In the two-part season premiere of Manhunt, the creator Monica Beletsky faced a unique challenge in adapting the pursuit of Abraham Lincoln's killer as a true-crime detective thriller. Set in 1865, well before the establishment of forensic science, the series follows the 12-day hunt for John Wilkes Booth after Lincoln's assassination. Beletsky aimed to create a cat-and-mouse thriller within a historical context devoid of modern investigative tools.
The series focuses on Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, played by Tobias Menzies, who takes charge in the absence of a conscious President following Lincoln's death. Stanton's role in leading the investigation to find Booth becomes a central narrative thread, shifting the spotlight from Lincoln to a lesser-known politician navigating a divided nation post-Civil War.
Beletsky's approach to framing this historical event as a true-crime drama with neo-noir elements adds a fresh perspective to the genre. By delving into Stanton's character and psychological depth, the series explores themes of trauma, loss, and leadership during a tumultuous period in American history.
Manhunt also sheds light on the political and social landscape of the time, drawing parallels to contemporary divisions in American society. Through Stanton's pursuit of justice and the complexities of the conspiracy surrounding Lincoln's assassination, the series prompts reflection on historical events that continue to resonate today.
By highlighting the untold stories and unsung heroes of the past, Beletsky aims to provide a deeper understanding of democracy, violence, and societal divisions. The show's exploration of Reconstruction-era aspirations for equality and integration offers a poignant commentary on missed opportunities and the enduring impact of historical events on present-day issues.
As Manhunt unfolds with its weekly release schedule on Apple TV+, viewers are invited to immerse themselves in a gripping narrative that intertwines history, crime, and political intrigue. Through Stanton's relentless pursuit of justice and the unraveling of a complex web of conspiracy, the series invites audiences to reconsider the legacy of the past and its relevance to contemporary challenges.
