Manhunt Season 1 Episode 7 Review: The Final Act

Booth’s conspirators face justice on the Manhunt series finale, Manhunt Season 1, Episode 7, “The Final Act.”

As discussed in the review of Manhunt Season 1 Episode 6, “Useless,” John Wilkes Booth’s death so early in the series dramatically changes the show’s dynamic. As a result, the series finale feels somewhat separate from the rest of the story. Instead of a political thriller, it’s a courtroom drama. 

While “Useless” struggles to transition the narrative from the pursuit of Booth to the conspirators’ trial, it does set up “The Final Act” well. The drama in the court can, at times, feel a bit rushed. However, overall, that part of the episode succeeds quite well. 

As with the rest of the series, the events surrounding the trial mix truth and fiction. I have more to say about how the series’s depiction of the history of the time impacts the show’s overall quality. For now, though, let’s put that aside and focus on the trial’s drama. 

The drama of the trial is the strongest part of the episode. They do an excellent job of making the trial suspenseful and tense, even for viewers who already know the outcome.

I already knew, for example, that Doctor Mudd was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, but the verdict revelation still had me holding my breath.

The episode also does a nice job of bringing viewers into the process of building and executing the case against the conspirators. They weave bits of evidence that we’ve seen discovered throughout the season, seamlessly constructing a narrative we feel like we have been a part of building. 

As a courtroom drama, the finale hits all its marks, narratively and emotionally. Unfortunately, the rest of the episode lacks the bite necessary to be the powerful call to action it wants to be. 

The final scene of the series is Edwin Stanton’s death. He dies right after his confirmation to the Supreme Court, but days before he is to start his new role. Right before his death, he promises to finish the work he and Lincoln started. 

The episode ends with those words repeated to the audience, imploring them to finish the work of reconstruction. It should be a galvanizing moment for viewers, inspiring them to take up the mantle of people like Edwin Stanton and Mary Simms and fight for that more perfect Union. 

But the series pulls its punch when it comes to showing the repercussions of Johnson’s refusal to see reconstruction through. It focuses on the wins and paints the Union with a virtuous brush.

We don’t see the consequences of everything Johnson did and all that was rolled back. As a result, Stanton’s words lack the urgency they should have. If you watch the news or follow any social justice conversations, you know what unfinished work the series refers to.

However, relying on viewers’ outside knowledge doesn’t have the same emotional impact as showing it. It is an underwhelming ending and a missed opportunity that undercuts the rest of the episode. 

For all the series’ faults, “The Final Act” had a chance to tie everything together and make a powerful statement. It almost got there, but because it doesn’t tell the full story, the finale comes up short, and as a result the series does, too.

What did you think of this episode of Manhunt? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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All episodes of Manhunt are currently available on Apple TV+.

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