The fourth chapter of "Franklin," titled "A Taste of Retribution," unfolds as a vibrant tapestry of historical drama, intricately intertwining personal vendettas with the broader canvas of international politics. The narrative kicks off with a nostalgic flashback to the White Palace in London, where Benjamin Franklin (portrayed by Michael Douglas) stands resolute before the King's privy council, passionately advocating for the deportation of the Royal governor from Massachusetts.
Amidst a fiery confrontation with the solicitor general, it is solemnly pronounced that the Royal governor shall remain in Massachusetts, and Benjamin's charter as the representative of the colonies of Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Georgia is summarily revoked. As Benjamin and Edward Bancroft (embodied by Daniel Mays) depart the hallowed halls of the White Palace, they are greeted by a hail of debris hurled by irate English politicians, painting a vivid picture of their contentious exit. In a poignant parting gesture, Benjamin vows to Bancroft that he will reduce their master to a mere kinglet, foreshadowing his unwavering commitment to undermine British authority.
Switching to the present, the tidings of America's resounding victory at Saratoga reverberate through Paris, with Beaumarchais (played by Assaad Bouab) disseminating Benjamin's handwritten news with fervent zeal. The Parisians revel in the triumph, their joy infectious, even causing Vergennes (Thibault de Montalembert) to crack a smile at the unexpected twist of fate. Anne (Ludivine Sagnier), inspired by the victory, pens a new song in celebration, while Paul Wentworth (Tom Hughes) and Lord Stormont (John Hollingworth) bear visible signs of discomfiture over the American success.
However, Beaumarchais' ebullient joy is abruptly truncated when he is felled by a horse-drawn carriage while spreading the glad tidings. Wounded and with a fragment of glass embedded in his arm, he collapses in a heap, infusing the political narrative with a poignant layer of personal tragedy.
Elsewhere, Benjamin's flirtatious exchanges with Madame Helvetius (Jeanne Balibar) at Chaumont’s (Olivier Claverie's) abode and his cryptic discussion with Anne about their relationship add a captivating layer of personal intrigue to the storyline. Anne harbors a deep longing for a friendship and an eternal bond with Benjamin, whereas he continues to prioritize his libertine pleasures with other ladies. Their conversation, a delicate dance of unspoken longings and societal restrictions, further enriches the narrative with its nuanced portrayal of human desires and social constraints.
Vergennes confronts a quandary as he counsels King Louis XVI (portrayed by Tom Pezier) on France's potential to capitalize on England's defeat by extending support to the Americans. Convinced that England seeks an expedient withdrawal from the war to curb further losses, Vergennes argues that bold French action could significantly weaken the British. However, Louis, hesitant to bear the financial burden of another conflict, remains in a state of indecision.
During a series of meetings, Benjamin steadfastly advocates for a military alliance between France and America. Initially, Gerard (played by Xavier Brossard), Vergennes' confidant, suggests that France can only offer camaraderie and commerce, not military aid. But Benjamin's relentless pressure and accusations against Vergennes for unauthorized actions eventually sway King Louis, who instructs Vergennes to forge an alliance with America. The signing of the alliance papers marks a monumental juncture, as America and France formally become military partners.
Wentworth compels Bancroft to procure notes from Benjamin and Gerard's private meeting and devises a cunning plan to trick Temple into signing a letter of loyalty to the British crown, unaware of the deceit. Bancroft, burdened by debt, caves in and delivers the letter to Wentworth, underscoring the episode's theme of personal ambition triumphing over national allegiance.
Benjamin is warmly welcomed into Versailles, where he exchanges cordial greetings with a recuperating Beaumarchais and meets with King Louis. The jubilant celebration of the France-America accord, organized by Chaumont, attracts a throng of attendees, symbolizing the profound social and political ramifications of the new alliance. Anne and Benjamin revel in the melody of a song she composed, while Beaumarchais and Helvetius deliver speeches that reflect the intricate dynamics of their relationships.
The episode concludes with the arrival of John Adams (Eddie Marsan), who has come not to assist Benjamin but to replace him. This turn of events hints at a shift in the diplomatic landscape and the personal toll it takes on Benjamin, as his pivotal role in France is usurped.
"Small Revenge" stands as a pivotal episode that captures the essence of Franklin's diplomatic intrigue, where personal aspirations, national interests, and the intricacies of warfare and politics converge, setting the stage for the relentless pursuit of America's independence.
