Death by Lightning: A Historical Drama on President James Garfield
Netflix’s new limited series, Death by Lightning, revisits the dramatic and tragic story of President James Garfield’s assassination. The historical drama, starring Michael Shannon as Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as assassin Charles J. Guiteau, captures one of America’s lesser-known political tragedies with emotional depth and historical nuance.
About the Series
Released on November 6, the series is available globally on Netflix. It explores power, ambition, and the psychological unraveling that led to the shocking event.
“The series delves into the interplay of power, ambition, and delusion that defines this shocking historical story.”
Garfield’s Rise to Power
James Garfield’s journey from a modest background in rural Ohio to the White House forms the heart of the series. Once a schoolteacher and a Civil War commander, Garfield became a respected leader recognized for his moral integrity and idealism. His efforts aimed to reconcile a divided nation still healing from war.
Tragic Presidency
Although Garfield’s time in office was brief, his legacy left an enduring mark. The show portrays how his dedication to reform clashed with turbulent party politics and personal rivalries.
The Assassin: Charles J. Guiteau
The drama introduces Guiteau as a troubled political enthusiast whose distorted sense of entitlement drove him to a deadly obsession. Feeling ignored after Garfield’s election victory, Guiteau’s instability culminated in the president’s murder.
Backdrop of the Era
Set in post–Civil War America, Death by Lightning also sheds light on the political strife and social transformation defining the late 19th century. It blends personal ambition with the fragile state of a nation searching for unity.
Author’s Summary: A gripping reimagining of James Garfield’s rise and fall, Death by Lightning intertwines power, ambition, and tragedy in a tense retelling of a forgotten chapter of U.S. history.
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