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'Franklin' Episode 7 Ending Explained: Edward Bancroft's betrayal puts Benjamin Franklin's loyalty in question

Amid conflicting situation between American diplomats, Edward Bancroft acts to undermine Benjamin Franklin's reputation in France

Contains spoilers for 'Franklin'

PARIS, FRANCE: Stakes get higher in Apple TV+'s 'Franklin' as the series is approaching its finale.

America has won the battle in Yorktown and the moment has arrived when France expects a payback while America has to prove its loyalty to France.

In 'Franklin' Episode 7, Benjamin Franklin (Michael Douglas) and John Adams (Eddie Marsan) are in a deadlock over how to take things forward.

While Franklin proposed to act in accordance to their alliance with France, Adams wanted to cut a deal with Britain, citing that it was in the best interest of America.

With no resolution reached so far, a betrayal endangers Franklin's diplomatic positioning.

What does Edward Bancroft hand over to John Adams in 'Franklin' Episode 7?

Towards the end of the episode, Paul Wentworth (Tom Hughes) assigns a new task to Edward Bancroft (Daniel Mays). He gives him the letter that Edward tricked Temple Franklin (Noah Jupe) into signing back in Episode 4.

In that letter, Temple's loyalty seems to be with the British. It says he's devoted to his father, who he thinks is cruelly locked up in an American prison.

Paul held onto the letter because he thought Franklin might lose influence upon John Adams' arrival.

But since Franklin's power didn't wane and he still managed the alliance, Paul decided to pass the letter to someone who would use it against Franklin. Edward cleverly chooses John Adams as the recipient of the letter.

How can Edward Bancroft's betrayal impact Benjamin Franklin?

The letter suggests that Temple Franklin, Franklin's grandson, is loyal to Britain, following his father's footsteps.

This situation casts doubt on Benjamin Franklin's own loyalty, especially since his son and grandson seem to lean towards Britain rather than America.

John Adams, seeking to sideline Franklin and assert his own agenda, including rejecting France's terms, sees an opportunity in this letter.

If it becomes public, it could shake Count of Vergennes' (Thibault de Montalembert) trust in Franklin, potentially breaking their longstanding alliance.

The future of America is set to be determined in the finale episode of 'Franklin', scheduled to release on May 17.