Review: "Death by Lightning" Presents a Surprising Tale of an Assassinated President
Netflix's four-part miniseries, adapted from Candice Millard's nonfiction book, unveils the little-known story of President James A. Garfield. The series, titled Death By Lightning, debuts Thursday on Netflix and describes 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 the name Charles Guiteau may be unfamiliar to many in 2025, James A. Garfield is better remembered as one of only four American presidents who were assassinated. Though other presidents and assassins are less well known, the choice of Garfield’s story offers a compelling narrative with an inherent murder mystery.
The series appears designed to resonate with current issues, addressing themes like civil rights, income inequality, cronyism, and corruption. The story is dramatic and tragic, affecting not just Garfield’s family but the entire nation.
“Garfield, killed after only 200 days in office, might have made a very good chief executive.”
From the miniseries and historical records, the sense comes through that Garfield's brief presidency ended before viewers could fully appreciate his potential as a leader.
Historical Context and Modern Themes
- James A. Garfield was assassinated after just 200 days in office.
- The story draws parallels to contemporary societal challenges.
- Charles Guiteau, the assassin, remains largely forgotten by history.
- The show blends historical fact with dramatic storytelling.
This thoughtful retelling brings attention to a president and a story often overlooked, highlighting its ongoing relevance.
Author’s summary: The miniseries "Death by Lightning" revives the gripping and underexplored tale of President Garfield’s assassination, linking it to modern social themes and lost historical figures.