The ‘Death by Lightning’ Cast Breakdown
Rank: Fuck You, Dude (aka The Bad Doctor)
Signature Attributes:
- Completely unearned confidence
- Casually racist behavior
- Lack of facial hair
First Impression:
“This man is going to kill the president.”
Lasting Impression: This man killed the president.
Dr. Purvis is a disaster who not only digs his own grave but climbs inside it. From the moment he pushes aside the capable Dr. Charles Purvis, it’s clear he’s bad news. He’s arrogant, bossy, and self-centered, and he fails at his job. His lack of facial hair is a dead giveaway—while “Death by Lightning” showcases a variety of hair growth styles, this outdated figure walks in with only a few scraggly whiskers under his chin, signaling he’s not the one to revive the fallen leader.
That said, credit goes to Željko Ivanek—an Emmy winner for Damages and a veteran actor with over 100 credits—who expertly balances the Bad Doctor’s authoritative presence with his many blunders, almost warranting a higher ranking.
Author’s summary: The Bad Doctor’s arrogance and incompetence lead to tragedy, yet Željko Ivanek’s nuanced performance brings complexity to this deeply flawed character.