Uncovering the Flaws in Apple's Historical Thriller 'Manhunt'
Delving into the shortcomings of 'Manhunt,' an Apple TV+ series depicting the hunt for John Wilkes Booth post-Lincoln's assassination. Despite its promising premise, the show struggles to captivate viewers with its disjointed narrative structure spread across seven episodes. Falling short of delivering gripping drama, 'Manhunt' occupies a gray area that fails to strike a balance between political intrigue and true crime allure.
"Manhunt," an Apple TV+ series, follows the search for John Wilkes Booth after he assassinated Abraham Lincoln. The show, spread across seven episodes, relies heavily on flashbacks but lacks the expected narrative drive. It struggles to strike a balance between politics and true crime, resulting in a somewhat lackluster viewing experience.
Based on James L. Swanson’s book, the series primarily focuses on two main characters: Edwin Stanton, Lincoln’s Secretary of War, and Booth. Stanton, portrayed by Tobias Menzies, steps up to lead after Lincoln's death, grappling with guilt for not being there to protect his boss. Meanwhile, Booth, played by Anthony Boyle, manages to evade capture with an injured leg, aided by a network of supporters.
Stanton’s storyline focuses on his involvement in the prosecution of the Civil War and his connection with Lincoln. Hamish Linklater portrays Stanton with a reedy voice, almost unrecognizable, as the on-air graphics ominously countdown to the president's ill-fated visit to Ford's Theatre.
Booth's journey takes him to different places, including the residence of the friendly doctor Samuel Mudd played by Matt Walsh. Despite being a famous actor in a time before screens, Booth's reputation both helps and hinders his attempts to flee.
Anthony Boyle as John Wilkes Booth in "Manhunt."
Anthony Boyle as John Wilkes Booth in "Manhunt."
Apple TV+
Although the story tries to add depth by exploring the actions of other characters, this approach is more effective in books. The structure of the show actually weakens the suspense. While Menzies adds weight to Stanton's multitasking skills, his role as a detective leading the search for Booth feels a bit forced.
The chance to delve into a fascinating chapter in history is missed because none of the characters in "Manhunt" really grab your attention. Booth, in particular, lacks depth and fails to captivate the audience, despite Boyle's portrayal.
The beginning of "Manhunt" is stronger than its conclusion, effectively capturing the chaos in Washington after the assassination. The political aftermath is well depicted, especially as Stanton takes control of the government. His distrust and disrespect for Vice President Andrew Johnson, played by Glenn Morshower, add an interesting dynamic to the story. Johnson's initial reaction to the tragic news is to turn to alcohol.
"Manhunt" may seem exciting at first glance, but it falls short of the high expectations set by Apple's impressive World War II series "Masters of the Air." The show offers a detailed look into the past, but struggles to fully captivate its audience.
To put it simply, despite its potential, "Manhunt" leaves much to be desired. While it's tempting to praise a project with great production quality and a strong historical background, it's important to be honest in our assessment.
“Manhunt” premieres March 15 on Apple TV+. (Disclosure: Lowry’s wife works for a division of Apple.)
Editor's P/S:
"Manhunt" presents a compelling premise by exploring the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln's assassination and the subsequent pursuit of John Wilkes Booth. However, the execution falls short, leaving viewers with a lukewarm experience. The show's reliance on flashbacks and its struggle to balance politics and true crime detract from the narrative drive, resulting in a lackluster viewing experience. While the performances of Tobias Menzies as Edwin Stanton and Anthony Boyle as Booth are commendable, the characters fail to fully captivate the audience, leaving the show feeling uninspired.
The series attempts to delve into the historical context of the assassination and its political ramifications, but these elements often feel disjointed and underdeveloped. The focus on Stanton's involvement in the Civil War prosecution and his connection with Lincoln could have added depth, but it is not fully explored. Similarly, while Booth's journey as a fugitive is depicted, his motivations and the consequences of his actions are not sufficiently elaborated upon. As a result, "Manhunt" fails to fully engage viewers in the historical events it seeks to portray.
