Tired of the same old, sanitized versions of American history? Prepare to have your expectations shattered because Netflix has unleashed a miniseries that dives headfirst into one of the most bizarre and brutal moments in U.S. presidential history. 'Death by Lightning' isn't your typical, dry history lesson; it's a darkly humorous and surprisingly adult exploration of the assassination of President James Garfield.
This isn't your grandma's history class. The series kicks off with a scene that sets the tone perfectly: two guys stumble upon Charles Guiteau's brain in a jar, followed by the question, 'Who the f*** is Charles Guiteau?' The irreverence is immediate and engaging, promising a fresh perspective on a well-trodden subject.
Created by Mike Makowsky, the writer of 'I Think We're Alone Now,' and based on the 2011 book 'Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President,' 'Death by Lightning' offers a compelling narrative across four episodes. It boasts excellent production values and a stellar cast, including Michael Shannon as Garfield, Matthew Macfadyen as Guiteau, Betty Gilpin as First Lady Lucretia Garfield, Bradley Whitford, Nick Offerman, and Shea Whigham. Together, they bring to life a story that many Americans know surprisingly little about.
And this is where it gets interesting: the casting of Matthew Macfadyen as Guiteau is pure genius. Macfadyen, known for his portrayal of the lovable loser Tom Wambsgans in 'Succession,' is perfectly suited to embody Guiteau, a failed lawyer who desperately sought validation. Guiteau's life was a series of misadventures, from his brief stint in a religious cult to his relentless pursuit of a government job from President Garfield, whom he believed he helped win the election. When Garfield didn't deliver, Guiteau's obsession turned deadly.
But here's where it gets controversial... Had modern medicine been available, Garfield likely would have survived the shooting. He lingered for two agonizing months, a stark reminder of the era's medical limitations.
In essence, 'Death by Lightning' is a darkly humorous and tragic tale of a pivotal moment in American history, where a disgruntled individual dramatically altered the course of the presidency.
All four episodes of 'Death by Lightning' are now streaming on Netflix. What do you think about the show's approach to history? Do you agree with the casting choices? Share your thoughts in the comments!
