Manhunt TV series review

[jbarry]

I watched it last night with family. Manhunt is the book that got me started with my interest in the assassination, as well as my research into Joseph B. Stewart. I will admit the book takes some liberties, but mostly in areas that are reasonable to do so in filling in the blanks, eg. "He took one deep breath before ..." It is not the go-to historical reference, but it is a reasonably accurate page turner.

Regarding the show, if you go into it realizing it's a dramatized account, it is decent entertainment. My wife and I paused it a few times to discuss American history with our boy. I found the acting to be good, the scenery and costumes top notch; obviously high production value. Yes, many things bothered me in terms of accuracy, and I probably annoyed my family with all my interruptions : ) but overall, I am happy this show is on TV and no doubt it will spur more interest in the field.

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One more thing: I am happy the TV show depicts Joseph B. Stewart chasing after Booth, even though it follows the false pretense that Stewart was close to Booth and swiping at his reigns. It also has Peanuts John chasing after Booth, although it was subtle. I am mostly disappointed in the show depicting Ned Spangler as opening the door for Booth, and forcing it shut. That does him dirty with the historical record.