REVIEW: ‘The Franchise’ Episode 1 — “Scene 31A: Tecto Meets Eye”

It was only a matter of time until a series began to take shots at the glut of superhero stories dominating films and television. The Franchise, created by Jon Brown and executive produced by Brown, Armando Iannucci, and Sam Mendes, does as much, though, with a tepid air of apathy in Episode 1. Due to the story’s timeliness and the breadth of talent on board, the premiere garners laughs. However, considering the material they’re working with and the state of superhero fatigue that has plagued the genre for years now, there should be more bite, especially when Iannucci is involved.

Instead, The Franchise Episode 1 makes do with relatively easy jokes, even if they are effective. The series primarily follows the ins and outs of a film crew and the struggles they face while producing a superhero film. Leading the charge is the harried first A.D, Daniel (Himesh Patel), who must juggle the warring tides of a director’s ego, studio interference, differing acting approaches from the leads, lighting that literally blinds the actors, and a new producer who seemingly has a history with, played by Aya Cash.

They’re at the start of the production of a project that exists within the confines and narrative trickery of a franchise. Their film is being shot in tandem with one directly affecting it, meaning certain elements must be cut when they no longer align with the overarching story. Directed by Mendes and written by Brown, “Scene 31A: Tecto Meets Eye” makes sure to paint this type of studio landfill with the least glamorous eye. There’s no movie magic behind the scenes in Daniel’s world. Just persistent headaches, continuous vaping, and a silly-looking pillow that helps him sleep in his office during any free moment.

Daniel Brühl plays the director, Eric, who is biting off more than he can chew. His visionary aspirations are constantly needled at by the studio, which won’t allow him to express his artistic ability fully. It very much speaks to the Marvel assembly line of picking out indie directors who aren’t used to big-budget studio projects and the mayhem that follows. However, Eric is just one of the few significant figures in the film. Some of the funniest bits of performances and writing come from Billy Magnussen as Adam, the lead protagonist, and Richard E. Grant as Peter, the villain.

Their differing acting approaches and clashing of personalities make for an energized screen presence as they pick apart their personas. Adam is very much a studio Chris type (dealers’ choice on it being Pratt, Hemsworth, Evans, or Pine.) He shouts his lines while Peter whispers, clearly seeing himself as something of a thespian even while draped in clunky costuming and thick makeup. However, their hilarity is brought up when both become victims to the studio-mandated lighting that keeps every one of their franchise films bright and cheery as a means to bring audiences in. Both of them have their eyes severely burned from the intensive lighting.

But if anything, the lighting bit also showcases how The Franchise Episode 1 could’ve dug in more. While the bright, Target-ad lighting of the more insufferable Marvel films is a good dig, wouldn’t it be as interesting to look at how movies and television — particularly big-budget projects — don’t know how to light anything anymore? Or how night scenes are all but incomprehensible in the biggest productions (Game of Thrones, to name just one)? But perhaps that would be striking too close to home.

That is, however, the biggest flaw of the premiere that hopefully gains better and more assured footing throughout the season. While other shows produced by Iannucci make sure to level honest, biting criticism toward their targets, The Franchise is too observational. There’s no real intent present to sink their teeth in and refuse release. Episode 1 is funny based on how much a casual viewer knows about behind-the-scenes production rather than being eye-opening to any casual viewer. With such rich material, The Franchise Episode 1 falls flat.

That said, there’s enough going on to keep us interested. Patel is, as always, a charismatic performer even when saddled with the straight-man role. The larger cast, which includes Jessica Hynes and Lolly Adefope, delivers detailed characterizations that help elevate their smaller portion of the story. The Franchise Episode 1 might not be a complete home run despite the immense talent on board, but it has promise. Now, it just needs to deliver.

The Franchise Episode 1 is available now on Max, with new episodes each Sunday.