Candice Millard’s gripping 2011 book “Destiny of the Republic” has inspired a new Netflix series titled “Death by Lightning,” which delves into the lesser-known assassination of President James Garfield. While most people remember John Wilkes Booth’s notorious act against Abraham Lincoln in 1865, the tragic fate of Garfield, shot by Charles Guiteau merely four months into his presidency in 1881, remains overshadowed.
The series, crafted by Mike Makowsky, explores an intriguing alternate history: what might have unfolded had Garfield’s progressive vision taken root? Portrayed by Michael Shannon, Garfield aimed to enhance Reconstruction efforts and tackle the corruption plaguing New York politics, while Matthew Macfadyen’s Guiteau encapsulates a deluded individual whose fixation on Garfield turned deadly when his admiration went unreciprocated.
“Death by Lightning” is packed with vibrant secondary characters, including Chester Arthur, brilliantly played by Nick Offerman, who depicts Garfield’s inept and obstructive vice president, entangled with the manipulative Senator Roscoe Conkling, portrayed by Shea Whigham. The series is also a delightful nod to a bygone era, showcasing an array of impressive 19th-century facial hair.
The dual narratives of Garfield and Guiteau reveal stark contrasts: the former, a self-made leader striving for societal good, and the latter, a desperate grifter whose obsessive pursuit of greatness led to violence. The series breathes both seriousness and irreverence into its storytelling, pulling viewers in with its brisk four-episode format, in an age where drawn-out series often dilute impact. “Death by Lightning” serves as a reminder that sometimes less really is more, delivering a powerful narrative experience in a short span.
As audiences engage with this compelling retelling, they are invited to reflect on how the course of history can dramatically hinge on individual actions and societal structures. The series not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the fragility of leadership and the impact of personal vendettas.