Review: 'Death by Lightning' Reveals a Forgotten Presidential Tragedy
Netflix's four-part miniseries, inspired by Candice Millard's nonfiction book, uncovers the lesser-known tale of President James A. Garfield. The series, titled Death By Lightning, premieres Thursday on Netflix and introduces itself as "a story about two men the world forgot."
“Death By Lightning,” premiering Thursday on Netflix, introduces itself as “a story about two men the world forgot.”
While Charles Guiteau—the assassin—is largely unknown today, James A. Garfield remains notable as one of four U.S. presidents who were assassinated. The story balances historical drama with modern relevance, touching on issues like civil rights, income inequality, cronyism, and corruption.
The series emphasizes the tragedy not only experienced by Garfield's family but also the nation’s loss, as he was killed after serving only 200 days in office. The historical record suggests Garfield might have been an effective president had he lived longer.
Garfield, killed after only 200 days in office, might have made a very good chief executive.
Compared to other lesser-remembered presidents, Garfield’s assassination provides a compelling and surprising narrative well suited for a docudrama format. The series appears deliberately crafted to resonate with contemporary themes and audiences.
Key Themes Explored
- Civil rights
- Income inequality
- Cronyism
- Corruption
Historical Context
Though not all assassins or presidents are widely recognized, choosing Garfield's story offers both a shocking historical event and a reflection on unresolved social issues.
Presentation Style
The miniseries uses an automated voice reading the narrative, with a note encouraging viewers to report any errors or inconsistencies.
This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
Author’s summary: The series sheds light on President Garfield's brief term cut short by assassination, exploring enduring social challenges and the potential leadership lost to history.
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