Manhunt on Apple TV+ follows the mindset of a fleeing John Wilkes Booth.
Manhunt tells the story of the days leading up to and following the capture of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassin John Wilkes Booth. As an historical event, we know how the story ends. It’s the introspection of Booth, his accomplices and those searching for him that gives the Apple TV+ series such a compelling view of the chase. Manhunt is based on John L. Swanson’s New York Times bestselling nonfiction book of the same name.
The cast is skillfully led by Tobias Menzies as Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, Anthony Boyle (John Wilkes Booth), Lovie Simone (Mary Simms) and Hamish Linklater (President Lincoln). A rich cast of supporting characters fleshes out the story with a host of twists and choices that take us through to the conclusion of a dramatic trial. Of note is the performance of Will Harrison as Boothe’s guide David Herold.
What makes someone heroic?
Tobias Menzies gives a gripping performance as the U.S. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton leading the chase for John Wilkes Booth. We often think of heroes in bold strokes with unimaginable acts of bravery, ultimate sacrifice or inexplicable strength. In contrast, Stanton’s heroics lie in his steadfast devotion and empathy all while suffering a debilitating case of asthma. While Stanton’s strengths may not be seen as grandiose or stereotypically heroic, Menzies brings such an incredibly rich sense of humanity and contemplation that you easily find yourself rooting for the secretary.
Mary Simms, on the other hand, puts her livelihood at risk for the cause. Lovie Simone is exceptional in portraying the paradoxical combination of Mary’s fragility and strength that compel her to take a stand. Against seemingly insurmountable odds, Mary Simms maintains impressive composure and calculation to fight evil, a true heroine.
While painted with different strokes, Stanton and Simms have a shared heroism. The time the characters share on screen is also exceptional.
Old tactics, same intrigue
In a world of ever evolving technology and crime scene forensics, an investigation as old as the search for Lincoln’s assassin might sound boring. True, the tactics are more primitive, but the sense of intrigue is still very compelling in Manhunt.
The lure of espionage, secret alliances, police investigation, witness tampering and more draws you into a riveting reveal of historic events. With more detail and nuance then you may find in a textbook, Manhunt evokes introspection and a closer evaluation of the historical context.
Look to characters played by Patton Oswalt (Detective Lafayette Baker), Josh Stewart (New York Tribune correspondent Wallace) and Joshua Mikel (John Surratt, Jr.) who provide additional layers of intrigue to the tale of capture.
The verdict
Manhunt provides a compelling view of historic events with such insight, detail and introspection that you might find yourself saying, “Hmm, I never knew . . .”
Manhunt premieres on Apple TV+ March 15, 2024.
Stay tuned to So Many Shows for Manhunt cast interviews from SCAD TVfest 2024. Cast members were on hand in February for a screening plus Q&A at the annual festival in Midtown Atlanta.
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) hosts SCAD TVfest, which brings together students, industry talent and experts, plus the general public, for a rich and curated offering of events celebrating television.
SCAD, dubbed “The University for Creative Careers” has a global presence with over 17,000 students studying across 100 different degree programs including both undergraduate and graduate studies. Learn more about the university at SCAD’s website.
Genius: MLK/X stars Aaron Pierre, Jayme Lawson at SCAD TVfest (somanyshows.com)
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