Beneath the shadowy confines of the Port of Le Havre, the second episode of "Franklin," titled "Welcome, Mischief," begins with a harrowing act of brutality. A shadowy figure, cloaked in the veil of night, oversees the clandestine loading of a ship with a cache of firearms, cannons, and an extensive arsenal, pivotal to the American struggle. As the figure prepares to depart, an unsuspecting dockworker, unbeknownst to the lurking danger, approaches. In a swift and brutal motion, the worker is plunged into darkness as a knife finds its mark, and his lifeless carcass is unceremoniously dispatched to the ocean's icy depths—a grim harbinger of the deceit and peril that lurk beneath the veneer of diplomatic discourse.
The narrative shifts to Benjamin Franklin (Michael Douglas), now ensconced within the luxurious abode of the affluent merchant Chaumont (Olivier Claverie), who covertly provisions arms to America. Franklin orchestrates a propaganda blitz, mentoring his grandson Temple Franklin (Noah Jupe) in the operation of a printing press imported from the American shores. Their objective: to disseminate pamphlets that will sway Parisian sympathies towards the American Revolution, amidst the anxious anticipation of a response from French Foreign Minister Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes (Thibault de Montalembert).
Vergennes, acutely aware of Franklin's endeavors thanks to the vigilant surveillance of Lieutenant Jean-Charles Pierre Lenoir (Olivier Rabourdin), chooses to disregard the American envoy for the present moment, despite Lenoir's urgent suggestion to confiscate the printing press. This calculated maneuver sets the stage for a sophisticated game of diplomatic chess, where each move could dramatically alter the balance of power.
The Franklins' bond with their neighbors, Anne Louise Brillon de Jouy (Ludivine Sagnier) and her daughter Cunegonde Brillon (Lily Dupont), deepens during a private performance. In a moment of intimate candor, Benjamin confesses his enchantment with Anne, only to be abruptly interrupted by her jesting husband, who playfully mocks their potential indiscretion. Meanwhile, Temple and Cunegonde's burgeoning affection finds expression in an innocent kiss, speaking volumes of the intricate dynamics of their developing bond.
As Benjamin and Anne's flirtatious connection intensifies, she unveils her own tale of a tragic marriage entered into at the tender age of 15 and vows to disseminate Franklin's propaganda among her influential circle, thereby further bolstering support for the American cause. Their alliance transcends mere passion, embodying a strategic partnership, as Anne's connections prove indispensable to Franklin's mission.
Temple's circle broadens with the addition of Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (portrayed by Théodore Pellerin), whose arrival, accompanied by his companions, narrowly averts a contentious confrontation with the king's brother. As the group encounters merchandise adorned with Franklin's visage, it ignites Gilbert's intrigue regarding Temple's ties to the esteemed Dr. Franklin. Upon uncovering the truth, Gilbert expresses an ardent eagerness to enlist in the battle for American liberty. After some hesitation and Temple's persuasive efforts, Benjamin, albeit reluctantly, grants his consent, and Gilbert embarks on a voyage to America to join the revolutionary fray.
Across the English Channel, Prime Minister Frederick North extends a gesture of conciliation to Franklin, proposing a clandestine meeting to deliberate on peace. Franklin, a master at eluding his French pursuers, convenes with Bartholomew Williams (played by Tom Hughes), an acolyte of Lord North. Williams presents a peace overture that entails America's submission to Parliament in matters of policy and foreign commerce, accompanied by a lucrative reward for Franklin. However, Franklin, perceiving this as a harbinger of English desperation, declines the proposition, steadfast in his conviction of America's eventual victory.
Back in France, Chaumont's apprehensions about the confidentiality of his arms shipments materialize during his encounter with Beaumarchais at the port. Beaumarchais's casual demeanor regarding the legality of their endeavors is swiftly dispelled upon the discovery of the murdered dockworker's body. Chaumont's anxieties over his investment in America's cause intensify further upon learning of a spy who has meticulously documented the cargo destined for America.
Vergennes, confronted by the British Ambassador's wrath over France's clandestine arms trafficking, is compelled to address the matter. The revelation of a spy within their midst casts a pall over Franklin's operations, resulting in the destruction of his printing press and his confinement for "safety" while Lenoir, likely the mastermind behind the sabotage, investigates the incident.
"Welcome, Mischief" concludes with a series of devastating blows to Franklin's mission, ranging from the loss of his propaganda tool to the exposure of a spy and the very tangible peril to his personal safety. This episode underscores the perilous stakes of diplomacy and the lengths to which nations will go to safeguard their interests. As the specter of war looms larger and intrigue deepens, Franklin's resolve is tested more severely than ever, paving the way for a gripping continuation of his quest for American independence.
