This New Netflix Gem With 91% on RT Turns an Obscure Political Crime Into Must-See TV
It's a smart, deeply human show that proves the most compelling stories aren't always the ones everyone has heard.
Amidst the flood of similar content, Netflix occasionally releases real gems. One such gem is the miniseries Death by Lightning.
This project restores a forgotten chapter of American history and transforms it into a reflection on the nature of fame and vanity that is ironic, intelligent, and surprisingly relevant.
What Is 'Death by Lightning' About?
The action takes place in 1880. Swashbuckler Charles Guiteau (Matthew Macfadyen) is obsessed with making history.
His dreams of glory take an unexpected turn when a dark horse emerges on the American political scene: James Garfield (Michael Shannon), a Civil War hero who was unexpectedly chosen as a presidential candidate.
Guiteau joins his campaign in hopes of receiving a generous reward – a diplomatic post in Europe.
From the very first minutes, the creators announce that the story will end with a gunshot. It tells the story not only of the 20th President of the US but also of the man who shot him.
'Death by Lightning' Explores an Unfairly Forgotten Page of History
James Garfield is one of four assassinated US presidents whose name has been overshadowed by Lincoln and Kennedy.
Death by Lightning rectifies this historical injustice. Rather than a dry biopic, it's a vivid portrait of an era and its two polar opposites: a selfless, idealistic politician and a pathetic loser who craves recognition at any cost.
'Death by Lightning' Is an Unexpectedly Hilarious Show
Despite its grim ending, the series is full of dark humor and irony. The historical distance enables the creators to convey the absurdity of the situation without excessive pathos or didacticism.
Death by Lightning is a surprisingly humorous spectacle with room for intentional anachronisms and a tender, almost paternal, love for its absurd protagonist.
Here, laughter doesn't devalue the tragedy, rather, it makes it more poignant and humane.
Matthew Macfadyen's Acting Is Even More Impressive Than His Performance in 'Succession'
Fans of Succession expecting to see Tom Wambsgans in a top hat will be pleasantly surprised. While Macfadyen doesn't reprise his signature role, he does create a grotesque and extreme version of it.
His Charles Guiteau is a rogue and a charlatan who is also deeply pathetic and completely devoid of self-esteem. Every attempt he makes to curry favor or justify himself is laughable and awkward.
Yet, Macfadyen evokes a strange sympathy for his character, prompting the viewers to empathize with his desperate desire to make a name for himself.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Death by Lightning'?
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Death by Lightning has 91% from critics and 89% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the series has a score of 7.7/10.
