The ‘Death by Lightning’ Dudes, Ranked from ‘That Guy’ to ‘My Man!’

A scientific look at what each member of the “Death by Lightning” cast contributes to James Garfield’s unconventional picnic table, figuratively speaking.

Rank: The Bad Doctor

Signature traits:

Confidence entirely without merit
Casual prejudice
Suspicious lack of facial hair

First Impression

“This man is going to kill the president.”

Lasting Impression

This man killed the president.

There’s more to say about Dr. Purvis, a walking disaster who lingers long enough to dig—and then occupy—his own grave. From the moment he overrides the capable Dr. Charles Purvis, it’s clear he’s trouble: arrogant, overbearing, and incompetent. Even his sparse beard betrays him. In a series full of remarkable facial hair, his faint whiskers mark him as unfit to revive the fallen leader.

Still, Željko Ivanek, an Emmy-winning actor known from “Damages” and over a hundred screen credits, deserves credit for portraying the Bad Doctor with both commanding authority and spectacular failure — enough to almost earn him a higher rank.

Author’s Summary

A sharp, humorous critique of Dr. Purvis’s arrogant incompetence, highlighting Željko Ivanek’s skill in turning a disastrous character into a scene-stealing performance.

IndieWire — 2025-11-08