‘Franklin’ Recap: ‘Small Revenge’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Michael Douglas and Noah Jupe as Doctor Benjamin Franklin and Temple Franklin in Episode 104 of ‘Franklin’ – ‘Small Revenge’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Franklin’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the wondrous Apple TV+ series, Franklin, we were all left wondering… what Doctor Benjamin Franklin’s next move was going to be. After all, he had received amazing news across the board, he was invigorated like never before to fight back after taking a few right hooks to his ego and his pride and well… as it turns out, the next episode in this storied saga wasted little time in answering our question. For ‘Small Revenge’ immediately let it be known that the good doctor quickly disseminated his newsletter out to the masses and that, had all of Paris buzzing. For a hero came from Paris and America was bruising the nose of ol’ King George and well, this was a bold enough move… that action finally came into play.

For there was proof from a wondrous source that Britain was dealing with more than just an insurgency. They were facing a real fight for freedom and that… prompted negotiations to open up between Franklin and the French government for a full-on treaty. One that seemed to be poised to be signed by the right people in a brisk manner… until one particular fact came into play. In that, a peace treaty with the United States of America would also serve as a declaration of war against Britain. For such a treaty would not only legitimize America as a sovereign nation, something that Britain would not stand for, but it would draw the French into the fight. Ergo, all-out war… and that… slowed things down considerably from a diplomatic standpoint.

To the point where discussions had to take place internally in the French Government, and where infighting and threats from the British Empire seemed to potentially derail the whole mess. But, after much consideration and an understanding as to how such a war could be pulled off… what seemed to once be the unthinkable, came to fruition. In that, the King agreed to join the war effort and that gave Franklin, quite the win. One that was supremely personal in nature. Since we also came to learn of various humiliations that were once imparted upon him before the war was even an idea. So, he found real satisfaction and real joy in being able to sit across from the French envoy and sign documents outlining that treaty, and there was more joy to be found in the fact that it would eventually reach the British Ambassador’s desk. 

Which brought forth, nothing but joy in this tale. Something we have not seen to this point and understandably so. For the mission was the sole focus on Franklin’s mind upon his arrival here, and of course, war is ugly business. Especially when losses are mounting, and uncertainty is everywhere. So, it only made sense to let the audience partake in the joy present in France, at the building of a better future, and it allowed for us to also enjoy a history lesson. One that showed us how the King Louis XVI held court in his day and how he responded to this alliance to the newly named American Ambassador, which also allowed for us to meet the iconic Marie Antoinette, and well… this was just a glorious sequence for certain. One that truly helped us to understand how badly both sides wanted to stick it to the British.

But of course, this is a show that likes to surprise and end its stories with those surprises and that was present here too. Since Benjamin was re-introduced to another historical figure in the closing moments of this story. A big one in fact. For John Adams, the man who would become the nation’s first Vice President and then would serve as the Second President of the United States… said hello and offered up a stark truth that he was there to relive the highly successful ambassador. A revelation that will offer us more history and more big moments, after we of course, revel in one refreshing tale. One that helped us to see how France entered the war and how much that meant to a man that deeply believed in the freedom of men and the possible promise that the United States of America could offer so many. Until next time.

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