User Reviews

John Wilkes Booth's end is not the end of the story in Manhunt Season 1 Episode 6, "Useless." This is the penultimate episode of the series, and it is surprising to see Booth meet his end halfway through it. Booth has been the main antagonist, and the show's dynamic would be different without him. However, it is likely the right decision, as the series ends with troops closing in on Booth in "A Man of Destiny." The decision to capitalize on the momentum of "A Man of Denstiny's" ending allows the show to shift focus from Booth to the trial of his conspirators during the second half of the episode. "Useless" is a political thriller that consists of two episodes. The first half is a compelling lead-up to Booth's death, which is part of the political thriller that began with Manhunt Season 1 Episode 4, "The Secret Line," and "A Man of Destiny." However, the second half is less effective due to Stanton's incapacitated state during the showdown with Booth, and the lack of viewer investment in the larger conspiracy. The second half serves more as a narrative transition to set up the finale rather than exciting storytelling. The second half of "Useless" has several good scenes, but it isn't as tight as the first half and the stakes don't feel as high emotionally. Stanton's conversations with Mary and David are the two stand-out scenes from the second half. The conversation with Mary is overly sentimental, but the performances of Simone and Menzies make it hard not to be moved. David's inability to let go of his idealization of Booth is sad and pathetic, and he is the only conspiracy member who evokes genuine sympathy. While David was sympathetic to the South before meeting Booth, he is clearly in over his head and was manipulated into believing he was part of something bigger than himself. Overall, "Useless" serves as a narrative transition to set up the finale rather than an exciting storytelling episode.