‘Manhunt’ Episode 3 Takeaway: Edwin Stanton's troubles mount as riots escalate

'Manhunt' follows Edwin Stanton, Abraham Lincoln's secretary of war, as he hunts down John Wilkes Booth
PUBLISHED MAR 22, 2024
A still from 'Manhunt' Episode 3 (@AppleTV+)
A still from 'Manhunt' Episode 3 (@AppleTV+)

Spoilers for ‘Manhunt’ Episode 3 on AppleTV+

WASHINGTON, DC: Apple TV+ has officially released 'Manhunt' Episode 3, continuing the gripping historical drama that offers a poignant and thought-provoking look at a turbulent period in American history.

‘Manhunt’ stars Tobias Menzies as Edwin Stanton, Anthony Boyle as John Wilkes Booth, Glenn Morshower as Andrew Johnson, Lovie Simone as Mary Simms, Matt Walsh as Dr Samuel Mudd, and Hamish Linklater as Abraham Lincoln.

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

There's a lot to uncover in 'Manhunt' Episode 3. So, let's jump in!

Escalating riots compound Edwin Stanton's troubles in 'Manhunt' Episode 3

Edwin Stanton in a still from 'Manhunt' Episode 3 (@AppleTV+)
Tobias Menzies as Edwin Stanton in a still from 'Manhunt' Episode 3 (@AppleTV+)

In 'Manhunt' Episode 3, a dramatic confrontation unfolds as a riot breaks out near Edwin Stanton's residence.

Across the street from Stanton’s house, a makeshift camp has been set up by the Union army in the park where provisions are being distributed to families in need.

However, chaos ensues during the distribution of food rations supplied by the US War Department.

A Black Soldier displays kindness by giving a young girl an extra loaf of bread to assist her mother. However, his act of generosity is met with hostility when a white woman, consumed by anger, directs insults at the black soldier.

Her argument ignites unrest among the crowd. As the local police seek to avoid confrontation with the crowd, they shift the blame onto the federal officers, accusing them of inciting further unrest following the initial attack by the frustrated crowd.

A still from 'Manhunt' Episode 3 (@AppleTV+)
 A riot breaks out near Edwin Stanton's residence in 'Manhunt' Episode 3 (@AppleTV+)

As the riot erupts, a young soldier grows anxious about the safety of his horse. Recognizing the concern, his sergeant swiftly instructs him to relocate the horse to a safer location.

However, the police raise doubts about the ownership of the animal, fueling a heated confrontation. In a tragic turn of events, Frank Leech (Ted Welch) fatally shoots the young man.

President Andrew Johnson's betrayal shatters Edwin Stanton's trust

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

Following the shooting incident, Frank Leech is apprehended by the officers and arrested for killing the young man.

However, the situation takes a surprising turn when a man reveals to Stanton that Leech had delivered a letter from a councilman to President Andrew Johnson, advocating for Leech's pardon.

Despite the gravity of his actions, President Johnson surprisingly displays a willingness to grant clemency to Leech.

When Stanton confronts President Johnson regarding his actions, Johnson defends himself by asserting that Leech acted in self-defense when he killed the young man.

Johnson's decision to grant an official pardon to the leaders of the Confederacy further escalated tensions for Stanton.

‘Manhunt’ Episode 3 is now streaming on AppleTV+

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