At the start I liked fran party due to him being mvp in some of my earlier games, but the more I play with him against more experienced players I find him just buff perdita for 2-3 turns and getting beaten up but any other henchman / enforcer. For a a base 9ss cost I feel the judge is better when you would hire fran as a beater. Starting to look at other options to spend 8-9ss.