The season finale of The Franchise (Season 1, Episode 8) is a chaotic and surprisingly hopeful conclusion that sees Peter’s (Richard E. Grant) last day on set, just 17 days from wrapping on Tecto: Eye of the Storm. It’s a fitting end to a season filled with witty humor, sharp satire, and plenty of twists that keep you on your toes. I’ve really enjoyed watching this show, especially its clever takedown of the comic book movie industry, and I can’t help but hope for a second season to see where these quirky characters go next.
The episode kicks off with Anita (Aya Cash) watching a bizarre YouTube video of pigeons being sucked into a grain silo, which sets the tone for the kind of offbeat humor we’ve come to expect from the show. Hilarity strikes early when Pat (Darren Goldstein) calls Anita in a panic — Shane has lost his voice, and Pat must now take over the mega Comic-Con panel for Maximum Studios, including announcing all the new movie phases. This could easily be a disaster, and the crew is scrambling to make it work.
I couldn’t help but chuckle when Bryson (Isaac Powell) shows footage of Pat’s disastrous panel from 2017, where all he did was hop around and yell “Stories!” It’s moments like this that make The Franchise such an entertaining watch. Pat’s orders to Anita to rewrite a speech for him, followed by demands for a stylist, a defibrillator, and a fresh haircut, are hilariously absurd. As Anita digs through Pat’s notes, she discovers a shocking detail: Tecto might be getting pulled. This moment was a real gut-punch for the characters, and I found myself rooting for them to salvage the project.
Back on set, the crew is dealing with Peter’s final scene, where his character’s death is being filmed. The scene quickly turns into a chaotic mix of emotional breakdowns, personal ambitions, and nervous energy. Dag (Lolly Adefope) is spiraling over the possibility of going to Armenian prison due to the bridge incident, while Daniel (Himesh Patel) tries to keep everyone focused on the task at hand. Peter, meanwhile, is less than thrilled with the way things are going. After an epic meltdown, he storms off, reminding everyone that he’s a trained actor with theater pedigree. His frustration feels earned, but it’s also a great example of how well The Franchise balances humor with the more serious, frustrating realities of working in the entertainment industry.
What really stood out to me in this episode, though, was Daniel’s growing determination to take control of the project. When Anita reveals that Tecto is being shelved, Daniel resolves to pitch a new vision to Shane, even though it means going behind Eric’s (Daniel Brühl) back. His “Kumar Cut” — a completely different take on the film — is a fascinating subplot that adds depth to his character. He’s not just a glorified assistant director; he’s a creator, a visionary in his own right, and it’s exciting to see him take a stand.
I also really appreciated the way the show portrayed the emotional toll on the crew. From Dave (George Fouracres) struggling with physical exhaustion to the tension between Daniel and Eric, it’s clear that everyone is feeling the pressure. Dave’s emotional breakdown, when he requests to change the film’s title to honor his daughter, was a powerful moment that humanized him beyond his usual comic relief role. I felt his frustration, and it really resonated with me as a viewer.
The tension peaks when Dave, in a moment of desperation, threatens to crush the entire crew with the set’s rocks. While it’s darkly funny, it also highlights how out of control things have gotten. As the security threat unfolds on set, the crew’s banter continues, with Adam (Billy Magnussen) obsessively checking his GQ shoot and Daniel trying to keep things together. The combination of ridiculous distractions and high-stakes drama makes for a chaotic but engaging episode.
As things finally start to settle, we get a surprising twist: Tecto is getting a new summer tentpole release slot, and Centurios 2 is on indefinite hold. It’s a small victory, but it’s a victory nonetheless. I loved how the show made it clear that the real heroes of this industry often go unrecognized, with Pat giving all the praise to the people who did nothing to actually save the project. It’s a perfect satire of how the entertainment world works.
The personal stakes are just as high for Anita, who, with her pitch for Tecto working, hints at getting rid of Eric as the director and having Daniel step in. This sets up a classic underdog story, where Daniel — despite being sidelined and dismissed — might get his shot at the top. But just as things seem to be turning around, Eric fires Daniel, claiming he can no longer trust him.
That moment hit hard. As a viewer, I was invested in Daniel’s journey, and I felt his frustration and defeat.
However, in a twist that brings a glimmer of hope, Pat stops Daniel before he leaves and reveals that Shane actually loved his pitch. While there’s no clear resolution yet, it feels like Daniel’s perseverance might finally pay off. The final moment, where Pat tells Daniel that “every so often, you can ask for exactly what you want,” felt like a poignant note of optimism.
The mid-credit scene, showing Pat’s chaotic 2017 Comic-Con panel, was the perfect callback to the show’s tone. It’s a reminder that, despite all the setbacks and absurdities, the crew is still in this together, doing what they do best: navigating the chaos of the entertainment world.
This finale is a strong conclusion to a hilarious and biting season. While it’s packed with absurd moments and chaotic energy, it also presents the personal struggles and triumphs of its characters in a way that makes you genuinely care about their journey. The Franchise is a brilliant satire that not only entertains but also offers a clever commentary on the entertainment industry. I can’t wait to see where it goes next (if renewed).
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