'Manhunt' Ending Explained: Edwin Stanton's death rocks the nation
Contains spoilers for ‘Manhunt’ Episode 7 on AppleTV+
WASHINGTON, DC: Apple TV+ has officially dropped the last episode of 'Manhunt,' bringing to a close the intense pursuit of John Wilkes Booth (Anthony Boyle) by Edwin Stanton (Tobias Menzies).
In Episode 6, Stanton's Union soldiers tracked down Booth, who was hiding in a barn near Richmond, Virginia. A soldier fired, leading to Booth's death.
In 'Manhunt' Episode 7, titled 'The Final Act,' the prosecutor accused David Herold (Will Harrison), Lewis Powell (Spencer Treat Clark), George Atzerodt (Tommie Turvey), Mary Surratt (Carrie Lazar), and Dr Samuel Mudd (Matt Walsh) of President’s murder and attempted murders of Vice President and Secretary of State.
However, Stanton's life takes a drastic turn after the judgment. There's a lot to uncover in 'Manhunt' Episode 7. So, let's jump in!
The trial ends with victory for Edwin Stanton in Episode 7
In Episode 7, the trial begins with the prosecutor accusing John Surratt (Josh Mikel), George Sanders (Anthony Marble), and Jefferson Davis (Craig Nigh) of conspiring to assassinate Abraham Lincoln (Hamish Linklater).
Many Black people testified in court, claiming that Mudd had prior connections to Confederates. Additionally, Louis Weichmann, a white man, also testified against Herold, Powell, Atzerodt, Surratt, and Mudd.
During the trial, Sanford Conover (Josh Stewart) confessed to overhearing Confederates discussing the events leading to the assassination. He also claimed to possess the CSS (Confederate States of America) letter that referred to Booth as 'pet', a nickname given to Booth by Davis, the president of the CSS.
As the episode progressed, the court ruled that due to insufficient evidence, Davis' connection to the assassination plan was inconclusive.
However, Surratt, Powell, Herold, and Atzerodt were sentenced to death by hanging, while Spangler was sentenced to six years of imprisonment, and Mudd was sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labor.
The judgment was a victory for Stanton, who sought to deliver justice for his friend Lincoln.
However, following the final verdict, President Andrew Johnson (Glenn Morshower) decided to replace Stanton as Secretary of War. Stanton cautioned that his removal would prompt a congressional investigation and could potentially result in Johnson's impeachment.
What was the cause of Edwin Stanton's death?
In the climax, viewers witness Stanton locking himself in his office for three months, continuing to hold the position of Secretary of War, refusing to leave until a fair investigation is conducted.
Subsequently, President Johnson faced impeachment by the House of Representatives and lost the election for a second term.
Four years after Lincoln's assassination, Stanton was nominated as a justice of the Supreme Court, ultimately receiving confirmation after a majority vote.
He also received a letter but died before assuming office as a justice. His death, resulting from organ failure related to asthma, deeply affected the nation.
'Manhunt' Episode 7 is now streaming on Apple TV+
