Death By Lightning: When And Where To Watch The Historical Drama On James Garfield's Life
The limited series Death by Lightning is a historical drama available on Netflix that revisits the tragic assassination of President James Garfield, one of America's most overlooked political events. The show stars Michael Shannon as Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as his assassin, Charles Guiteau.
Plot Overview
The series explores Garfield's journey from his modest origins as a schoolteacher and Civil War commander in rural Ohio to becoming a respected statesman and the President of the United States. It highlights his strong commitment to political reform and his efforts to heal a nation still recovering from the Civil War.
Key Characters
- James Garfield: Portrayed by Michael Shannon, depicted as a visionary leader with deep ethics and dedication.
- Charles Guiteau: Played by Matthew Macfadyen, a minor political figure whose frustrations and personal delusions lead him to assassinate Garfield. Guiteau believed he deserved credit for Garfield’s election and became obsessed when overlooked.
Historical Context
Set in post-Civil War America, the drama sheds light on the political tensions and personal ambitions that influenced this turbulent era and ultimately led to Garfield’s premature death.
"The limited series... delves deeply into the interplay of power, ambition and delusion that defines this shocking historical story."
Death by Lightning premiered on Netflix on November 6 and is now available for streaming to subscribers.
Author's summary: This gripping series sheds light on James Garfield's brief yet impactful presidency and the tragic assassination that shaped a pivotal moment in American history.