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 landscape. Personally, I think this series isn’t just a historical drama—it’s a commentary on the fragility of democracy, the dangers of parasocial obsession, and the enduring struggle between integrity and ambition.
One thing that immediately stands out is how Garfield’s story challenges our understanding of leadership. Here’s a president who wasn’t a household name, unlike Lincoln or Washington, yet his vision for reform could have reshaped America. What many people don’t realize is that Garfield’s humility wasn’t just a personality trait—it was a political strategy. He despised the ‘spoils system’ that rewarded cronyism over merit, a system that, sadly, still feels all too familiar today. If you take a step back and think about it, Garfield’s refusal to play the game of political favors feels almost revolutionary in an era where transactional politics is the norm.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the parallel between Garfield’s assassin, Charles Guiteau, and the modern phenomenon of parasocial relationships. Guiteau’s obsession with Garfield wasn’t just madness—it was a distorted projection of his own desires for greatness. In my opinion, this dynamic isn’t confined to the 19th century. Today, we see it in the way people idolize politicians or celebrities, attributing to them qualities they don’t actually possess. This raises a deeper question: How much of our political discourse is driven by genuine ideology, and how much is fueled by these warped projections?
Michael Shannon’s portrayal of Garfield is a masterclass in subtlety. What this really suggests is that Garfield wasn’t a larger-than-life hero but a man grappling with his own limitations. A detail that I find especially interesting is how Shannon highlights Garfield’s relationship with ambition. Garfield wasn’t power-hungry, but he wasn’t entirely honest with himself about his drive either. From my perspective, this ambiguity is what makes him relatable. He’s not a saint or a villain—he’s human, and that’s what makes his story so compelling.
The relationship between Garfield and his wife, Lucretia, played by Betty Gilpin, is another standout element. What many people don’t realize is that Lucretia wasn’t just a supportive spouse—she was Garfield’s intellectual equal. This dynamic feels refreshingly modern, yet it’s rooted in historical truth. If you take a step back and think about it, this portrayal challenges the stereotype of the ‘First Lady’ as a mere accessory. It’s a reminder that behind every great leader is often a partner who is just as visionary.
The scene where Guiteau confronts Garfield is a microcosm of the series’ themes. Garfield listens intently, but he can’t give Guiteau what he craves: validation. What this really suggests is that leadership isn’t about fulfilling others’ fantasies—it’s about integrity. Personally, I think this scene is a metaphor for the current state of politics. How often do we see leaders pandering to the loudest voices instead of standing firm on principle?
What makes Death By Lightning so timely is its exploration of political violence and the erosion of democratic norms. Garfield’s assassination wasn’t just a tragedy—it was a symptom of a broken system. If you take a step back and think about it, the parallels to today’s polarized political climate are unmistakable. The question is: Are we doomed to repeat history, or can we learn from Garfield’s vision of reform?
In my opinion, the series’ greatest achievement is its ability to make us reflect on our own time. Garfield’s speech at the convention, which Shannon describes as ‘carrying a fine diamond,’ feels like a blueprint for a better future. What many people don’t realize is that his words about equality and meritocracy are as relevant today as they were in 1881. This raises a deeper question: Why do we keep forgetting the lessons of history?
As I reflect on Death By Lightning, I’m struck by its dual nature. It’s both a historical drama and a cautionary tale. From my perspective, the series isn’t just about Garfield or Guiteau—it’s about us. It challenges us to ask: What kind of leaders do we want, and what kind of society are we willing to build?
Personally, I think Death By Lightning is more than a show—it’s a call to action. It reminds us that the fight for integrity, reform, and sanity in politics is never-ending. And if we’re not careful, history might just repeat itself—with even more devastating consequences.
