The not-so-super behind-the-scenes saga of “The Franchise” continues, and in “Scene 16: Eric’s Hospital Scene,” it seems the cinematic sausage-making is getting messier than ever.
While Peter contends with the demands of Maximum’s latest tentpole, Dag attempts to soothe Adam’s insecurities – one can only imagine the fragile egos at play. Meanwhile, Anita grapples with product placement that’s likely more absurd than subtle, and Eric finds himself facing a disgruntled crew. Is it a revolt over catering, creative differences, or just another Tuesday on a superhero set?
Given the show’s penchant for lampooning Hollywood’s excesses, one suspects this episode will offer plenty of cringeworthy moments and industry in-jokes. Will Dag’s attempts at ego-stroking backfire spectacularly? Will Anita manage to shoehorn in that branded energy drink without making the scene utterly ridiculous? And what exactly landed Eric in the hospital? Perhaps it was the stress of managing a film set populated by neurotic actors and demanding producers. Or maybe he just tripped over a stray cable.
One thing’s certain: “The Franchise” consistently finds the humor in the mundane disasters of moviemaking, and “Eric’s Hospital Scene” is poised to deliver another dose of awkward reality.
The Franchise: Scene 16: Eric’s Hospital Scene (Season 1 Episode 5) airs Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 10:00 pm on HBO.