In 1881, President James A. Garfield was fatally shot by Charles Guiteau, marking a tragic moment in American history as Garfield became only the second president to be assassinated. Netflix’s four-episode miniseries, Death by Lightning, explores both the lead-up to this assassination and its aftermath, focusing closely on Garfield, portrayed by Michael Shannon, and Guiteau, played by Matthew Macfadyen, in a tense political drama that brings to life a tumultuous and often overlooked presidency.
This miniseries, based on Candice Millard’s nonfiction book Destiny of the Republic, dives deep into the political struggles and personal ambitions that shaped the fate of these two men during a sharply divided moment in U.S. history.
The Intense Political Battleground of Garfield’s Presidency
Death by Lightning centers mainly on the 15 months between Garfield’s nomination as the Republican presidential candidate and his assassination. It vividly portrays his sudden rise to power, moving from an avoided spotlight to a presidency fraught with conflict against entrenched New York political figures such as Roscoe Conkling (Shea Whigham) and Vice President Chester A. Arthur (Nick Offerman).
The series shows the bitter rivalries and behind-the-scenes maneuvering within the Republican Party, comparable to high-stakes, power-driven battles. The depiction of the chaotic 1880 Republican National Convention is a standout element, illustrating multiple rounds of contentious voting, strategic alliances, and Garfield’s unexpected victory, despite not originally being a leading contender.
Once Garfield took office, his agenda to advance civil service reforms and civil rights met stiff resistance from Conkling and his allies. Their efforts contributed to a government gridlock fueled by corruption, adding a layer of frustration and delay to Garfield’s ambitions. Viewers watching this political paralysis during ongoing government stalemates might find unsettling echoes of modern political dysfunction, highlighting the persistent nature of partisan conflicts in American governance.
Charles Guiteau’s Troubled Ambitions and Dark Role
While much of the narrative focuses on Garfield, Death by Lightning also closely examines Charles Guiteau’s descent from an obscure, failed lawyer and newspaper editor into an obsessed assassin. Matthew Macfadyen’s portrayal of Guiteau captures the character’s unsettling desperation and delusion, evoking parallels with Macfadyen’s Emmy-winning role as Tom Wambsgans on Succession. Like Tom, Guiteau is a pitiable figure driven by a craving for recognition, but unlike Tom, who achieves power and wealth, Guiteau remains a deluded, rejected failure.
One standout moment reveals Guiteau begging to deliver a speech in support of Garfield’s presidential campaign. His speech, delivered to a small, indifferent audience, fails to inspire, yet Guiteau convinces himself that he personally secured Garfield’s election. The contrast between Guiteau’s awkward oration and Garfield’s commanding convention speech, performed by Shannon with gravitas, underscores the vast gulf between their characters. Despite this, Guiteau views them as similar—both men from poor Midwestern backgrounds, both survivors of near-death experiences—which fuels his dangerous entitlement to power.
Guiteau’s tragic unraveling from an eager supporter to the president’s assassin offers a chilling counter-narrative to Garfield’s public challenges and larger political battles. While Garfield sought to guide the nation, Guiteau focused solely on himself, a contrast that deepens the series’ tension as the two men’s paths inexorably converge.
Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen Bring Depth to Historical Figures
Michael Shannon’s portrayal of Garfield is marked by a steady, authoritative presence that captures the complexity of a president navigating fierce political opposition while striving to enact meaningful reforms. His performance anchors the series, offering a compelling glimpse into a leader caught between personal conviction and political realities.
Matthew Macfadyen’s interpretation of Guiteau adds dark humor and poignancy, making the character both repellent and, in a strange way, pitiable. His nuanced depiction taps into the tragic absurdity of Guiteau’s quest for significance, making the character’s eventual actions deeply unsettling.
The show also provides detailed portrayals of other political figures, including Shea Whigham’s Roscoe Conkling and Nick Offerman’s Chester A. Arthur, all contributing to a charged atmosphere filled with ambition, rivalry, and intrigue.
A Compelling Examination of Power, Ambition, and Madness
Death by Lightning offers viewers an intense and gripping examination of one of America’s most dramatic and chaotic political eras. By juxtaposing Garfield’s dedicated, if troubled, leadership with Guiteau’s delusional and destructive path, the series explores themes of ambition, power, and the fine line between greatness and madness.
The detailed historical context and gripping performances make this Michael Shannon political drama especially timely, inviting reflection on the longstanding struggles within American politics and the personal toll they take. As the series culminates in the fateful encounter between Garfield and Guiteau, viewers are left with a sobering reminder of how fragile leadership can be and how the actions of one deeply troubled individual can alter the course of history.
Death by Lightning is now available to stream on Netflix, drawing renewed attention to a forgotten chapter of American political history, seen through the lens of powerful performances and tense storytelling.
