Susan Granger’s review of “Franklin” (Apple TV+)
“A long life has taught me that diplomacy must never be a siege – but a seduction,” observes renowned 70 year-old statesman Benjamin Franklin (Michael Douglas) in Apple TV+’s original docudrama, simply titled “Franklin.”
Set in 1776, when the American Colonies were losing more battles than they won in their armed rebellion, this eight-part series chronicles how Franklin, as one of the new nation’s Founding Fathers, traveled to France to try to secure that country’s support and financial aid in their fight for Independence from England.
Embarking on a secret Gallic mission that lasted almost nine years, Franklin traveled with his confidant, Dr. Edward Bancroft (Daniel Mays), and his 16 year-old grandson Temple (Noah Jupe).
Franklin assumed Temple’s custody when his (illegitimate) son, William Franklin, the Governor of New Jersey, was imprisoned as a Royalist.
Determined to engage the attention of France’s Foreign Minister, the Comte de Vergennes (Thibalt de Montalmbert), Franklin and his entourage move into the sprawling chateau of savvy international businessman Chaumont (Olivier Claveries) in Passy, west of Paris.
But conspiracies abound as spies and scoundrels are determined to undermine Franklin’s mission. A widower of three years, Franklin flirts openly and outrageously with the wives (Ludivine Sagnier, Jeanne Balibar) of French aristocrats, who were fascinated by his wry wit and philosophical wisdom.
Unfortunately, too much time is wasted in subplots involving impulsive teenage Temple, dawdling in privileged parlors, along with the pomp of King Louis XVI’s court, so it’s a distinct relief when outspoken John Adams (Eddie Marsan) shows up, along with sneering John Jay (Ed Stoppard).
While his tactics were unconventional, charismatic Franklin was eventually able to forge the Franco-American alliance of 1778, which led to a peace treaty with England in 1778 and Independence.
Based on the 2005 book “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France and the Birth of America” by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Stacy Schiff, it was adapted by Kirk Ellis & Howard Korder, directed by Tim Van Patten, and filmed in France.
On the Granger Gauge of 1 to 10, “Franklin” is a visually stunning 7, streaming on Apple TV+ with a new episode each Friday until its finale on May 17.
