In 1881, Charles Guiteau shot President James A. Garfield twice from a short distance, merely four months into Garfield’s presidency, making him the second U.S. president to be assassinated. The circumstances surrounding the shooting and its fallout are examined in Netflix’s miniseries “Death by Lightning,” which traces the parallel narratives of Garfield (Michael Shannon) and Guiteau (Matthew Macfadyen) leading up to their final confrontation. Adapted from Candice Millard’s nonfiction work “Destiny of the Republic,” “Death by Lightning” presents a gripping perspective on a brief and often underappreciated presidency.
“Death by Lightning” emphasizes the 15-month timeframe between Garfield’s selection as the Republican presidential candidate and his subsequent death. In this period, Garfield shifts from evading the spotlight to facing influential New York politicians such as Roscoe Conkling (Shea Whigham) and Chester A. Arthur (Nick Offerman), his vice president. The intra-party rivalries echo the maneuvering seen in “Conclave,” especially during the 1880 Republican National Convention, where various candidates compete for authority, resulting in an unexpected victory for Garfield, who was not originally seen as a frontrunner.
The narrative extends beyond Garfield’s nomination and election, as he strives to enact civil service reforms and champion civil rights. However, resistance from Conkling and the New York faction results in governmental gridlock. Although “Death by Lightning” depicts events from nearly 150 years ago, its significance is intensified by contemporary political contexts, serving as a reminder of the persistent intricacies in politics.
Even if “Death by Lightning” concentrated exclusively on Garfield’s struggles in office, it would remain an engaging political drama. However, it also probes into the more sinister tale of his assassin, Charles Guiteau.
Matthew Macfadyen channels a similar vibe in his portrayal of Charles Guiteau as in “Succession.” Guiteau, an unsuccessful lawyer and newspaper editor with political dreams, is depicted with a pitiful craving for acknowledgment, much like Macfadyen’s character Tom Wambsgans. Both individuals seek closeness to power, offering a blend of comic moments and discomforting scenarios. Unlike Tom, who ultimately succeeds, Guiteau is a failure and a minor con artist, trapped in delusions of his own magnificence.
Guiteau’s shift from Garfield supporter to assassin introduces a darkly comedic contrast to Garfield’s political struggles. While Garfield aspires to guide the nation, Guiteau prioritizes his own self-promotion. “Death by Lightning” carefully delineates the discrepancies between the two men, culminating in their notorious encounter, which is both sobering and captivating.
“Death by Lightning” is currently available for streaming on Netflix.