Netflix’s Assassination Drama ‘Death by Lightning’ Is a Sobering Historical Account
Netflix’s limited series “Death by Lightning” is a political thriller based on Candice Millard’s 2011 book Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President. The show focuses on James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, and his assassin, Charles Guiteau.
Series Background and Creators
Created by Mike Makowsky, known for Bad Education, and executive produced by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss of Game of Thrones fame, the four-part drama offers both historical insight and a chilling perspective.
Opening Scene and Setting
The story begins in 1969 at the Army Medical Museum. Workers discover a jar falling from a dusty box, which contains Charles J. Guiteau’s brain after nearly a century in storage.
Return to 1880
The narrative then shifts back to 1880, introducing Charles Guiteau, freshly released from jail for false pretenses and evading arrest. Meanwhile, in Ohio, Civil War veteran and Congressman James Garfield is called to Chicago for the Republican National Convention.
“Death by Lightning” follows President James Garfield, the oft-forgotten 20th president of the United States, and the man who assassinated him, Charles Guiteau.
“Death by Lightning” opens in 1969 at the Army Medical Museum. Workers are startled when a jar tumbles out of a dusty box and rolls onto the ground.
Author’s summary: This series vividly depicts the tragic assassination of President James Garfield, blending historical detail with dramatic storytelling to enlighten and engage viewers.