In the gripping fifth chapter of "Franklin," entitled "The Natural State of Man," we are transported to the fiery crucible of the American Revolution on July 4, 1778. The episode unfolds with John Adams (portrayed masterfully by Eddie Marsan), now a guest at Chaumont's (Olivier Claverie's) residence alongside Benjamin Franklin (Michael Douglas), honing his French phrases and meticulously chronicling his thoughts in his diary. Adams, a stern critic of Franklin's tactics, engages in a tense breakfast confrontation that sharpens the contrast between their personal and ideological differences like a knife through butter.
Adams finds himself particularly skeptical of Franklin's accounts, expenditures, and correspondence, questioning the latter's dedication to the American struggle through the alliance with France. Eager to secure France's commitment to the American cause, Adams is intent on meeting with Vergennes (Thibault de Montalembert). His frustration boils over as he observes the French fascination with Franklin at a lavish gathering, highlighting the intricate web of cultural and political tensions weaving between the two nations.
Vergennes, on the other hand, is displeased with the meager inventory submitted by the American Congress, which pales in comparison to even a fraction of France's annual budget. Franklin, with his consummate skill in diplomacy, delicately balances the tensions between Vergennes and Adams. However, Adams remains steadfast in his demand for more tangible support from France. In a stroke of brilliance, Franklin pretends to be in frail health, cleverly maneuvering Vergennes into providing additional funds—a move that leaves Adams utterly disheartened.
The episode also delves into the private realms of the characters, with Anne (Ludivine Sagnier) venting her discontent to Brillon (Marc Duret) over the arranged marriage between Temple (Noah Jupe) and Cunegonde (Lily Dupont). Anne yearns for her daughter to have more autonomy, echoing the broader themes of liberty and self-determination that resonate throughout the series like a timeless symphony.
Benjamin reveals to Temple the arranged marriage, portraying it as a strategic partnership between France and America. Temple, initially overwhelmed with disappointment, particularly at the thought of Benjamin abandoning him, finds solace in Benjamin's reassuring pledge to remain in France, ultimately securing Temple's reluctant consent.
At Chaumont's Independence gala, Adams confides in Edward Bancroft (Daniel Mays) about his apprehensions regarding the marriage and Anne's bond with Benjamin. Bancroft, eager for additional remuneration for his perilous endeavors, is instructed by Paul Wentworth (Tom Hughes) to sow discord between Vergennes and the Americans, targeting Adams to provoke the French.
The arrival of Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette (Théodore Pellerin), injects a fresh dynamic as he unfolds an audacious scheme to assault British harbors with Bancroft, Adams, and Benjamin. While Adams deems the plot unfeasible, Benjamin finds it intriguing, especially when Temple voices his longing to participate in the battle. Temple's impulsive decision to flee and join Gilbert, Segur (Arthur Orcier), and Noailles (Victor Lafrej) in their clandestine mission to ravage England themselves, after Anne calls off the wedding, heightens the tension and underscores the younger generation's impatience to seize control of their destiny.
The episode draws to a close with Franklin shrouded in peril, as Officer Lenoir (Olivier Rabourdin) cautions him about whispers hinting at his peril in Paris. Bancroft informs Wentworth of Gilbert and Temple's scheme, which Wentworth treats with grave concern, instructing Bancroft to manipulate Adams into gaining ascendancy over Franklin. In a harrowing climax, Wentworth mistakenly plunges a blade into a man's heart in the heart of Paris, mistaking him for Benjamin.
"The Natural State of Man" unfolds as a intricately crafted tale that delves into the multifaceted realms of diplomacy, personal aspirations, and the relentless battle for power during a pivotal era in history. With its meticulously woven plot and engaging character interactions, this episode of Franklin captures the very spirit of a nation's struggle for independence and the individuals who steered its destiny.
