A Funny and Dark Look at a Crazy Time in U. S. History
Netflix has a new miniseries that's not your typical history show. It's called "Death By Lightning", and it's about James Garfield, the 20th president of the United States, and the guy who killed him, Charles Guiteau. This show is not boring. It's funny and a bit wild, showing what politics was like in the 1880s.
A Unique Take on History
The show starts with two people finding Guiteau's brain in a jar. They ask, "Who the f is Charles Guiteau?" This sets the tone right away. It's not a serious history lesson. It's more like a funny and adult look at the past.
The Miniseries Details
- Episodes: 4
- Based on: "Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President"
- Cast:
- Michael Shannon as James Garfield
- Matthew Macfadyen as Charles Guiteau
- Betty Gilpin, Bradley Whitford, Nick Offerman, and Shea Whigham in supporting roles
The Story of Charles Guiteau
Charles Guiteau was a strange guy. He was a failed lawyer who tried to fit in everywhere but never really did. He joined a religious group called the Oneida Community but wasn't liked there either. He moved around a lot, trying to make a name for himself. When Garfield became president, Guiteau thought it was because of him. He thought Garfield owed him a job. When that didn't happen, Guiteau started following Garfield and decided to kill him. He did it, but if modern medicine existed back then, Garfield might have survived.
Why You Should Watch
"Death By Lightning" is a darkly funny look at a weird and sad part of U.S. history. It shows how one person with a grudge can change things. All four episodes are now on Netflix. It's a must-watch for anyone who likes history but wants something more exciting than a textbook.