Death by Lightning Review — Truncated Political Drama Lacks Substance
Despite a talented cast, Death by Lightning fails to achieve greatness due to uninspiring material given to its actors. The series stars Michael Shannon and others portraying President James Garfield and his close associates in this Netflix miniseries.
The story follows Garfield's unlikely rise from a small-town Ohio senator of modest beginnings to the presidency, ending with his assassination by former admirer Charles Guiteau. Such historical narratives are ideal for prestige television, as seen in Apple TV's underrated thriller Manhunt, but this show falls short.
Key Issues
- Pacing is the primary flaw: the series compresses too much content into just four episodes, with two running under 45 minutes.
- The storytelling feels rushed and superficial, resembling a mere Wikipedia adaptation.
- Creator Mike Makowsky focuses on recounting events rather than diving into deeper character exploration or psychological insights.
"The biggest issue with Death by Lightning is its pacing. There is simply too much story in this show for a four-episode miniseries... It feels incredibly rushed, like an adaptation of a Wikipedia article."
Conclusion
Though promising in premise and cast, Death by Lightning lacks the depth and nuance required to make a compelling political drama.
Author's summary: The miniseries offers a compelling historical tale but falters with rushed pacing and shallow storytelling, limiting its emotional impact.