The following contains spoilers for The Franchise season 1 episode 5, “Scene 83: Enter the Gurgler,” now streaming on MaxThe Franchise‘s dark take on actors like Chris Pratt highlights the show’s approach to character comedy. The Franchise has been a cutting parody of the film industry, taking particular aim at how superhero franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe operate. The show has so far been a harsh riff on the more ruthless and absurd underbelly of blockbuster filmmaking, with sly commentary on angry fan reactions, industry exhaustion and studio interference. It’s been a harsh satire that’s been unafraid to take a solid comic hammer to the shared cinematic universe.