Netflix’s Assassination Drama ‘Death by Lightning’ Is a Sobering Historical Account
Netflix's latest limited series is a political thriller centered on the life and assassination of James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. It’s adapted from Candice Millard’s 2011 book Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President.
“Death by Lightning” explores both Garfield and his assassin, Charles Guiteau. The four-part series was created by Mike Makowsky, known for Bad Education, and executive produced by the Game of Thrones team David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. It acts as both a historical reflection and a cautionary tale.
Opening Scene and Historical Backdrop
The story begins in 1969 at the Army Medical Museum, where staff discover a jar containing the brain of Charles J. Guiteau, which had been stored away for almost 100 years. The timeline then rewinds to 1880.
Introducing Key Figures
- Charles Guiteau, portrayed by Matthew Macfadyen, is shown finishing a prison term for false pretenses and evasion.
- Meanwhile, James Garfield, a Civil War veteran and Congressman played by Michael Shannon, is called from his farm to attend the Republican National Convention in Chicago.
“Death by Lightning” serves as a historical remembrance and an ominous omen.
The series brings to light the overlooked story of Garfield, emphasizing the complex intersection of politics, mental illness, and medicine during that era.
Author’s summary: This gripping series revisits the political intrigue and tragedy surrounding President Garfield’s assassination, offering a vivid portrayal of forgotten history through powerful storytelling.