The ‘Death by Lightning’ Dudes, Ranked from ‘That Guy’ to ‘My Man!’

The ‘Death by Lightning’ Dudes, Ranked from ‘That Guy’ to ‘My Man!’

Scientific Breakdown

A look at what the Death by Lightning cast adds to James Garfield’s unconventional picnic table — metaphorically speaking.

Rank: "Forget You, Dude" (The Bad Doctor)

Signature Attributes
First Impression
“This man is going to kill the president.”
Lasting Impression
This man killed the president.

Dr. Purvis stands out as a spectacular failure — a man who not only digs his own grave but steps right into it. From the instant he dismisses the far more competent Dr. Charles Purvis, it’s evident he’s trouble. He is arrogant, domineering, and surprisingly bad at his profession. His sparse facial hair serves as the ultimate warning sign — in a cast known for impressive beards, his patchy whiskers signal doom rather than hope for the wounded leader.

Still, credit goes to Željko Ivanek, an Emmy-winning actor from Damages with over a hundred roles to his name. His performance perfectly balances the Bad Doctor’s commanding air with his endless blunders, making his portrayal both irritating and oddly magnetic.

Author’s summary: A sharp, witty ranking piece where Željko Ivanek’s hapless doctor becomes the face of misplaced confidence and tragic incompetence.

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IndieWire IndieWire — 2025-11-09