Death by Lightning: A Historical Drama Worth Watching
I enjoy a good history show as much as the next person, and I’m pleased to announce that Netflix’s newest hit, Death by Lightning, is even better than I expected. One rewarding aspect of any historical show (or book or movie) is learning something factual that you didn’t know previously.
Usually though, you’ll be expanding your knowledge on a topic or person you’re already at least somewhat familiar with. That makes sense since history’s biggest figures/events are going to command the most content being created about them.
What makes Death by Lightning so refreshing is that it focuses on American politics in a period of time that’s rarely looked at under the microscope. Specifically, the series centers on the rise to the presidency of James Garfield and then his brief time in office until his untimely death.
Interspersed with focusing on Garfield and other political happenings in the United States, the show introduces us to a man named Charles Guiteau. Guiteau, a former supporter, would ultimately shoot the 20th president.
The series informs us that we’ll be focusing on these two men up front, as well as the fact that Guiteau shoots Garfield. The show is less concerned with surprising audiences and feels more like it’s simply teaching us something we don’t know about.
Garfield, who’s primary goal is striking out corruption, is portrayed as a great leader and someone who had the potential to be a phenomenal president. Death by Lighting ultimately forces viewers to acknowledge one of the biggest “What Ifs” in American history. What makes it such a worthwhile show is that asking what could’ve been if Garfield hadn’t been shot is likely a question 99% of people would have never considered before this miniseries.
The biggest strength of Death by Lighting, apart from its interesting subject matter, is its talented cast. Michael Shannon as Garfield, Matthew Macfadyen as Guiteau, Nick Offerman as Chester A. Arthur, and Shea Whigham as New York Senator Roscoe Conkling all deliver outstanding performances. This is a top-notch production overall, but the acting stands out.
At only four episodes, the miniseries is closer to being a long movie than a typical television series. This smaller quantity of episodes is both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, the show is never boring. No scenes feel unimportant.
On the other hand, I think the series could’ve benefitted from another episode or two. These characters are intriguing enough that they merit more time spent with them. More time with Garfield and his family in particular could’ve benefited the series. It is a bit unfair that in a miniseries focusing on the former president, Garfield himself seems to take a back seat to other characters. Viewers understand that he’s a great man who fights for justice and loves his family, but the show doesn’t take that extra step to show what really makes him tick.
Overall though, for those with even the remotest interest in history, Death by Lightning offers both an informative and entertaining four hours of content. It’s a series I’d definitely recommend that’ll give you an appreciation for a president you probably didn’t know much about before.
Grade: 8/10