- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Coaching Changes
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
'Death by Lightning' - new Netflix Miniseries
Posted on 11/7/25 at 11:31 am
Posted on 11/7/25 at 11:31 am
Any fellow history nerds watch the new Netflix miniseries, Death by Lightning, based on the assassination of President Garfield?
I'm happy to see a film produced that highlights a lesser known president and tragedy in American History, as most are only aware of the presidential assassinations of Lincoln and JFK. (McKinley deserves a miniseries too)
I've watched the first episode, and cant say I've seen any historical inaccuracies. However, there is certainly an added level of dramatization.
The quality of this miniseries will be heavily reliant on the actor portraying Charles Guiteau (the assassin), and I cant say I'm currently impressed by the acting through the first episode. However, the script does well at portraying Guiteau as the lunatic he was. The first episode provides an entertaining production of the 1880 Republican Convention with fantastic acting by Michael Shannon as James Garfield, and by Shea Whigham as Roscoe Conkling. Nick Offerman's role as future president Chester Arthur is minimal in the first episode, but I expect he will do well.
POSSIBLE SPOLIER: I'm excited to see if the final episode depicts the famous story of how Alexander Graham Bell invented the metal detector in attempt to help doctors locate the bullet inside Garfield. Bell's device failed to assist doctors, but not because it didn't work, but because the president rested upon a spring coiled mattress (a new invention), that perceived the metal detector to be faulty. This was not known until after Garfield's death.
Posted on 11/7/25 at 3:47 pm to Ping Pong
Great cast. I can't see how this will be anything short of really good.
Posted on 11/8/25 at 1:42 am to Ping Pong
I watched the whole series (only 4 episodes). It was fantastic. I think there was a little dramatic effect added in some spots but it seemed to be historically accurate.
I thought both Macfadyen and Shannon did a superb job. Offerman was wonderful. Whigham and Whitford were a fantastic addition to the cast as well. Lot of things I learned about Garfield from this. I do enjoy a good historical show (movie/documentary/series) especially with a political aspect.
Episodes are not long with the exception of the last episode. Last episode is maybe 20 mins longer than the others.
I thought both Macfadyen and Shannon did a superb job. Offerman was wonderful. Whigham and Whitford were a fantastic addition to the cast as well. Lot of things I learned about Garfield from this. I do enjoy a good historical show (movie/documentary/series) especially with a political aspect.
Episodes are not long with the exception of the last episode. Last episode is maybe 20 mins longer than the others.
Posted on 11/8/25 at 12:51 pm to MasterKnight
I just finished Canace Millard's excellent biography of Garfield. I saw this series just this morning and watched the first episode. While reading the biography I kept thinking this would make a great film.
Posted on 11/8/25 at 4:33 pm to MasterKnight
started it friday morning watched it strait through it was fantastic.
Posted on 11/8/25 at 10:44 pm to dickkellog
It was well done. I think the casting was spot on. It was a good mix of both Garfield and Guiteau storylines.
Posted on 11/9/25 at 8:48 am to Ping Pong
The Republican Convention story was fascinating. Enjoying the hell out of it so far. Shannon is excellent, as usual.
Posted on 11/9/25 at 11:05 am to Ping Pong
I'd read the book and it is outstanding. The biographical portrayals of Garfield and Guiteau were very interesting. The descriptions of the suffering Garfield endured at the hands of his quack doctors were quite moving.
I'm never sure about watching a movie/series based on a book I really enjoyed but I thought this was pretty dang good. I thought the whole cast did a great job.
I'm never sure about watching a movie/series based on a book I really enjoyed but I thought this was pretty dang good. I thought the whole cast did a great job.
Posted on 11/9/25 at 11:10 am to Ping Pong
Interesting in how little Garfield craved power.
I watched the first two and it's well done. I now little about Garfield because he was only ptesident a few months. I like Arthur and the supporting cast.
I watched the first two and it's well done. I now little about Garfield because he was only ptesident a few months. I like Arthur and the supporting cast.
Posted on 11/9/25 at 5:48 pm to Ping Pong
It’s excellent and informative for certain.
Posted on 11/9/25 at 6:41 pm to MasterKnight
quote:
Shannon
Always crushes it
Posted on 11/9/25 at 7:54 pm to Ping Pong
Enjoyed this! Binged it all Saturday morning before the games. Great cast and writing.
Posted on 11/9/25 at 10:04 pm to flvelo12
Hes one of those actors ill watch even if im not interested in the movie.
Posted on 11/10/25 at 10:16 am to Ping Pong
That was an awesome series. Now I want to read Millard's book!
Posted on 11/10/25 at 11:01 am to Ping Pong
Wife and I started it last night. We really enjoyed the first episode. Really good acting. I also... embarassingly... knew almost nothing of Garfield. I'd always thought of him as an inconsequential and ineffective president (I think I conflated him with Taft), not as a tragic character who might have actually been a great leader for our country if he'd not been killed.
Posted on 11/10/25 at 2:57 pm to hogfly
quote:
who might have actually been a great leader for our country if he'd not been killed.
I believe this to be true. He went up against the big political machine & was killed for it.
Posted on 11/10/25 at 9:28 pm to This GUN for HIRE
Some historians claim Garfield had the potential to be one of our top five presidents had he survived. Smart, charismatic and a leader.
Posted on 11/10/25 at 9:30 pm to Ping Pong
quote:
as most are only aware of the presidential assassinations of Lincoln and JFK. (McKinley deserves a miniseries too)
It’s remarkable how nobody knows about Garfield and McKinley. I don’t know any details either.
When I hear Garfield I just think of the cat.
Posted on 11/10/25 at 9:31 pm to hogfly
quote:
I'd always thought of him as an inconsequential and ineffective president (I think I conflated him with Taft)
Taft became a US Supreme Court justice. Not a bad resume for a fat guy
Posted on 11/11/25 at 7:39 am to Ping Pong
Really liked it. I now want to read a book about Garfield because I had no idea about him.
Popular
Back to top


11






