Netflix’s ‘Death by Lightning’ Reexamines President James A. Garfield’s Assassination
The Netflix mini-series Death by Lightning explores the complex factors behind the assassination of the 20th U.S. president, James A. Garfield. The show follows Garfield's unexpected rise as the Republican presidential nominee and his narrow victory in the 1880 election, with actor Michael Shannon portraying the president.
The Assassination and Its Motives
Just months into his term, in July 1881, Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau, played by Matthew Macfadyen. Guiteau, an office-seeker, believed he was entitled to a government job due to his support during Garfield’s campaign. However, Garfield was a strong advocate for civil service reform, opposing the prevalent patronage system and favoring merit-based hiring.
After his demands were denied, Guiteau resorted to assassinating Garfield in an attempt to eliminate him from office. This act resulted in Vice President Chester A. Arthur, portrayed by Nick Offerman, becoming the 21st President of the United States.
Civil Service Reform and Garfield’s Legacy
“The idea of civil service reform and waging a battle to clean up the grift in our government—this is something that Garfield very much stood on the front lines of in his time,” said Mike Makowsky, creator of Death by Lightning, in an interview with Netflix’s Tudum.
This mini-series sheds light on how political pride and medical failures contributed to turning Garfield’s efforts for reform into a largely forgotten tragedy.
Author’s summary: The series reveals how Garfield’s fight against corruption and patronage ended in tragedy, highlighting political betrayal and the urgent need for civil service reform in 1880s America.