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Discover the Premise
When I sat down to watch the Death by Lightning TV show on Netflix, I was curious. I wondered how it would portray President James Garfield’s life and assassination. I am writing this Death by Lightning review to share my impression of the storytelling, performances, and overall impact. The series covers four episodes. It tells the story of James Garfield’s remarkable journey to the White House. It also explores the events that led to his tragic meeting with Charles Guiteau. The series is inspired by Candice Millard’s book “Destiny of the Republic.” It mixes political drama with deep human stories about ambition, obsession, and the fragile state of 19th-century medicine.
Death by Lightning sets the stage by showing Garfield as a principled and caring leader. He sticks to his values despite becoming the leading Republican presidential candidate. Honesty and integrity remain his focus.
In contrast, we follow Charles Guiteau’s journey. Guiteau is a wandering dreamer, filled with self-importance. He believes Garfield is the key to his success. Garfield’s strong determination clashed with Guiteau’s misguided dreams. This struggle led to the infamous shooting that cut Garfield’s presidency short. Knowing the historical outcome did not lessen my interest. I was drawn in by the show’s portrayal of events, eager to see how each twist would play out on screen.
Explore Key Performances in Death by Lightning Netflix Series
One of the best parts of the Death by Lightning TV series is its stellar cast. Michael Shannon’s portrayal of James Garfield is both subtle and strong. He gives Garfield a quiet strength that suggests thoughtful leadership. This makes the president’s downfall even more heartbreaking. Shannon’s performance adds depth to a leader often overlooked by history.
Matthew Macfadyen gives an unforgettable performance as Charles Guiteau. From the start, he pulls you in while also disturbing you with his need to connect with Garfield. Each line shows Guiteau’s self-deception and craving for approval. I felt a complicated mix of pity and frustration while watching him. His portrayal emphasizes Guiteau’s shaky mental state and his grand ambitions to be a key player in Garfield’s administration.
The supporting cast of this Death by Lightning Netflix series adds depth to the story. Nick Offerman plays Chester Arthur, Garfield’s vice president. His opportunism often conflicts with Garfield’s principles. Betty Gilpin portrays Lucretia “Crete” Garfield, the first lady. She brings a mix of empathy and strength to her role. Bradley Whitford portrays James Blaine, Garfield’s Secretary of State. While they share strong beliefs, there’s a feeling of what might have been if Garfield’s presidency had continued. The energy among these actors makes it seem like real political drama, not just a scripted series.
Understand the Historical Context in Death by Lightning
Learning more about the real-life events surrounding Garfield’s assassination was fascinating. He was the 20th President of the United States. He served just 20 days before Guiteau shot him in a train station. He survived the shooting, but later died from an infection caused by unsterilized medical practices. Netflix Tudum highlights how 19th-century medicine cost Garfield his chance to recover. Repeated probing of his wound led to fatal complications.
I liked how the Death by Lightning TV show demonstrates Garfield’s presidency and Guiteau’s worsening mental health. The period detail is sharp. It shows the political climate that held back strong security for presidents. It also highlights social norms that let people like Guiteau roam freely at society’s edges. Filming happened in Budapest, according to Wikipedia. The setting captures the era well with its convincing costumes and architecture. The drama captures the tenor of 1880s America, where personal ambition clashed sharply with civic ideals.
I liked how the Death by Lightning TV series shows both Garfield’s presidency and Guiteau’s declining mental state. The series pays close attention to the details of the political climate that limited presidential security. It also shows how social norms let people like Guiteau move freely. Filming took place in Budapest. The setting captures the era with authentic costumes and architecture. The drama reflects the tension of 1880s America, where personal ambition often clashed with civic ideals.
My Verdict
From my view, Death by Lightning offers a thrilling mix of history, strong characters, and great performances. The series looks at ambition, morals, and obsession in a way that feels both timely and timeless. As a fan of historical dramas, I became invested in each character’s drive, wins, and failures. The production design pulls viewers into 19th-century America, but the acting truly stands out. Michael Shannon shows Garfield’s integrity with calm confidence. At the same time, Matthew Macfadyen’s portrayal of Charles Guiteau was unsettling. I watched his chaotic quest for fame spiral out of control.
I appreciate that the story is set in four episodes. This gives a clear view of Garfield’s presidency and Guiteau’s decline. Death by Lightning Netflix series is getting a lot of praise. It holds a perfect 100 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has received positive reviews from the major outlets. Critics agree the show is gripping and historically rich. It’s a great watch, especially for those interested in lesser-known American history. Knowing it’s based on Candice Millard’s well-researched book boosts my trust in its historical accuracy.
If you’re looking for an engaging drama about a key moment in US history, watch Death by Lightning. This review is for anyone unsure about dedicating a few hours to this miniseries. I believe it’s strong acting and focus on Garfield’s short presidency makes it a must-watch for history buffs and drama fans. All episodes are available on Netflix, so you can easily add it to your queue and enjoy this captivating story.