Review: "Death by Lightning" Reveals a Forgotten Assassination Story
Netflix's four-part miniseries, adapted from Candice Millard's nonfiction book, explores the lesser-known history of President James A. Garfield. Premiering Thursday, Death By Lightning presents itself as “a story about two men the world forgot.” While the name Charles Guiteau remains obscure to many in 2025, James A. Garfield is more recognized as one of only four American presidents to be assassinated.
A Story Surprising Yet Relevant
Though some U.S. presidents and their assassins remain largely forgotten, the Garfield story uniquely combines a dramatic plot with built-in murder, making it compelling for a docudrama. The series appears crafted for contemporary audiences, as it tackles issues such as civil rights, income inequality, cronyism, and corruption.
“Death By Lightning,” premiering Thursday on Netflix, introduces itself as “a story about two men the world forgot.”
The series and historical facts alike depict Garfield’s assassination as a national tragedy affecting not only his family but the entire country.
Garfield’s Potential Cut Short
The sense conveyed by the series and the historical record is that Garfield, who was slain after just 200 days in office, might have proven to be an effective leader had he survived.
“The sense one gets from ‘Death by Lightning’ and from the historical record it fairly represents, is that Garfield, killed after only 200 days in office, might have made a very good chief executive.”
Contextual Note
Other presidents like John Tyler are less remembered, and assassins such as Guiteau are rarely known, but this story stands out due to its dramatic elements and timely themes.
Author's summary: The series "Death by Lightning" sheds light on President Garfield’s brief tenure and tragic assassination, highlighting themes that resonate deeply with today's societal challenges.