‘Manhunt’ Episode 1 Takeaway: President Abraham Lincoln's assassination rocks the nation
Spoilers for ‘Manhunt’ Episode 1 on AppleTV+
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The first episode of 'Manhunt’, Apple TV+'s historical drama series, starring Tobias Menzies, Anthony Boyle, Lovie Simone, Matt Walsh, Brandon Flynn, Betty Gabriel, Will Harrison, Hamish Linklater, and Maxwell Korn in pivotal roles, officially dropped on Friday, March 15.
Based on the bestselling book, ‘Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer’ by James L Swanson, the series follows the pursuit of John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, in the aftermath of the assassination.
Tobias Menzies portrays Edwin Stanton, Anthony Boyle embodies John Wilkes Booth, and Hamish Linklater takes on the pivotal role of Abraham Lincoln.
Lewis Powell attacks William H. Seward In Episode 1 of 'Manhunt'
In Episode 1 of 'Manhunt', Lewis Powell (Spencer Treat Clark), one of the conspirators in the plot to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln, is depicted breaking into the residence of Secretary of State William H. Seward (Larry Pine), who is bedridden due to a serious carriage accident.
Powell viciously attacked Seward, repeatedly stabbing him in the face. Following the assault, Powell swiftly fled the scene, leaving Secretary Seward and his family to grapple with the aftermath of the brutal attack on their own.
In one scene, viewers witness John Wilkes Booth handing David Herold (Will Harrison) a gun. Herold gives Powell the weapon but informs him that the gun has issues with the trigger. As a result, they decide to give Powell a knife to kill Seward.
John Wilkes Booth kills President Abraham Lincoln in ‘Manhunt’ Episode 1
In ‘Manhunt’ Episode 1, Booth meticulously begins planning and scheming the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, keeping the viewers on the edge of their seats.
As the President and his wife attend a play at Ford's Theatre, a sudden burst of laughter ripples through the crowd. Seizing the moment, Booth swiftly draws his weapon and fatally shoots President Lincoln.
After the assassination, Booth leaps onto the stage, proclaiming "Freedom for the South" before making his escape from the theater setting off a nationwide manhunt for his capture.
Upon arriving at the scene, Edwin Stanton is informed of the incident. A man reveals to Stanton that they have a suspect in custody who alleges he was instructed by Booth to assassinate Vice President Andrew Johnson (Glenn Morshower).
Stanton questions a theater worker who reveals that Booth left on a horse. The worker claims innocence, saying he was unaware of Booth's intentions, and mentions Ned Spangler is in charge of holding the door. Stanton's team locates Spangler and arrests him.
Later, Stanton and a colleague visit Booth's residence, where they uncover his bank book. Inside, they discover a $500 deposit from the same bank utilized by the Confederate Secret Service.
Stanton says that if Confederate involvement in the assassination is proven, it could lead to another war.
‘Manhunt’ Episode 1 is now streaming on Apple TV+.
