'Death by Lightning' Review: A Forgotten President, a Deranged Assassin, and the Politics of Power
This miniseries explores the 1881 assassination of James A. Garfield through the intertwined stories of the idealistic president, played by Michael Shannon, and his delusional assassin, Charles Guiteau, portrayed by Matthew Macfadyen.
Historical Context of Presidential Assassinations
Throughout nearly 250 years of American history, four presidents have been assassinated. Two of these — Abraham Lincoln in 1865 and John F. Kennedy — are widely remembered and depicted in numerous books, films, and television shows. The third, William McKinley, was killed in 1901 during his second term, a tragedy with significant political consequences. The fourth assassination, that of James A. Garfield, is often overlooked, regarded as little more than a footnote in history.
Miniseries Overview
Death by Lightning revives this neglected episode with compelling storytelling. Presented across four engaging episodes, the series could almost be condensed into a single, tightly edited feature film. Created by Mike Makowsky, known for Bad Education, and fully directed by Matt Ross, famous for Captain Fantastic as well as his acting career, the show delves into two parallel narratives:
- The ascent of President James A. Garfield
- The troubled, tragic path of Charles Guiteau
These narratives gradually converge, offering a gripping look at this critical moment in early 1880s U.S. history.
“There’s a fourth [presidential assassination], which, as one character in this story puts it, ended up as a mere footnote in history.”
The series sheds light on the complex political environment of the time and the personal turmoil behind the assassination.
Creative Team
- Creator: Mike Makowsky (Bad Education)
- Director: Matt Ross (Captain Fantastic)
Both bring a unique perspective that balances historical detail and character-driven storytelling.
Author’s summary: "Death by Lightning" vividly reconstructs a neglected presidential assassination, revealing the intertwined fates of Garfield and Guiteau amid 1880s political turmoil.