The inaugural episode of "Franklin," titled "Sauce for Prayers," sets the stage for an exhilarating historical drama that delves deeply into Benjamin Franklin's pivotal role in securing France's vital support for the American Revolution. The narrative commences with a harrowing portrayal of the American rebellion against Great Britain, hovering precariously on the brink of collapse. The Continental Army grapples with severe understaffing, a dire shortage of supplies, and an absent crop of allies, painting a grim picture of their plight. George Washington's poignant lament, "I think the game is pretty near up," accentuates the desperate straits in which the rebels find themselves.
The scene then transitions to the Brittany Coast of France, where Benjamin Franklin (portrayed by Michael Douglas) and his grandson, William Temple Franklin (played by Noah Jupe), disembark from a ship, leaving the comforting confines of their vessel to embark on their perilous mission: to garner France's support for America's cause, or face the grim fate of execution by hanging. Upon setting foot on land, Franklin's immediate and intense focus on their mission stands in stark contrast to his light-hearted jests about indulgent dinners, showcasing his character's wit and strategic prowess.
Upon their arrival in Paris, the Franklins are met with an enthusiastic crowd, Benjamin's celebrity status as the man who "invented electricity" preceding him like a herald. He playfully indulges in the misconception, further endearing himself to the French populace, even as the English press circulates rumors of his desertion to France.
Benjamin's reunion with Dr. Edward Bancroft (Daniel Mays), a former colleague from his days in Parliament, brings to light the harsh realities of the American army's precarious situation. The grim news of a significant defeat at Fort Washington and the loss of New York paints a bleak picture of the rebellion's plight, prompting Temple to voice the stark truth: America is outnumbered, outgunned, and outspent, with many still siding with the English cause. The urgency of securing French support becomes even more palpable in the wake of these devastating developments.
In the grandeur of Versailles, the French Foreign Minister, Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes (portrayed by Thibault de Montalembert), discreetly apprises King Louis XVI (embodied by Tom Pezier) of Franklin's arrival and underlying objectives. Yet, the monarch remains hesitant, still nursing the wounds from the costly conflict with England. Conversely, Vergennes perceives a golden opportunity to diminish England's prowess and embraces the notion of championing the American struggle, in spite of the king's initial reluctance.
Benjamin's visit to the playwright Pierre Beaumarchais (played by Assaud Bouab), who boasts influential ties within Versailles, prompts a witty interplay where Beaumarchais, with a keen mind, commits a litany of America's necessities to memory and swiftly conveys it to Vergennes. This sequence underscores the intricate choreography of diplomacy and Franklin's adeptness in the realm of persuasion. Beaumarchais' proposition to equip the American troops on an equal footing with the British, yet not surpassing them, mirrors France's aspiration to uphold a delicate balance of power.
The narrative unfolds further as Benjamin and Temple attend a soiree hosted by Chaumont (Olivier Claverie), a wealthy and formidable merchant whose residence resonates with elite French society. Benjamin's enchanting demeanor and Temple's enchanting allure among the ladies serve as potent tools, as they strive to court the French aristocracy in favor of their endeavor.
Temple's strategic incursion into Versailles, cloaked in the pretense of pursuing academic endeavors, enables him to hand-deliver a missive from Benjamin to Vergennes in private. This clandestine encounter marks a pivotal moment, as Vergennes agrees to deliberate upon the proposition for a treaty and a loan, albeit his stipulations and reservations regarding Benjamin's dedication and the American army's prowess are unequivocally articulated.
"Sauce for Prayers" concludes with Benjamin's departure from Versailles without a cemented alliance, yet fortified with an unwavering resolve to champion America's cause. This episode masterfully stages the obstacles and intricacies that Franklin and his compatriots must surmount, as they steer through the perilous waters of international diplomacy during a pivotal era in history.
