The seventh episode of "The Franchise" kicks off with the team embarking on a location shoot in the picturesque landscapes of Armenia. Eric, driven by vision, aims to capture the mesmerizing moment of a goat serenely stepping out of a portal. However, the goat, seemingly uninterested in cinematic grandeur, refuses to cooperate, plunging Eric into a whirlwind of frustration that rekindles his hiccups.
The team's primary objective is to film the climactic scene where a bridge explodes in a breathtaking finale. And they intend to achieve this authenticity by detonating a real bridge. Just when tensions are mounting, Bryson announces a heartwarming addition to their set—a local Armenian boy, battling illness, who has been invited to witness the magic of filmmaking. Amidst this, a sustainability officer issues a stern warning to the crew, cautioning them to avoid harming the endangered brown-furred Armenian bats that inhabit the area.
Elsewhere, Pat shares an article from Deadline with Anita, where Martin Scorsese lambasts franchise films for killing cinema. Intriguingly, statistical evidence supports his claim, stirring up controversy even among the enigmatic Shane.
Steph confides in Dag, revealing that she and Rufus, alias Mollusc Man, indulged in a fleeting moment of intimacy despite both being married. The revelation stirs no regret within her. Meanwhile, Eric catches wind of the Deadline article and is plagued by a moral dilemma. Convinced that he cannot contribute to cinema's demise, he decides to abandon the grand spectacle of the bridge explosion and craft a subversive new ending. In this vision, the superheroes shed their capes, donning normal attire for a poignant conversation. Despite the exhaustion of the VFX artist, Eric insists, and a mock-up of the scene is conjured. Daniel, attempting to reason with Eric, points out the logistical nightmare of having flown 300 people to Armenia solely for the bridge scene. Yet, Eric remains steadfast in his conviction.
Daniel conveys the news to Anita, who urgently emphasizes the necessity of swift corrections. Intriguingly, Daniel devises a plan to enact a real-life "Truman Show" scenario by feeding Eric a continuous loop of a decoy video while he remains confined in his trailer. Simultaneously, they press ahead with completing the exterior shot. With Daniel ascending to the role of acting director, Dag gleefully embraces his new position as the First Assistant Director.
In a cringe-worthy exchange with Rufus, Steph confesses her love for him, only to find herself facing rejection as Rufus fails to reciprocate her feelings. This mismatch in emotions irritates Steph. Elsewhere, Bryson encounters the local, ailing youth—a remarkably tall Armenian teenager who shows a greater fascination for YouTube than for cinema.
Daniel increasingly embraces his directorial duties, offering insightful notes to the actors and altering some of Eric's blocking for the scene. Pat makes a cryptic remark, expressing his preference for Daniel's approach over Eric's. Trouble brews when Jaz, an employee, discovers an Armenian bat nearby. Daniel attempts to brush off the issue by disposally tossing it into the water. Returning to the trailer, Anita initiates a flirtatious encounter, recalling Pat's earlier comment and suggesting they might just keep Eric locked away in his trailer while they helm the film themselves. She playfully kisses Daniel's hand, but he retracts, informing her that he had just touched a bat.
With Anita scrubbing her mouth in a frenzy, Jaz updates Daniel that Eric has a sudden urge to take a stroll. To thwart Eric's chance of glimpsing the lively set, Daniel devises a clever plan by activating sprinklers, simulating a downpour and thereby keeping Eric confined indoors. Just as Daniel prepares to capture the pivotal scene, the sustainability officer dashes onto the scene, clutching two additional bats found in the vicinity. She approaches the set with urgency, prompting Daniel and Anita to make a swift decision—they must film the bridge explosion before she intercepts them. They take the plunge, but unfortunately, the wrong bridge detonates. It transpires that a mix-up with the explosives technician was the culprit. As the incorrect bridge collapses, a flock of Armenian bats emerges from the debris, prompting the crew to scramble for cover.
To their astonishment, they realize the bridge they've demolished is a historical landmark, even featured on Armenian currency. Anita and Daniel swiftly concur that safeguarding the studio's reputation is paramount and that all incriminating evidence must be eradicated. Moreover, Pat and Shane must remain blissfully unaware of the mishap.
When Eric finally steps out of his trailer, he informs Daniel of a change of heart once more. He's no longer concerned about Martin; he insists on sticking to the scene of the bridge's destruction. Daniel replies that they're pressed for time but suggests using VFX to simulate the explosion, much to the vexation of the VFX artist.
The Franchise Episode 7 concludes with a dramatic twist: Bryson smashes the sick boy's phone, which had recorded the entire ordeal. In return for his silence, Bryson is promised tickets to the premiere and a brand-new phone.
