In the gripping fourth installment of "Manhunt," titled "The Secret Line," the narrative delves with unparalleled depth into the intricate web of conspiracy surrounding the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. This chapter places George Sanders at the epicenter of the investigation, as his connections to John Wilkes Booth and the Confederate remnants are meticulously unraveled. As Edwin Stanton's pursuit of Booth intensifies to fever pitch, the episode delves into the far-reaching repercussions of the assassination on the nation's political fabric, as well as the intricate tapestry of personal motives driving those ensnared in the plot.
The episode unfolds with a haunting dream sequence, where John Wilkes Booth visions himself as a mythical hero, the leader of a revived Confederate States, a stark juxtaposition to his delusions of grandeur. This dreamscape stands in stark contrast to the harsh, gritty realities of his fugitive life, as Booth and David Herold battle against the relentless pursuit, striving to reach the sanctuary of Richmond, Virginia. The stark contrast between Booth's imagined heroism and his bleak reality underscores the chasm between his perceived significance and the grim consequences of his actions.
The narrative thickens as Stanton, portrayed with relentless intensity by Tobias Menzies, turns his investigative gaze towards George Sanders, a businessman with deep and mysterious ties to the Confederate underground, suspected of orchestrating Booth's escape. Stanton's calculated strategy to squeeze Sanders by targeting his financial network culminates in a dramatic raid on Wall Street, where Detective Baker and his crack team apprehend traders financing Sanders's shadowy political aspirations. This bold move not only disrupts Sanders's financial operations but also uncovers a cryptic link between Sanders and Booth's secretive oil investment meetings, hinting at a cleverly disguised communication channel for the assassination plot.
Stanton's relentless pursuit of Sanders reaches its dramatic climax in a tense, heart-stopping confrontation, where Sanders brandishes a gun at Stanton, only to be swiftly apprehended by Detective Baker and his team. The arrest of Sanders grants Stanton the crucial opportunity to search his office, leading to the discovery of a map detailing the Confederate underground network, known as "The Secret Line," which Booth is using to evade capture. This pivotal discovery brings Stanton perilously close to apprehending Booth and dismantling the Confederate conspiracy, setting the stage for an exhilarating final chapter in the hunt for Lincoln's assassin.
Meanwhile, this episode delves deeply into the intricate personal dynamics within the Booth family, shedding light on the profound repercussions of John Booth's actions on his younger brother Edwin and the extended Booth clan. Edwin's heart-wrenching mixture of shame and disbelief in response to John's deeds stands in stark contrast to John's relentless quest for notoriety and acknowledgment. The episode subtly hints that Booth's insatiable thirst for fame and admiration propelled him towards committing the assassination, a fateful decision that ultimately led to his isolation and relentless pursuit by authorities.
As the episode draws to a close, Booth and Herold finally receive the cue to make their way towards Virginia, embarking on a perilous voyage across the treacherous Potomac River. The episode culminates with both Booth and Stanton converging on Virginia, setting the stage for an impending clash fraught with suspense. The closing scenes heighten the personal stakes and the palpable tension that epitomize this historical thriller, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next thrilling chapter in the manhunt for Lincoln's assassin.
