Franklin

The number of posts on here that complain about the presence of subtitles in this multi-lingual production is maddening. Apparently closed captioning makes things unwatchable. And apparently the only possible way to improve this show is to stick a fake nose and wig on Michael Douglas, judging by other reviews that don't make as much mention of subtitles.

Deal with it. This is a great production. It looks beautiful and the performances are good. The story is relatively timely, too, managing to draw effective parallels between 18th- and 21st-century ways of conducting diplomacy.

Seriously, if you have a problem with subtitles, go away.

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.

This is not the brilliant HBO Series 'John Adams.' It lacks the budget, the cast and the writing. Michael Douglas is as miscast as Ben Franklin as Tom Wilkinson was perfect. I like Eddie Marsan, but he's no Paul Giamatti. Elfin Noah Jupe is horribly miscast as Temple Franklin and looks like a kid playing dress up. He is also at the center of most of the saccharine and unnecessary melodrama.

I am a huge fan of Executive Producer/Director Tim Van Patten (The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire) but historical drama might not be his métier, as quite clearly French is not Michael Douglas's!

The pace of the series slowed to a crawl by the aptly entitled 'Begin By Creeping.'

What this series succeeded beautifully in doing is making me want to rewatch the outstanding 'John Adams!'

I love Michael Douglas as an actor. He has had some great roles and really lights up the screen. But I can't buy him as Benjamin Franklin. His distinct voice in particular just made me think "oh that's Michael Douglas in a period piece". I was waiting for him to bust out with some slick monologue about Wall Street. As such, I couldn't get involved with the story about Franklin.

The costumes and set designs are fantastic and Franklin the man had an epic life, so if and when I get past the casting I hope to make it through the entire series. Apple TV has released some really high quality programming.

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?