Chaos and Creative Struggles in HBO’s ‘The Franchise’ Episode 2

HBO‘s latest series, ‘The Franchise,’ continues to delve into the chaotic world of superhero film production in its second episode. The episode, penned by Tony Roche and helmed by Liza Johnson, focuses on the challenging filming of a scene featuring Tecto, a lower-tier superhero, and his unique ability to wield an invisible jackhammer.

The episode highlights the existential dread and bureaucratic hurdles faced by the crew, particularly Daniel, who is struggling to keep the production on track. The arrival of new producer Anita adds to the tension, as she attempts to assert her authority and shake up the stagnant production. Aya Cash brings depth to her portrayal of Anita, showcasing a blend of confidence and genuine panic.

The scene involving the invisible jackhammer, which appears on set as a bright green pogo stick, is a central point of the episode. Billy Magnussen excels in this scene, treating the stick/jackhammer as a phallic extension of Adam‘s masculinity. The crew faces significant challenges, including budget constraints and contractual obligations, which further complicate the filming process.

The episode also explores the personal history between Daniel and Anita, who were romantically involved before she began seeing an Australian actor. This history adds a layer of complexity to their professional interactions, particularly when Anita makes Daniel the scapegoat for the production’s troubles in a public meeting.

Despite the chaos, Daniel and Anita privately acknowledge the flaws in the concept of the invisible jackhammer and consider ways to persuade the higher-ups to cut it. However, their efforts are undermined by the lack of response from key decision-makers and the looming threat of project cancellations, as evidenced by the scrapping of another low-tier project, ‘The Sister Squad.’