Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin Plot Summary
This is the first special focusing on Franklin, the first black Peanuts character. Although he isn’t as over the top as the others, this shows how much personality he has. It works as a good introduction to him while still being a treat to long-time fans.
Welcome Home, Franklin tells the story of how the titular character becomes buddies with Charlie Brown and the others. His dad always moves because of his job, so the boy never had the chance to have best friends.
This time, they go to a new town, but he doesn’t even get to have a nice talk with anyone. Seeing winning a soap box race as the chance for him to become friends with everyone, Franklin unites with Charlie Brown to make the best car.
How does Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin end?
Charlie Brown and Franklin have some differences, but they work them out to participate in the race. While the new boy charges up ahead, Charlie is responsible for using the brakes to avoid and overtake the other competitors. While some of them self-destruct or can’t get enough speed, the duo prove they are strong together.
They even get near Lucy and Schroeder, who have been in first place since the start of the competition. With a nice use of the upcoming curve, Franklin and Charlie Brown get in the lead. Unfortunately, an ice cream truck goes down the hill, becoming an obstacle on the street.
Charlie Brown knows they can avoid it and win the race, but Franklin doesn’t want to do that. The new kid says the others won’t be able to do the same, messing up the fun event. So they decide to hit it, sacrificing themselves for others to reach the finish line. Because of that, Lucy and Schroeder take the lead again and win the race.
Unexpectedly, everyone treats them as heroes. When the duo tries to finish the race, even with a destroyed car, the other competitors cheer on them. To celebrate, Lucy says they’ll all have free pizzas on her, one of the prizes of the competition.
During the dinner, Franklin tells Charlie Brown that his father got a new job. At first, the boy thinks that means his new friend will move again. However, the job is in town, so Franklin will stay for longer. Everyone is happy to hear that and celebrates even harder.
After that, Franklin, with the help of Charlie Brown, finally unpacks his suitcase. Now, he is prepared to stay there, with his new close friends, something he never had.
What is the controversy with A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving?
The 1973 special, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, awakened a bit of controversy recently. The characters gather at the titular character’s house and enjoy a happy meal together. However, Franklin is the only one sitting completely alone on one of the sides of the rectangular table. That makes him feel separated from the rest of the cast.
This special uses the pizza party scene to correct that mistake. Franklin is about to join his friends, going to sit alone again on one of the sides of the table. However, Charlie Brown and Linus show him a chair and say they have a seat for him. Besides being a very sweet moment, it’s obvious this is an attempt to show they won’t overlook the character again. Now, Franklin appears to be fully part of the group.
Read more: Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin Movie Review