Netflix’s new limited series, “Death by Lightning,” dives into the tumultuous political landscape of the late 19th century surrounding the assassination of President James Garfield. The show, which features a talented cast including Michael Shannon as Garfield, Matthew MacFadyen as assassin Charles Guiteau, and Nick Offerman as Vice President Chester A. Arthur, is based on Candice Millard’s acclaimed book “Destiny of the Republic.” According to creator Mike Makowsky, the dramatization explores tumultuous events that seem almost implausible by modern standards, highlighting a chaotic era in American politics that is often overlooked in history classes.
In an interview, Makowsky expressed his hope that the series will spark greater interest in American history. Despite the constraints of a four-episode format, he aimed to present an engaging narrative while encouraging viewers to pursue further knowledge about this period. The series touches upon some of Garfield’s complexities, including hints at a past relationship with Kate Sprague, a political rival’s paramour, which the creators opted to omit from the storyline to maintain focus.
One striking historical detail is the casual manner in which citizens could interact with their leaders. Makowsky notes that in the 1880s, Presidents lacked security details, enabling individuals to approach them openly—a stark contrast to current political environments. This openness, however, harbored risks that would soon be realized, as Garfield exemplified a view prevalent during his era: he believed that the threat of assassination was as unexpected as “death by lightning.”
The show portrays the grim reality of Garfield’s assassination, which was compounded by his doctors’ lack of understanding of germ theory at the time. Following the shooting, Garfield suffered from severe infections, largely attributed to the medical mishandling he received. This element of the narrative underscores a tragic truth about medical practices during that period, where sanitation was often disregarded.
Other aspects of the series are dramatized or invented for entertainment value; for example, the depiction of a wild night out between Guiteau and Arthur is not based on historical fact, but reflects the show’s desire to entertain viewers by pairing two charismatic actors. Despite these creative liberties, the series reflects a commitment to showcasing the bizarre and shocking truths about the past, made more compelling through the lens of dramatization.
As “Death by Lightning” continues to stream, it invites audiences to reflect on the eccentricities of political life over a century ago, which, while alarming, also imparts lessons that remain relevant today about the intersection of politics and personal character. The mix of historical fact and fiction not only adds appeal to the series but also serves as a reminder of the rich, intricate tapestry that is American history.