The documentary spends notable time foregrounding Franklin’s views through a modern lens, at times emphasizing contemporary identity and equality struggles. This focus can overshadow more balanced, merit-based explorations of Franklin’s character and achievements. Some aspects feel like they’re framed to suit current discussions rather than historical reality.

There’s a clear tendency to critique the era’s cultural and moral norms, including religion, family, and gender roles, often with an air of retroactive judgment. Franklin’s flaws, especially by today’s standards, are highlighted, sometimes at the expense of context, portraying traditional values as relics of ignorance.

Traditional or dissenting perspectives are mostly absent or presented only as ‘the problem’ needing to be corrected. The dominant narrative stays well within contemporary progressive frameworks, with little room left for viewing the past on its own terms. Alternative viewpoints get short shrift, if any at all.