In the sixth episode of Franklin, "Beauty and Folly," the series delves into the murky waters of espionage and personal turmoil, set against the backdrop of a revolution teetering on the brink of collapse. The episode opens in a morgue, where the body of a Benjamin Franklin impersonator, murdered by Paul Wentworth (Tom Hughes), lies cold. Benjamin (Michael Douglas), along with Pierre de Beaumarchais (Assaad Bouab) and Jean-Charles-Pierre Lenoir (Olivier Rabourdin), discusses the events leading to this tragedy, with Benjamin revealing that he sent a double due to Lenoir's warning. The presence of Bancroft (Daniel Mays) adds a layer of complexity, as he suggests that the driver or a local policeman might be involved.
In a private moment, Bancroft confesses his guilt over the man's death, as he was the one who advised Benjamin to use a double. Benjamin, however, reassures him and expresses his distrust of Lenoir. Despite Lenoir warning him about the threat, Benjamin believes this could be the perfect way to mask his treachery. Benjamin even suggests that John Adams (Eddie Marsan) might be responsible, as Adams has been so eager to see Benjamin fail. Benjamin tells Bancroft that he is the only man he trusts.
Bancroft informs Wentworth that he believed Benjamin was in the carriage, thus outsmarting them both. Wentworth insists that Benjamin must be eliminated urgently. Bancroft, however, believes that Benjamin and Adams will destroy each other, given Adams has the backing of Congress. Wentworth warns Bancroft that if he is caught, he will not go down alone.
Meanwhile, Lenoir informs Vergennes (Thibault de Montalembert) that he is closing in on Wentworth, detailing the killings he has orchestrated and his knowledge of Wentworth's location in Paris. Instead of apprehending him, Lenoir suggests they bide their time, allowing Wentworth to continue his operations as he may prove useful. Vergennes' only stipulation is that Benjamin must not be murdered.
Temple (Noah Jupe), Gilbert (Théodore Pellerin), Segur (Arthur Orcier), and Noailles (Victor Lafrej) are pursued by French officers as they attempt to reach Le Havre to secure a ship for an invasion of England. Surrounded, Gilbert draws his sword in readiness to fight, only to find that it is Vergennes who confronts them. Vergennes berates them for their foolishness, dismissing their plan as moronic.
Temple insists that their plan could have succeeded if not for Vergennes' intervention. Vergennes retorts by calling him an arrogant fool. After their encounter, Temple meets with Jacques (Aïtor de Calvairac), who takes him to the countryside.
Chaumont (Olivier Claverie) hesitantly inquires about payment from the American congress, pressured by his wife. John Adams enters and requests privacy to speak with Benjamin. Adams has been instructed by Congress to negotiate a treaty with London, which Benjamin adamantly advises against. Their argument escalates, with Benjamin demanding that Adams burn the letter, asserting that no good can come of it.
Vergennes aligns with Franklin, not wanting Adams to initiate peace negotiations with Great Britain. He has spent a year listening to Benjamin's insistence that there can be no treaty without a guarantee of US independence. France expects a return on their investment in the American cause, and Adams' criticism of French support does not go unnoticed. Vergennes orders Adams to leave, declaring that he never wants to see him again.
Count Maurepas (Robin Renucci) and Monsieur Necker (Vincent Winterhalter) propose a truce between France, America, and Britain to King Louis XVI. They inform Vergennes that they are dealing directly with British Prime Minister Lord North. They argue that France cannot continue to fund a losing war and that they have made their point. Vergennes tells Louis that he will do as he pleases, but if France is to withdraw from the war, he must sign a letter to that effect.
Unable to speak with Vergennes due to Adams' actions, Benjamin asks Gilbert to arrange a meeting with the King. America needs French naval support to block the English at sea and troops to engage them on land, urgently needing to take action before it's too late. Temple and Jacques indulge in drinking and revelry in the countryside, even participating in a stag hunt. When Jacques repeatedly disrespects Odette Caillot (Sonia Bunny), Temple punches him and follows Odette outside, where they engage in a sexual encounter.
The next morning, Temple wakes alone, abandoned by his companions. Disoriented and lost, he collapses in tears. Eventually, he hails a carriage heading to Paris. Upon reuniting with Gilbert, Segur, and Noailles, they inform him of their impending departure for Virginia with 7,000 men and the King's consort. When Gilbert inquires if Temple will reconcile with Benjamin to join them, Temple furiously declines, declaring that he has found love in France.
Temple eventually arrives at Chaumont to find Benjamin asleep. Benjamin awakens to find Temple organizing his papers, with Temple promising to transcribe Benjamin's notes in both English and French.
"Beauty and Folly" is a testament to the precarious nature of alliances and the high stakes of personal and political intrigue during a time of war. The episode masterfully captures the essence of a revolution on the brink, where trust is a scarce resource, and the line between friend and foe is often blurred.