'Franklin' Episode 4 Takeaway: Edward Bancroft's evil plans put Benjamin Franklin's mission at risk
Contains spoilers for 'Franklin'
PARIS, FRANCE: The latest episode of Apple TV+'s 'Franklin' has intrigued audiences with success, betrayal, and conspiracies all unfolding in Benjamin Franklin's (Michael Douglas) life simultaneously.
After relentless pursuit, Franklin finally cracks an alliance with France, in order to aid America in its war against Great Britain.
In 'Franklin' Episode 4, Franklin plays smart and makes King Louis XVI (Tom Pezier) officially declare war before signing a treaty. However, he remains unwary of the betrayal by his close aide.
How does Edward Bancroft betray Benjamin Franklin in 'Franklin' Episode 4?
Edward Bancroft (Daniel Mays), who has been assisting Franklin since the day he arrived in Paris, has in fact been double-crossing him. He is secretly working for the British embassy by passing on confidential information about Franklin's mission.
As the French ministry prepares to offer an alliance to America, Edward Bancroft devices a plan to sabotage it. He, along with one of his British allies, decides to get a letter signed by Temple (Noah Jupe) in which he expresses his loyalty to the British Empire.
Knowing that Temple would never write such a letter, Edward cleverly takes his signature while he is busy signing other official letters.
How does Edward Bancroft's betrayal impact Benjamin Franklin?
Edward's cunning plan doesn't take long to bring an impact. As the episode concludes, we see American diplomat John Adams (Eddie Marsan) arriving in Passy. He tells Franklin that he is there to replace him.
Though at this point, Franklin is clueless as to why John Adams has arrived suddenly, the viewers can anticipate that the letter that Temple was made to sign has reached the Congress in America.
With Franklin's son already in prison for treason and his grandson's forged letter suggesting his loyalty to Britain, it seems Congress can no longer trust Franklin and wants him replaced.
With John Adams' arrival, it would be interesting to see if the treaty would still come into action, or will the French ministry pull out of the deal following Franklin's loss of authority.
'Franklin' is available to stream on Apple TV+