Nick Offerman delivers a standout performance as Chester A. Arthur in Netflix’s historical drama Death By Lightning, which explores the complex journey of the 21st President of the United States. The series, set during the politically turbulent post-Civil War era, highlights Arthur’s improbable rise to the presidency and his unexpected transformation into a reformer, with Offerman’s portrayal enhanced by his own authentic muttonchops.
Nick Offerman Brings Chester A. Arthur’s Unique Story to Life
Death By Lightning offers a compelling take on the lesser-known story of Chester A. Arthur, whose public image is largely defined by the iconic muttonchops that Offerman famously grew for the role. The showspotlights Arthur’s evolution from a politically connected but corrupt operator in New York City to a president who championed significant civil service reforms. Creator and showrunner Mike Makowsky explained the appeal of Arthur’s character, describing him as having
“the most defined arc of any of the characters in the show.”
Makowsky also admitted that Arthur was the
“subject that surprised me the most as I was doing research.”
Though most are familiar with Arthur only as a black-and-white photograph of a man with impressive facial hair, the series dives deeply into his complex background. Chester A. Arthur had never held elected office before becoming vice president and later president. He was entwined in the spoils system rampant in New York’s political machine, functioning as a cronied customs official. Makowsky said,
“What’s also so crazy about Chester Arthur is, you know, this is a man who have never held elected office in his entire life. He was a crony of the spoils system of the New York machine who somehow fell upward to the presidency.”
On the challenge of writing such an unlikely historical figure, Makowsky remarked,
“You know, the ingrained absurdity of that was like, as a writer, like you hope to find subject matter like that.”
The Political Deadlock and Rise of James A. Garfield
The first episode of Death By Lightning portrays the 1880 Republican National Convention, where the party’s presidential nominee was chosen solely by delegate votes. At that time, the post-Civil War Republican Party was deeply factionalized. One group, known as the Stalwarts, defended the corrupt patronage system, while the Half-Breeds advocated for meritocratic reform.
New York Senator Roscoe Conkling, portrayed by Shea Whigham, led the Stalwart faction, backing former President Ulysses S. Grant’s bid for the nomination. Arthur, a close associate of Conkling, managed customs at New York’s wealthy port and was a key player in the Stalwart machinery. Meanwhile, the Half-Breeds were divided between James A. Blaine of Maine (Bradley Whitford) and John Sherman of Ohio (Alistair Petrie).
The convention was deadlocked for 35 ballots, with no candidate securing a majority. Then, Ohio Representative James A. Garfield (Michael Shannon) emerged as a dark horse contender after an impassioned speech nominating Sherman made delegates rally behind him. Ultimately, the Half-Breeds consolidated their support for Garfield on the 36th vote, securing his nomination.
How Chester A. Arthur Became Vice President
Death By Lightning portrays the Half-Breeds’ strategic move to offer Arthur the vice presidency as a way to weaken Conkling’s influence. Despite being unqualified, Arthur accepted the role. The series chronicles Arthur’s tumultuous transformation from a politically corrupt, loud, and grieving man to a leader dedicated to meaningful reform. This shift is crédibly depicted thanks to Offerman’s nuanced performance, which blends grit, humor, and deep emotional layers.
Makowsky emphasized how closely Offerman aligned with his vision for the character, stating,
“When I started writing Arthur, Nick was really the voice that I had in my mind the entire time. And I don’t sort of mean that apocryphally,”
adding,
“Like I pictured Nick Offerman the entire time, to the extent that I feel like I kind of wrote him into the script.”
Nick Offerman’s Performance Captures Arthur’s Complexity
Fans who recognize Offerman from shows like The Last of Us will appreciate his ability to portray a tough exterior hiding unexpected tenderness. In Death By Lightning, Offerman shows Arthur’s softer side—his profound grief over the loss of his wife and his shock at betrayals by close allies such as Conkling. Offerman’s performance includes humor and warmth, with one memorable scene featuring a drunken Arthur dancing in Haymarket, recalling Offerman’s most iconic roles.
Makowsky praised Offerman’s contribution, saying,
“He brought so much to that character, not just in terms of humor, but he can tap into this like deep well of pathos that I think we’ve seen… My god, I mean, he is just remarkable.”
A particularly striking aspect of Offerman’s dedication to the role was his commitment to authenticity in appearance. Makowsky revealed,
“Those were his actual muttonchops. He walked around for four months with those muttonchops.”
The actor’s real facial hair enhances the credibility of his portrayal, making the character even more captivating.
Significance of the Series and What Lies Ahead
Death By Lightning serves as both an educational and entertaining look at a revolutionary period in American political history. By focusing on figures like Chester A. Arthur and James A. Garfield, viewers gain a renewed understanding of the fraught politics after the Civil War and the transformation of government through civil service reform.
The series also contributes to the ongoing cultural conversation about political corruption, leadership, and unexpected redemption. Offerman’s gripping interpretation of Arthur invites audiences to reconsider this mostly forgotten president’s legacy and appreciate the turbulent path that led him to champion reform.
Death By Lightning is currently available for streaming on Netflix, offering a rich narrative experience driven by powerful performances and sharp writing.
