Michael Douglas Stars as Benjamin Franklin Now Rolling in His Grave

The new Apple TV series Franklin, is frankly fraught with more problems making this version of our founding father Benjamin Franklin, averse to viewing.  This is a frothy fashion biopic that follows Franklin (Michael Douglas) and his 17 year old grandson William (Noah June) during his years in France frolicking with the filthy rich aristocrats. Meanwhile, Washington was contending with a flailing army in need of aid and financing at the start of the of the Revolution. The greatest casualty is the casting of Douglas in the key role. Douglas has been electrifying on the big screen. But, in this made for the Apple TV miniseries, he gives a phoned-in, putrid performance that is anachronistic in style. Douglas and the winsome June seem to be acting as if they traveled back in time from the 21st C.  The outcome is more fictitious than factual, more satirical than serious, more frilly and just silly. This would be acceptable if not for the cursory content to Franklin's task and the lack egregious lack of entertainment compensation. The fallout of watching is contemptibly tiresome. Some credibility, concern and curiosity for what is at stake for the nascent United States was sorely in abstentia.  Abstain from this droll drama that failed to deliver the goods. Douglas in WALL STREET may have ferociously said, "Greed is good."  Douglas in "Franklin" is definitely dormant as a block of wood.