‘Manhunt’ Episode 3 Takeaway: Edwin Stanton intensifies search for John Wilkes Booth amid rising tensions

'Manhunt' follows Edwin Stanton, Abraham Lincoln's secretary of war, as he hunts down 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+)

Spoilers for ‘Manhunt’ Episode 3 on AppleTV+

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND: The initial two episodes of 'Manhunt,' the historical drama series on Apple TV+ featuring Tobias Menzies, Anthony Boyle, Will Harrison, Hamish Linklater, and Maxwell Korn in significant roles, officially released 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 assassin of President Abraham Lincoln, in the immediate aftermath of the assassination.

In 'Manhunt' Episode 3, the pursuit of John Wilkes Booth intensifies, with authorities and investigators continuing their relentless hunt for the assassin.

John Wilkes Booth encounters a Confederate spy named Sam Cox in 'Manhunt' Episode 3

Tobias Menzies as Edwin Stanton in a still from 'Manhunt' (@Apple TV+)
Anthony Boyle as John Wilkes Booth in a still from 'Manhunt' (@AppleTV+)

'Manhunt' Episode 3 titled 'Let the Sheep Flee' opens with a dream sequence featuring John Wilkes Booth (Anthony Boyle) envisioning himself as the president of the Confederacy.

He is depicted as hiding in the remote woods of Maryland, skillfully evading capture and remaining elusive to the authorities.

During his journey, Booth encounters a Native American man named Oswell Swann, who guides Booth and his accomplice to Rich Hill. At this location, Booth encounters a Confederate spy named Sam Cox at a house.

David Herold (Will Harrison) pleads with the man to assist them, adding to the tension as Booth faces a moral dilemma.

The man reveals himself to be a member of the Confederate Secret Service and expresses gratitude to Booth for the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln (Hamish Linklater).

Booth requests his assistance in navigating the way to Richmond, Virginia, highlighting the crucial importance of reaching the Confederate capital for Booth's safety.

Edwin Stanton leads the manhunt to capture John Wilkes Booth in Episode 3

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

Edwin Stanton (Tobias Menzies) spearheads an exhaustive manhunt to capture the notorious assassin John Wilkes Booth.

In a detailed briefing, Stanton elucidates the reconstruction plan to President Andrew Johnson (Glenn Morshower), aiming to restore the Southern states to the Union and facilitate the societal and political transformation necessary for lasting peace and unity.

Stanton also interrogates Lewis Powell (Spencer Treat Clark), the co-conspirator who attempted to murder Secretary of State William H Seward (Larry Pine), to uncover clues leading to the whereabouts of Booth.

Mary Surratt (Carrie Lazar), the proprietor of the boardinghouse where Booth stayed and planned the assassination, is also apprehended by authorities.

Will Edwin Stanton succeed in capturing John Wilkes Booth? Only time will tell.

‘Manhunt’ Episode 3 is now streaming on AppleTV+

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