Franklin

Grasping who did what in what war has always been difficult for me. I much prefer Tom Wilkinson's Franklin in HBO's John Adams. Great example of British versus American acting styles. Wife and I are watching as much as I we can, ignoring Douglas, focusing on events. Half of Madame Brilion advice about gout is correct. Avoid alcohol, especially red wine. Avoidance of women is incorrect, Removal of fluid, is good, all bodily fluids contain uric acid, which crystallizes and lodges between joints, usually farthest away fro heart. Great role for Robert Mayes as Dr. Bancroft. When does Slow Horses return?

I'm enjoying it immensely so far through five episodes. Benjamin Franklin spoke multiple languages, but French was definitely not one his strongest. The show depicts his imprecision with the language which I appreciate from a historical accuracy standpoint.

I'm thrilled the Marquis de Lafayette is a central figure in the story. The guy was a rockstar and deserves his modern day due. I am intrigued by the French side of the story regarding America's War for Independence. You can see the seeds being sown placing France's civilization on the brink of collapse.

For those who are not history buffs, there will be moments of "is that true?!" You'll think it's just modernizing history. But you'll find the more things change, the more they stay the same.

There were so many things which frustrated me about this show as I'm a fan of Franklin, American history, this particular story and time period, and Mr. Douglas - it had the makings of greatness.

Unfortunately, there are just too many things weighing it down. While the subtitles were not an issue (try watching Shogun!), the story and script just dragged and droned along at such a glacial pace that it was painful.

Douglas was not at his finest. I thought the casting might have been great, but it wasn't. Douglas was flat and seemed to be struggling with a bad cold or throughout the series. He was just bland.

The directing was terrible. No pace, no excitement, no fun. It just trodded along, seemingly lost.

Sad. There was potential.

Wonderful period costumes and elegant English dialog; the French dialog with English subtitles adds to historical authenticity, but it can be distracting. The overall series may be slow moving, if not boring at times, but the immersive depth of Benjamin Franklin's diplomacy with the French - and subsequently with the British - depicts what a true statesman he really was. Were it not for Franklin's largely unsung endeavor to gain French support for the American Revolution and ultimate founding of the United States, the U. S. would likely not have become an independent and self-determining country. Wonderful actor choices, especially Michael Douglas.

This is well written, features beautiful set design and absolutely stunning costumes. From the details in period hair and makeup to mannerisms and gestures, the show is visually entertaining. There is quite a bit of dialogue and story lines to keep up with, be prepared. I had to pause a few times to let some of the underlying aristocratic humor sink in.

Keep expectations low for the portrayal of Franklin, the man. His character (or is it just Michael Douglas?) lacks the sincere charm and wit that was surely omnipresent of the Franklin who saved America from defeat. I would have liked to have seen either a brief list of accomplishments in the opening or retro reel to give Franklin's celebrity some clout for the viewer.

No, scratch that last part. I am just disappointed with Douglas. Zero charm. Total lost opportunity to portray a truly great American icon. Other than that, a well done show.