The Forgotten President and the Modern Political Mirror: Why 'Death By Lightning' Resonates
There’s something hauntingly familiar about Netflix’s Death By Lightning, and it’s not just the incandescent performances or the meticulously crafted period details. What strikes me most is how this story of a forgotten president, James A. Garfield, feels like a mirror held up to our current political moment. Personally, I think this series isn’t just a historical drama—it’s a cautionary tale wrapped in the guise of a biography.
One thing that immediately stands out is Garfield’s disdain for the ‘spoils system,’ a political practice that rewarded loyalty over merit. What many people don’t realize is that this system, though rooted in the 19th century, has eerie parallels to today’s political landscape. If you take a step back and think about it, the way positions of power are often handed out as favors rather than earned through competence feels eerily similar to Garfield’s era. This raises a deeper question: have we really progressed, or are we just recycling the same flawed systems?
Michael Shannon’s portrayal of Garfield is nothing short of masterful, but what makes this particularly fascinating is how he humanizes a figure largely forgotten by history. Garfield wasn’t a larger-than-life icon like Lincoln or Washington; he was a modest man from Ohio who stumbled into the presidency. What this really suggests is that leadership isn’t always about charisma or ambition—it’s about integrity and a commitment to reform. In my opinion, that’s a lesson we desperately need in today’s political climate.
The relationship between Garfield and Charles Guiteau, his eventual assassin, is another layer of brilliance in the series. Guiteau’s parasocial obsession with Garfield is a chilling reminder of how fragile minds can distort reality. What’s especially interesting is how Guiteau projects his own desires for greatness onto Garfield, only to be met with disappointment. From my perspective, this dynamic isn’t just a historical footnote—it’s a reflection of our modern obsession with public figures and the dangerous expectations we place on them.
Shannon’s commentary on Guiteau’s approach to power is particularly insightful. He notes that nowadays, Guiteau’s tactics—schmoozing, self-promotion, and manipulation—seem to work all too well. This isn’t just a throwaway observation; it’s a sharp critique of how meritocracy has been eroded in favor of self-interest. If you think about it, the line between ambition and opportunism has never been blurrier, and Death By Lightning forces us to confront that uncomfortable truth.
The series also shines a light on Garfield’s relationship with his wife, Lucretia, played by the incomparable Betty Gilpin. What I find especially interesting is how the show portrays their partnership as one of equals, not just a historical footnote. This isn’t just a detail—it’s a reminder that behind every great leader is often a partner who is just as integral to their success. In a world where women’s contributions are still often overlooked, this feels like a quiet but powerful statement.
But what truly lingers with me is Shannon’s description of delivering Garfield’s convention speech. He calls it ‘carrying a fine diamond,’ and I couldn’t agree more. That speech, with its call for integrity and reform, feels like a time capsule from a bygone era. What this really suggests is that the problems we face today—corruption, division, and a lack of trust in leadership—aren’t new. They’re cyclical, and perhaps, if we listened to voices like Garfield’s, we could break the cycle.
In the end, Death By Lightning isn’t just a story about a president who was assassinated before he could make a difference. It’s a story about the potential for leadership, the dangers of obsession, and the enduring flaws of our political systems. Personally, I think it’s a series that deserves more than just Emmy recognition—it deserves to be a conversation starter. Because if we don’t learn from history, we’re doomed to repeat it. And right now, it feels like we’re teetering on the edge of repetition.
