over titles and perceived grandeur. In a moment of détente, they concede to kneel simultaneously, a gesture of uneasy truce.
As Musa and Kevin engage in conversation, the latter concocts a daring scheme to reignite Penelope's spark, orchestrating a heist that would rekindle her passion for life. Widgit's untimely arrival interrupts the planning, and upon returning to Musa's tent, Penelope undergoes a heartfelt reversal, opting against stealing Musa's staff. Their decision stems from a bitter irony: having inadvertently pocketed rubies from the sultan, only to lose them to the abyss of their bottomless bag.
As the group prepares to traverse the next portal, Kevin finds himself ensnared by the pages of history, a stark realization dawning that their arrival has disturbed the flow of time. Suddenly, the earth yawns wide, engulfing Kevin in its depths, leaving his whereabouts a mystery.
The episode draws to a close with a glimpse into the Supreme Being's futile attempt at self-prayer, a desperate plea for the return of the map. His efforts falling flat, he reveals a hidden ace: Judy, held captive at headquarters. It seems he intends to extract every scrap of information from her, hinting at a dark turn in events to come.
