FRANKLIN
Starring: Michael Douglas, Noah Jupe, Marc Duret, Ludivine Sagnier, Thibault de Montalembert, Daniel Mays, Assaad Bouab, Eddie Marsan, Jeanne Balibar, Théodore Pellerin, and John Hollingworth
Creators: Kirk Ellis and Howard Korder
PRESTON
Apple TV+ is at it once more with another early American historical series. This time, the aptly named Franklin focuses on the revolutionary war efforts of Benjamin Franklin (Michael Douglas). As a self-proclaimed history buff who has some awareness of Franklin’s antics in France, I was hoping for a take more closely aligned to Amadeus than the French-centric story presented here. Douglas’ outstanding performance carries this limited series along more capably than any of his colleagues’ in contemporary peer Manhunt, but with less compelling subject matter, it, too, eventually loses its luster, sadly leaving us with yet another mediocre offering.
QUENTIN
Unless you’re the nerdiest of American history nerds, you’re likely to be disappointed by Franklin. While it explores the post-Revolution political levers pulled by Benjamin Franklin (Michael Douglas), the series is mostly derailed by subplots surrounding Franklin’s celebrity and the relationship with his teenage (read: bratty and horny) grandson (Noah Jupe). When it actually dives into the political maneuvering, it’s done so with a dry focus on the French monarchy instead of the more interesting Franklin. Plus, full disclosure, I’m a Douglas fan; however, he is woefully miscast here, feeling more like adult cosplay than an actor giving an earnest portrayal of a historical figure.
