‘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+.

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