User Reviews

The Manhunt series finale, "The Final Act," follows the trial of conspirators led by John Wilkes Booth. The series finale, set in the courtroom, is a departure from the political thriller genre, focusing on a courtroom drama. The episode "Useless" struggles to transition from the pursuit of Booth to the conspirators' trial, but it sets up the "Final Act" well. The trial's drama is the strongest part of the episode, making it suspenseful and tense for viewers who already know the outcome. The episode also effectively brings viewers into the process of building and executing the case against the conspirators, weaving evidence from the season. As a courtroom drama, the finale hits all its marks, narratively and emotionally. However, the rest of the episode lacks the necessary bite to be a powerful call to action. The final scene of the series is Edwin Stanton's death, which is a galvanizing moment for viewers, inspiring them to take up the mantle of people like Edwin Stanton and Mary Simms and fight for a more perfect Union. The episode's final scene, with Stanton dying before he starts his new role, serves as a powerful call to action for the audience. The series effectively portrays the consequences of Johnson's refusal to see reconstruction through, focusing on the Union's victories and portraying the Union with virtuous brush. However, the series fails to show the consequences of Johnson's actions and the unfinished work he left behind. The emotional impact of the series is underwhelming, with an underwhelming ending that undercuts the rest of the episode. The "Final Act" had a chance to tie everything together and make a powerful statement, but it falls short due to not telling the full story, resulting in a disappointing finale.