Key Highlights
- Death by Lightning, a new series on Netflix, turns the story of James Garfield’s assassination into timely historical entertainment.
- The show, created and led by Mike Makowsky, features an ensemble cast including Matthew Macfadyen, Michael Shannon, Nick Offerman, and Shea Whigham.
- Set in the 1880s, the series explores themes of political corruption, wealth inequality, and the rise of a disaffected grifter class, drawing parallels to contemporary issues.
- Makowsky discusses the casting process, highlighting how he brought together an array of talented actors to bring the story to life.
A Perfect Historical Show for Our Deranged Times: Death by Lightning
When Mike Makowsky read James Garfield’s famous quote from 1880, “Asassination can no more be guarded against than death by lightning,” he knew it had to be the title of a TV show. This quote, taken from Candice Millard’s non-fiction bestseller Destiny of the Republic, inspired Makowsky to turn his attention to the story of Garfield and his assassin, Charles Guiteau.
The Inspiration Behind Death by Lightning
Makowsky first became convinced that the two-hander about unlikely president James Garfield and his delusional assassin, Charles Guiteau, should be a series. Garfield was shot less than a year after becoming president in 1881, leading to his eventual death due to medical complications. The irony of this quote is heightened as we are living through another period marked by multiple high-profile assassinations.
Cast and Direction
The ensemble cast includes Michael Shannon as James Garfield, Matthew Macfadyen as the assassin Charles Guiteau, Nick Offerman as Chester A. Arthur, Betty Gilpin as Lucretia Garfield, Bradley Whitford as James G. Blaine, and Shea Whigham as Roscoe Conkling.
The show is directed by Matt Ross, known for his work in both acting and directing. Makowsky’s choice of actors was inspired by their unique talents and fit with the historical context.
Timeliness and Themes
The series explores themes of political corruption, wealth inequality, and the rise of a disaffected grifter class, drawing parallels to contemporary issues. The 46-year gap between John Hinckley shooting Reagan in 1981 and Thomas Crooks shooting at Trump in 2024 marks the longest period without presidential assassinations since Andrew Jackson’s attempt in 1835.
Humanity and Humor
Makowsky’s approach to the story is humanistic, refusing to treat it as a series of pre-destined events. The show features unexpected choices and humor, such as characters swearing more than they would have in reality or reducing 19th-century grandiosity into modern glibness. These elements make the series both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Behind-the-Scenes
Makowsky discussed the casting process with us, highlighting how he brought together an array of talented actors to bring the story to life. He expressed his satisfaction with the ensemble cast, noting that every role was approached with the same level of enthusiasm and detail.
Mike Makowsky’s Insights
Makowsky spoke about how the show came together: “Matthew MacFadyen and Michael Shannon were first. We really lucked out on the casting front. I think a lot of the credit goes to our director, Matt Ross.” He added that the cast was chosen with great care, ensuring each actor could bring their unique perspective to the roles.
Makowsky also discussed his approach to writing the series: “I didn’t necessarily see it coming.
Arthur rediscovers his soul in what I believe was just by engaging with a man of true integrity, a political optimist bent on reform.” He highlighted how Nick Offerman’s portrayal of Chester A. Arthur brought an unexpected level of humanity and humor to the role.
Finally, Makowsky explained why he chose “Death by Lightning” as the
“As soob as I read that line in Candice’s book, I knew that that would need to be the title of any hypothetical television show. The line ‘assassination could be no more guarded against than death by lightning, and it’s best not to worry too much about either one.’ It’s a real line Garfield said when prompted about whether or not he might like to pay out of pocket for some private security.”
Death by Lightning is now streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a chance to explore the complex history of the 1880s through the eyes of an unlikely president and his assassin. The show’s timely themes and ensemble cast make it a compelling watch in our current historical moment.
