Michael Shannon Delivers Haunting Performance in netflix’s “Death by Lightning,” a Quirky Take on the Garfield assassination
Washington D.C. – Michael Shannon’s portrayal of Charles Guiteau, the disgruntled office seeker who assassinated President James A. Garfield in 1881, is drawing critical acclaim as Netflix’s limited series “Death by Lightning” concludes its run. The nine-episode drama, based on Candice Millard’s non-fiction book Destiny of the Republic, offers a darkly comedic and surprisingly poignant exploration of the events surrounding the tragedy, with Shannon anchoring the series with a performance described as both unsettling and captivating.
“Death by lightning” doesn’t shy away from the bizarre details of Guiteau’s character and motivations. A self-proclaimed political genius, Guiteau believed he was owed a diplomatic post for his (minimal) support of Garfield’s presidential campaign. When his demands went unmet, he became convinced Garfield was an obstacle to the nation’s destiny and resolved to remove him. Shannon embodies this delusional grandiosity with a chilling intensity, bringing a disturbing humanity to a figure frequently enough relegated to historical footnote status.
The series also features a standout performance from Nick Offerman as Chester A. Arthur,Garfield’s Vice President. The review notes Offerman’s portrayal as a “spiritual partner to drunk ron Swanson,” yielding significant comedic moments. However, it also highlights a deeper exploration of Arthur, a man often dismissed as a “blunt instrument” who may have possessed a “refined soul.” The reviewer praises Offerman’s performance, stating, “allowing the same thing to occur for Death by Lightning would be an equally egregious crime” in reference to past Emmy snubs.
Beyond Shannon and Offerman, the cast includes Zeljko Ivanek as Dr. D.W. Bliss, the physician tasked with treating Garfield’s wounds, and supporting roles filled by Whitford, Whigham, Vondie curtis-Hall as Frederick Douglass, and Barry Shabaka Henley as Blanche Bruce. However, the review points to some uneven integration of historical figures, notably Kyle Soller as Robert Todd Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln and Garfield’s Secretary of War, who is given no lines of dialog.
The series’ pacing also receives some criticism. While the assassination itself is depicted, the review notes that “Death by Lightning” “rushes through Garfield’s death, which was famously and relevantly unrushed.” Garfield’s agonizing 2.5-month struggle following the shooting,a period marked by pioneering medical attempts to save his life,is glossed over in favor of a quicker resolution.
Despite these shortcomings, the review ultimately champions ”Death by Lightning” as a compelling and often humorous examination of a pivotal moment in american history, driven by a remarkable central performance from Michael Shannon. The series concludes with the reviewer admitting to being left humming “The Ballad of Guiteau,” a testament to the show’s lasting impact.
