‘Franklin’ Recap: ‘Sauce for Prayers’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Michael Douglas as Benjamin Franklin in Episode 101 of ‘Franklin’ – ‘Sauce for Prayers’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Franklin’.
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It is quite fascinating how the Revolutionary War is viewed in the United States of America. For Americans collectively hold to the concept that it was… glorious in nature and understandably so. After all, this was the moment when the founding fathers of the republic, stood together and demanded their freedom from England and demanded better days ahead for those who came to America. Not to mention, there are plenty of sections of the history books dedicated to how General George Washington, the commander-in-chief of American forces, led so many in battle to victory, and there are plenty of stories of how the Red Coats were sent running with their well-tailored tails between their legs.

But the fact of the matter is, the Revolutionary War was not as rose-colored as we like to think.  For the British Army was well-trained, well-armed and well-funded, and they did not quickly lay down their arms and surrender. They fought hard and kept the war going for years on end. Not to mention, in the early days of the war, they managed to give the Americans quite the scare. Because for a short while there, the initial onslaught of combat cost American forces greatly and put them in a position where victory was possible for the enemy. Which does beg an important question. In that, how then… did America turn the tide and obtain freedom? Well, one part of that answer is simple, in that… the French came to offer aid. For their weapons and wealth aided America in combat the way America aids others in their own fights now. But even the origins of that… aren’t discussed enough, but they should be.

Because in the end, it took the efforts of one man to bring the French into the war, a man known… as Benjamin Franklin. Yes, you read that right. The man on the one-hundred dollar bill, who coined the phrase, ‘Early to bed and early to rise makes a man, healthy and wise’ and had great involvement with scientific discoveries in that era… was the man who convinced an entire nation to step into a war that would shape the future of the world and his exploits in that moment, are to be explored in the new Apple TV+ series, Franklin. Which takes us back to that ambassadorial meeting back in the late 1700s and well, the series premiere makes it inherently clear that this is going to be quite the powerful and fascinating journey. One grounded in every moment involving Franklin’s fight to keep America alive through new alliances. 

Which means that the opening chapter of this story, ‘Sauce for Prayers’, is indeed… a slow burning, calculated story. One that yes, picks up shortly after Benjamin has landed in France with his grandson Temple, but that’s all the action you’ll find in this particular story. For this beginning is a long and winding character study, one designed to set the stage for the dire fight back home and explore the geo-political inner workings of France in that era, and its trepidation in helping a country with no clout. While of course, introducing us to Benjamin and his own inner workings. Which allows for some fascinating scenes to come to life, the kind that gently world build and explore the fight ahead for Benjamin. Because getting officials in France to say yes, was not an easy task. In fact, it’s something of a failure in this tale, and that… outright engages you to continue the journey.

Because now you must know, how the hell did Ben Franklin pull this off? Because it really does seem as though, there was minimal interest in helping the United States, and that this adventure was nothing more than a grand opportunity for folks back in Europe to hear about the wonder of the new world, something that Franklin uses to his advantage. But that’s just fine, because it means we are going to be treated to a long and winding story that explores every victory and every setback, while showcasing what America meant to one of its founding fathers and how that inspired others. But what is important right now, is that we celebrate a solid series premiere. One that sets the stage wonderfully and is filled to the brim with amazing performances with Michael Douglas leading the way as the titular Franklin, and truly… this will be quite the delightful history lesson. One that hopefully offers new perspective on the wonder of America and what makes it worth fighting for. Until next time.

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