‘Manhunt’ Episode 2 Takeaway: Hunt intensifies for John Wilkes Booth as authorities pursue assassin

‘Manhunt’ follows the pursuit of John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln
PUBLISHED MAR 15, 2024
Anthony Boyle as John Wilkes Booth in a still from 'Manhunt' (AppleTV+)
Anthony Boyle as John Wilkes Booth in a still from 'Manhunt' (AppleTV+)

Spoilers for ‘Manhunt’ Episode 2 on AppleTV+

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The first two episodes of 'Manhunt’, Apple TV+'s historical drama series, starring Tobias Menzies, Anthony Boyle, Will Harrison, Hamish Linklater, and Maxwell Korn in pivotal roles, officially dropped on Friday, March 15.

Adapted from James L Swanson's bestseller, ‘Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer’, the series meticulously portrays the intense pursuit of John Wilkes Booth, the notorious assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, in the immediate aftermath of the assassination.

In ‘Manhunt’ Episode 1, John Wilkes Booth (Anthony Boyle) shoots and kills President Abraham Lincoln (Hamish Linklater) at Ford's Theater. ‘Manhunt’ Episode 2 continues the hunt for John Wilkes Booth.

Edwin Stanton hires Lafayette Baker to coordinate manhunt for John Wilkes Booth

Tobias Menzies as Edwin Stanton in a still from 'Manhunt' (AppleTV+)
Tobias Menzies as Edwin Stanton in a still from 'Manhunt' (@AppleTV+)

In ‘Manhunt’ Episode 2, viewers are introduced to Lafayette Baker (Patton Oswalt), a detective recruited by Edwin Stanton (Tobias Menzies) to assemble a team of top investigators to hunt down Booth.

Baker gathers a group of men, emphasizing the urgency of swiftly apprehending those accountable for President Lincoln's assassination.

As the episode unfolds, Lewis Powell (Spencer Treat Clark) appears seeking assistance, but the detectives promptly notice bloodstains on his coat. Despite Powell's attempt to flee, the men manage to restrain him before he can evade capture.

Meanwhile, Baker speculates that the Confederate Secret Service could be implicated in the assassination, citing President Lincoln's recent policies as a potential motive.

Baker also urges Stanton to closely scrutinize Vice President Andrew Johnson, suggesting that he stood to gain the most from President Lincoln's death.

Where is John Wilkes Booth?

Anthony Boyle in
Anthony Boyle as John Wilkes Booth in a still from 'Manhunt' (AppleTV+)

In this episode, Booth and David Herold (Will Harrison) are portrayed on their journey toward Richmond, underscoring the risk involved in their escape after President Lincoln's assassination.

During a tense moment, Herold proposes to Booth that he should shave his mustache to diminish the risk of being readily identified. Booth then instructs Herold to procure horse feed and whiskey, essential supplies for their journey ahead.

They arrive at Dr Samuel Mudd's (Matt Walsh) house seeking treatment, and Mary Simms (Lovie Simone) prepares a room for their stay.

However,  Simms discovers Booth's boot hidden under the mattress. Later, while returning from the store, Simms notices a wanted poster offering a substantial reward of $30,000 for the capture of Booth.

The hunt for President Lincoln's assassin, Booth, escalates as authorities intensify their efforts to capture him.

Will authorities succeed in arresting John Wilkes Booth? Only time will tell. 

‘Manhunt’ Episode 2 is now streaming on Apple TV+.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

While the series might feature ample drama in 'Bridgerton,' fans familiar with the book know how it all ends for Francesca.
6 hours ago
'Punisher: One Last Kill' has the perfect release date sandwiched between 'Daredevil: Born Again' Season 2 finale and 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day.'
7 hours ago
'Criminal Minds: Evolution' is the successor to the original 'Criminal Minds' that aired on CBS for 20 seasons till 2020.
7 hours ago
'Harry Potter' TV series revealed the first look at Dominic McLaughlin's young Harry in its latest Instagram post.
7 hours ago
Tensions rise and secrets spill in 'Grey's Anatomy' Season 22 Episode 15, as we get ready to learn what happens with Owen, Teddy, and more.
9 hours ago
Krysten Ritter's Jessica Jones will play a prominent role in 'Daredevil: Born Again,' and more before Season 2 drops on Wednesday.
10 hours ago
Netflix dropped a new teaser for 'Bridgerton' Season 5, which is currently in production, revealing the two main characters in the spotlight
11 hours ago
The latest episode included a major hint about what Alex stands for and how it connects Sinatra to Link
13 hours ago
The action-adventure series was inspired by the Marvel Comics character Simon Williams / Wonder Man
14 hours ago
The latest episode intensifies the estrangement between Carol Love-Smernitch and Floyd Smernitch and deepens the friendship between Clark and Floyd
16 hours ago