'Manhunt' Episode 6 Takeaway: John Wilkes Booth's untimely death clouds Edwin Stanton's major efforts

In Episode 6 of 'Manhunt', the capture of John Wilkes Booth unfolds as a pivotal moment in the series
John Wilkes Booth's death casts a shadow on Edwin Stanton's efforts to uncover the reason behind his actions (@appleTV+)
John Wilkes Booth's death casts a shadow on Edwin Stanton's efforts to uncover the reason behind his actions (@appleTV+)

Contains spoilers for ‘Manhunt’ Episode 6 on AppleTV+

WASHINGTON, DC: The historical drama series 'Manhunt' on Apple TV+ intensifies with each episode, unfolding a gripping tale of intrigue and suspense.

In 'Manhunt' Episode 5, Edwin Stanton (Tobias Menzies) successfully decodes the secret map of the Confederate soldiers, a pivotal moment likely to have far-reaching implications in the series.

In 'Manhunt' Episode 6, Stanton's officers ultimately locate the whereabouts of John Wilkes Booth (Anthony Boyle), marking a breakthrough moment that sets the stage for the dramatic climax of the manhunt.

There's a lot to uncover in 'Manhunt' Episode 6. So, let's jump in!

What happens to John Wilkes Booth in 'Manhunt' Episode 6?

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

In Episode 5, Booth seeks refuge at Garrett's farm due to a leg injury sustained during his escape.

In Episode 6, the officials finally track down Booth at Garrett's farm. At this point in the series, David Herold (Will Harrison), Booth's friend, is depicted as wanting to surrender to save himself from the intensifying manhunt. 

Herold also convinced Booth to surrender. However, before Herold and Booth can surrender, an officer shoots Booth, killing him.

It appears that Stanton was not pleased with the outcome, as he had hoped to capture Booth alive. Stanton's desire to capture Booth alive likely stemmed from a desire for justice and a need to bring Booth to trial for his role in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln (Hamish Linklater).

Booth's death deprived the authorities of the opportunity to interrogate him and uncover any potential co-conspirators or motives behind the assassination plot.

Edwin Stanton's life takes a drastic turn in 'Manhunt' Episode 6

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

Stanton wanted to prove a Grand Confederate Conspiracy Theory in court, but Booth's death complicated the case.

After Booth's death, Stanton began to piece together facts surrounding why Booth killed the president and any potential links to the Confederate Secret Service. However, without any major witnesses to provide crucial information, Stanton found himself in a difficult position. 

He wants to hold a military tribunal for the conspirators under the Department of War because he believes it offers the best chance for decisive justice. 

He also suggests that they accuse Jefferson Davis (Craig Nigh) of being involved in the planning of Lincoln's assassination. This move likely stems from Stanton's belief that Davis, as the president of the Confederate States, may have played a key role in the assassination plot.

Davis could be the person who ordered Booth to kill the president. The accusation against Davis would have significant implications and would require substantial evidence to support such a claim.

In the upcoming episode, Stanton may gather more clues to support the theory that Davis was the man behind the plot to assassinate Lincoln. As the investigation progresses, Stanton could uncover additional evidence linking Confederate agents to Booth.

The upcoming episode is likely to be filled with twists and turns as Stanton and his team race against time to uncover the truth behind Lincoln's assassination.

'Manhunt' Episode 6 is now streaming on Apple TV+

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