Netflix’s ‘Death by Lightning’ Unveils the Shocking True Story
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/death-by-lightning-michael-shannon-110525-677bd03bc1c0493fa7285f362b74aed8.jpg)
Netflix has recently launched a gripping series, ‘Death by Lightning’, which delves into the life and tragic death of President James Garfield. The four-part limited series, premiered on November 6, recounts the events surrounding Garfield’s presidency and his assassination. The show is based on the book ‘Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President’ by Candice Millard.
The series features Michael Shannon portraying President Garfield, and Matthew Macfadyen as his assassin, Charles Guiteau. Garfield’s sudden ascendancy to the presidency, his brief tenure in office, and the fateful encounter with Guiteau are all depicted in this compelling drama. Garfield’s famous quote, “Assassination can no more be guarded against than death by lightning,” serves as the inspiration for the series’ title.
Showrunner Mike Makowsky highlighted the tragedy of Garfield’s story, expressing his belief that the president’s legacy has been overshadowed by his untimely death. Makowsky finds the episode in American history surrounding Garfield’s assassination to be a significant ‘what if’ scenario. The show aims to shed light on this overlooked chapter in history, exploring the complexities and consequences of Garfield’s presidency.
President James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, assumed office on March 4, 1881. A self-made man, Garfield’s humble beginnings in Ohio led him to a distinguished career in politics. From teaching to serving in the House of Representatives, Garfield’s journey to the presidency was unplanned. His unexpected nomination at the 1880 Republican Convention ultimately led to his presidency, where he faced challenges and controversies.
Charles Guiteau, the man behind Garfield’s assassination, harboured political ambitions and mental health struggles. A Stalwart Republican, Guiteau sought a government position under Garfield’s administration. Rejected and ostracised, Guiteau believed that killing Garfield was necessary to restore unity within the Republican party. His actions sparked a wave of political reform, including the passage of the Pendleton Act in 1883, changing the landscape of federal employment.
The tragic event unfolded on July 2, 1881, when Garfield was shot by Guiteau at a Washington D.C. train station. Despite battling for his life for several weeks, Garfield succumbed to his injuries on September 19, 1881. Guiteau, found guilty of the assassination, was sentenced to hanging in 1882. Garfield’s death left a lasting impact on American politics, paving the way for reforms in government practices.
The portrayal of these historic events in ‘Death by Lightning’ offers a compelling narrative that delves into the complexities of power, ambition, and tragedy. Through the lens of Garfield’s presidency and assassination, viewers are invited to reflect on the enduring legacy of a president whose life was cut short by a senseless act of violence.
‘Death by Lightning’ stands as a poignant reminder of the fragility of leadership and the enduring impact of political violence. As audiences immerse themselves in the story of President James Garfield, they are confronted with the stark realities of power, ambition, and the tragic consequences that can arise in the pursuit of political goals. The series serves as a testament to the importance of understanding history’s lessons and reflecting on the untold stories that shape our collective memory.
Overall, ‘Death by Lightning’ weaves together a compelling narrative that illuminates a lesser-known chapter of American history, offering viewers a glimpse into the tumultuous world of 19th-century politics and the enduring legacy of a president whose life was tragically cut short.