Death by Lightning

We’re covering Death by Lightning, Netflix’s four-episode retelling of President James Garfield’s assassination. Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen tackle Garfield and the man hanged for killing him, Charles Guiteau. The series mixes political drama, medical tragedy, and historical recreation. Having read Destiny of the Republic, we hold the show to account: what it gets right, what it condenses, and what it flat-out invents. We break down the highlights (the 36-ballot convention, sharp lines lifted from the book, strong supporting turns from Bradley Whitford and Shea Whigham, and a well-staged shooting), along with the choices that miss the mark (compressed science, softened villains, and history buff head-scratchers). Tune in, and welcome to Today’s Episode!