‘Death by Lightning’ Review: A Presidential Assassination Thriller
The four-part James Garfield drama, executive produced by Weiss and featuring Betty Gilpin and Nick Offerman, presents a gripping yet somewhat rushed narrative on Netflix. The series stars Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen in leading roles.
This show, similar to Sondheim’s Assassins and last year’s Manhunt, delves into political violence, examining assassination attempts and their troubled perpetrators as dark reflections against the American Dream. It offers a provocative and uneasy exploration of a distinct form of fame.
Creator Mike Makowsky adapts Candice Millard’s well-regarded book, Destiny of the Republic, handling this complex subject with cautious confidence. However, the pacing feels uneven, especially after nearly three episodes focusing on Matthew Macfadyen’s portrayal of Charles J.
"[Warning: For Stephen Sondheim fans, prolonged exposure to Death by Lightning may result in uncontrollable singing of the entirety of Assassins. Do not watch if you are allergic to Assassins. Possible side effects may include Sweeney Todd or Company.]"
Unlike other platforms that might bury such content, Netflix gives Death by Lightning visibility, though the series navigates a challenging subject matter linked to political and historical trauma.
Key Themes
- Exploration of political violence and presidential assassination attempts.
- Portrayal of assassins as complex, troubled individuals intertwined with the American Dream.
- Examination of celebrity in the context of political infamy.
Summary
Death by Lightning is a provocative and compelling political thriller that confronts difficult aspects of American history but sometimes suffers from pacing issues across its four episodes.
Author’s Note
This series is a thoughtful, if occasionally uneven, dramatization that challenges viewers to reconsider the dark intersections of violence, fame, and ambition in the U.S.
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