In recent years, streaming services have revitalized the true crime genre, moving away from traditional documentaries to fictionalized accounts of famous crimes. Apple TV’s “Manhunt,” based on James L. Swanson’s book, promised a thrilling chase and conspiracy surrounding Lincoln’s assassination. However, the show doesn’t quite deliver on the trailer’s promise, diverging significantly from expectations.
The first episode of “Manhunt” feels lacking. The characters are dull, the lighting is dreary, and it’s only when Lincoln is assassinated that the promised conspiracy thriller vibe comes alive. The scene at the theater is intense, with Booth lurking in the shadows. However, this excitement isn’t consistent throughout the series.
In the second episode, the tension remains, but it quickly fades by the third. It’s a pity because the first two episodes, directed by Carl Franklin, are captivating. The series might have been better if it focused on the weeks before Lincoln’s assassination, with the hunt for his killer in the latter half of the episodes. Instead, the assassination happens early on, with flashbacks leading up to it feeling disjointed. This makes the chase for Booth feel delayed and less engaging, turning what could have been a thrilling thriller into a slow drama.
Tobias Menzies delivers a strong performance as Edwin Stanton, and his scenes with Hamish Linklater’s Abraham Lincoln are highlights of the show. However, Linklater’s role feels wasted as he’s mainly relegated to flashbacks after the first episode.
Lovie Simone’s portrayal of Mary Simms is a standout in the show, bringing a unique passion and resolve to her character. Her performance, along with Tobias Menzies’, makes you question why such talent is being underused in an otherwise dull series.
“Manhunt” may appeal most to history buffs, as it’s richly embedded with historical details in its costumes and sets, making it a well-crafted show. Apple TV+ invests in such important productions, but its success hinges on whether the writing resonates with viewers amidst a competitive TV landscape.
With only seven episodes and a sparse narrative, “Manhunt” feels like the writers are stretching out a shorter project. The slow pace doesn’t suit a story that unfolds over just twelve days. For a conspiracy thriller, there’s a lack of stakes to keep viewers engaged. Despite being based on a famous true story, the show fails to make it interesting, suggesting that some non-fiction works don’t need on-screen adaptations.
| Aspect | Review |
|---|---|
| Plot | Diverges significantly from expectations, lacking consistency and tension. |
| Characters | Dull, with standout performances from Tobias Menzies and Lovie Simone. |
| Direction | Captivating in the first two episodes but loses momentum thereafter. |
| Historical Accuracy | Richly embedded with historical details in costumes and sets. |
| Overall Impression | Feels like a stretched-out project with sparse narrative and lack of stakes. |
| Recommendation | May appeal to history buffs but falls short in engaging storytelling. |
