'Franklin' Episode 4 Takeaway: King Louis XVI's historic announcement to reshape American Revolution
Contains spoilers for 'Franklin'
PARIS, FRANCE: Benjamin Franklin's (Michael Douglas) visit to France makes a significant progress in Episode 4 of Apple TV+'s latest biographical series 'Franklin'.
Franklin arrived in France with his grandson, William Temple (Noah Jupe), to secure an alliance, in America's fight against Great Britain. However, resistance from the French King created obstacles in his mission.
Will France help America in their fight against Great Britain in Apple TV+'s 'Franklin'?
In 'Franklin' Episode 4, the wind changes its course when America defeats Great Britain in Saratoga.
As the news spreads across the whole of France, Count of Vergennes (Thibault de Montalembert) once again goes to the King and tells him that they should grab the opportunity by forming an alliance with America.
This time, King Louis XVI (Tom Pezier) neither agrees nor disagrees as he wants to play it safe. This leaves Vergennes to do what he feels is right.
Despite fearing exile and imprisonment, Vergennes takes a risky bet and conveys a message of a treaty to Benjamin, without the knowledge of the King. The treaty would ensure that America would cut off all trade relations with the British Empire.
Franklin understands that the King and Vergennes are adopting safe tactics by not openly declaring war.
Therefore, he demands that the King officially announce France's participation in America's war against Great Britain, and only then he would accept the terms of the treaty.
Later, the King also announces that he is ready to support the American Revolution. An alliance is thus formed between France and America.
What's next for Benjamin Franklin in Apple TV+'s 'Franklin'?
In the final moments of the episode, we see Franklin along with the French cabinet celebrating the announcement of the alliance.
What seems to be an easy road ahead witnesses another roadblock as an American diplomat named John Adams (Eddie Marsan) reaches France and tells Franklin that he is there to replace him.
As Benjamin Franklin's fate in France hangs in the air, Episode 4 ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers anticipating how he will navigate through this new adversity while maintaining his standing among the French ministers.
'Franklin' is available to stream on Apple TV+