Franklin – Season 1 Episode 3 “Pride and Gout” Recap & Review

Pride and Gout

Episode 3 kicks off in Brandywine Creek, Pennsylvania, on September 11th 1777. Gilbert is now in America, fighting alongside his American friends against the British army. Unfortunately, he suffers a serious injury and is rushed off the battlefield to be treated by doctors who already have a lot on their plate.

The doctors try to extract the bullet lodged in his leg, but despite their best efforts, Gilbert becomes a martyr. When Vergennes finds out, he is furious at Benjamin for Gilbert’s demise. He’s particularly upset because Benjamin had given Gilbert the letter to join George Washington’s army. Vergennes tells Monsieur Gerard to give Franklin a talking-to for putting Gilbert in harm’s way.

When Gerard meets Franklin, he recommends using Gilbert’s death to promote the alliance between America and France. Franklin also asks Gerard about the destruction of his printing press, but Gerard’s answer is more mysterious than clear. Gilbert’s death sparks outrage among many, fueling their hatred against the British even more.

They’re itching to join the war against the redcoats, but they know that without the king’s orders, they’ll face severe punishment. Temple is also deeply affected by Gilbert’s death and blames himself for what happened. In a drunken state, Temple lashes out at Franklin, accusing him of being idle and not doing anything to free his son, who is imprisoned in America.

As the episode unfolds, Chaumont meets with Pierre, who informs him that the at British navy has confiscated two of their three ships just days after leaving the port. Pierre suspects that there is a spy among them who is passing information to the British. He suggests that they inform Franklin about the confiscated ships but leave out the part about a spy until they can conduct an investigation.

Things get really interesting when it turns out Gilbert isn’t actually dead; he’s alive and well. Not only that but he’s been promoted to the respected rank of general. He sends a letter to his wife, telling her about the battlefield and how the Americans are bravely fighting against the redcoats. Temple wants Benjamin to publish Gilbert’s story, but Benjamin’s printing press has been destroyed, so he can’t. However, Franklin tells Temple to leave the letter with him, saying he’ll figure something out.

At dinner, Franklin gets the gut-punching news that the redcoats have taken over Philadelphia and are advancing. His face says it all – he’s crushed, and his belief in America’s victory is taking a beating. Chevalier tries to lift his spirits, but it’s no easy task. The next morning, though, Franklin gets a ray of hope. Bancroft, after a slew of hurdles, has managed to smuggle in the equipment Franklin needs to build his printing machine.

And then, the icing on the cake – news arrives that the Americans have defeated the redcoats at Saratoga, with 6000 English soldiers surrendering. Ecstatic, Franklin jumps into action, printing another piece of propaganda with Gilbert as the hero of Saratoga. Little does he know his trusted companion, Bancroft, has turned traitor and is plotting to bring Franklin down.

The Episode Review

Franklin’s luck finally turns around after a string of disappointments. He gets the great news that the Americans have won big at Saratoga, forcing 6000 British soldiers to surrender. This is just what Franklin needed to promote the alliance between the French and Americans.

Gilbert’s story will be like catnip for the French, inspiring them to join the fight for freedom, glory, rewards, or recognition. But the problem is that Franklin’s in a pickle because his closest friend and ally, Bancroft, is actually playing for the British.