Concerning Franklin
Michael Douglas was a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe when we last saw him in the Ant-Man movies as Hank Pym. The seasoned actor portrays an American in Versailles in the limited series Franklin on Apple TV+, where he plays one of the nation’s founding fathers. The historical drama centers on Benjamin Franklin’s protracted stay in France, during which the venerable statesman was dispatched to win the French people over to America’s cause of independence.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
Franklin: Plot
The story languidly recounts Benjamin’s and his grandson Temple Franklin’s (Noah Jupe) days spent in France, where they must fight the Foreign Minister Count Vergennes (Thibault de Montalembert) to convince him to support America. Franklin began in December 1776, when the American position was so bad that even George Washington, the country’s commander-in-chief, doubted it could be accomplished. As small superstars in a largely admiring French society, Benjamin and Temple pass the time waiting for good news. There’s also little time for romance since both the British and the French are monitoring their every move.
Franklin Writing and Guidance
Based on Stacy Schiff’s book The Great Improvisation and co-writers Kirk Ellis and Howard Korder, the series appeared to tell the truth about the life of this septuagenarian who spoke out on behalf of the nation’s increasing secrecy. It’s fine that Oscar-winner Douglas directs the series, but the long episodes largely follow the same plot. Finally, in the third episode, a conflict arises between the grandfather and the grandson, but it cannot be resolved. Episodes well shot by director Tim Van Patten, but the focus is on French soil. I would have liked to see some back-and-forth between American and British attitudes as a focal point, but the Franklin series doesn’t show that.
Franklin: Performances
Douglas is endearing as the well-liked figure who attracts attention everywhere he goes. His act also has more than a whiff of the Hollywood star’s real personality. Though he only gets to respond to events around him, Jupe’s portrayal of the youthful Temple is endearingly genuine. The series offers several French performers an opportunity to shine, such as Lupin’s Ludivine Sagnier and Call My Agent’s Thibault de Montalembert and Assaad Bouab. For the time being, Douglas and Sagnier’s characters are flirting.
Franklin: Evaluation
The historical drama focuses on a pivotal moment in history when the colonies fighting for their freedom from the all-powerful British Empire valued every tiny triumph or defeat highly. Viewers are kept interested by the royal intrigue at Versailles as well as Benjamin’s cunning plans to win allies for his cause. For many, it unfolds pretty slowly, though. Fans of Douglas should stay put because the seasoned actor is still quite talented. Franklin won’t satisfy your need for rapid gratification, though. On May 17, the eight-episode series will come to an end. Up until then, Franklin will air a new episode every Friday.
