‘Franklin’ Recap: ‘Welcome, Mischief’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Noah Jupe and Michael Douglas as Temple Franklin and Benjamin Franklin in Episode 102 of ‘Franklin’ – ‘Welcome, Mischief’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Franklin’. To revisit the Series Premiere, click here.
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One of the biggest reasons we are drawn to stories about history, is because they offer up such incredible perspective, beyond the obligatory inside look at an era that we know nothing of. For these stories also tend to showcase how the modern world was formed long ago and how some of the actions that took place back then laid the groundwork for actions we take part in now, and such stories also offer contrast. Since we are also able to see what’s changed after all these years and that’s precisely why the Apple TV+ series, Franklin, is of note. Because its next episode took the time to showcase just that.

For ‘Welcome, Mischief’ deeply examined how the roots of modern politics and diplomacy were laid down during this event. Because the story opened up with a lot of down time for Benjamin and Temple. Wherein they indulged in the finer points of life in France, such as the food, the entertainment and the company, and its culture. Mainly because, anything related to America from an official diplomatic standpoint was basically going nowhere. Because both sides were dug in and seeing who would blink first and push first regarding granting aid or begging for it with concessions. And well… since it has merit and since those in charge have the time, clearly the concept of waiting it out and waiting to see who will move first on an important bill or diplomatic decision, is now a standard in modern politics. One that is annoying yes, but at least now we know its roots.

Yet there was mention of how these stories also showcase, what’s changed and as it turns out, that would be the decorum used in politics. Because eventually, when it was discovered that illegal arms were heading to the United States of America, the British more or less requested a parlay with Mister Franklin. One that required the use of doubles around town so Franklin and the British envoy could meet in private. Which was a meeting that while tense, and ended in stalemate, had a real class to it. Complete with greetings and respect, despite the British asking for surrender and Franklin expressing otherwise. And that is something we’ve definitely lost in modern times since everything is now about rhetoric and party lines and other such insipid nonsense. 

All of which made for a fascinating tale, with concepts that could have carried this story from beginning to end. But instead of just leaving it there, the series also took the time to follow up on a plot thread left hanging in the premiere. For that episode spoke briefly to how Franklin and others inspired men to fight for freedom and we saw a greater exploration of that here. Courtesy of two key moments, one of which involved a friend of Temple, who made a bold request to receive endorsement to fight in the war and another involving the British more or less sending a message to Benjamin and Temple. All of which spoke to the stunning oppression the British put forth in that era and how badly people wanted to be free of it, and how men like Franklin informed them they could be if they stood up to tyranny, and that made for a powerful ending to a fascinating tale.

One that truly offered up a grand exploration of the past, the present and the fight for freedom that never ends. Courtesy of an engaging tale, one that once again featured wondrous performances and powerful moments. Especially that exchange between Franklin and the British envoy, since that truly expressed the emotional angles of the war, something we don’t talk about enough when it comes to modern history, and well, that chat and the response… may kick this series into a new gear in its next episode, since Benjamin Franklin appears ready to properly express why America needs help and needs freedom to those who lie in wait. Until next time.

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