'Franklin' Episode 3 Takeaway: Benjamin Franklin's mission jeopardized by close ally's betrayal
Contains spoilers for 'Franklin'
PARIS, FRANCE: Apple TV+'s latest biographical drama portrays Benjamin Franklin's contribution to America's freedom. The series opens with his adventures in France as he seeks aid and alliance from the country in America's battle against Great Britain.
Benjamin Franklin (portrayed by Michael Douglas) initially approaches the Count of Vergennes (Thibault de Montalembert) and requests an alliance and a loan of two million livres. However, Vergennes rejects his proposal, citing doubts about Franklin's loyalty and the king's orders against collaborating with America.
Benjamin Franklin's secret attempts to aid America in Apple TV+'s 'Franklin'
After he receives no help from the court of France, he collaborates with Chaumont, the richest merchant in the country. Chaumont, who demands his loan to be repaid by Congress, agrees to ship arms and ammunition to America.
In Episode 2, Ambassador Stormont discovers Chaumont's involvement in smuggling for Franklin. As Stormont investigates further, Chaumont, in the latest episode, is left wondering who betrayed them, even considering the possibility of Franklin being a British spy.
Edward Bancroft betrays Benjamin Franklin in Apple TV+'s 'Franklin'
In the climax of Episode 3 of 'Franklin', it's revealed that Franklin's close friend Edward Bancroft (Daniel Mays) has been betraying him.
Bancroft meets Ambassador Stormont in secret and provides information about Franklin in return for money. This indicates that Bancroft was the one who provided the detailed list of items being shipped by Chaumont.
Now when Britain has been defeated in Saratoga, Bancroft and Stormont discuss how London will be displeased and their plans have gone off the tracks.
Bancroft, who knows intricate details about Franklin and his upcoming plans, suggests Stormont use the disagreements between Franklin and his grandson to their advantage.
While on one hand, Franklin regains momentum in his mission upon hearing America's victory in Saratoga, and he prepares to resume his publishing, he faces imminent danger from his Bancroft, who disguises as his ally but has been backstabbing him all along.
Meanwhile, with Chaumont suspicious of Franklin being a spy of the British, he might hold himself back in providing further add, thus adding to the difficulties of Franklin.
It would also be interesting to see how Franklin navigates his relationship with his grandson, who appears to be more revolting with his new found friendships in France, and his growing concern towards his father, who is in America's prison charged with treason.
Three episodes of 'Franklin' are currently available to stream on Apple TV+.