'Death by Lightning' unfolds like an 1880s 'West Wing'

"Equally unlikely to achieve any level of success is Charles Guiteau, another character from humble beginnings. Guiteau, though, is a lot less noble than Garfield, and a lot less humble. In fact, he may be delusional about his own self-worth, and he's not above stealing, lying, forging or other crimes to further his ambitions. In the Stephen Sondheim musical Assassins, Guiteau was portrayed with the enthusiastic optimism of a child, and that's how he's played here by Matthew Macfadyen, who played Tom on Succession."

"It's a wholly committed, completely empathic portrayal. You can feel Guiteau's emotions his highs and his lows instantly and deeply, often in the same scene. When we meet Guiteau for the first time, he's facing a panel and defending his behavior in 1880 after being incarcerated in the New York jail called The Tombs. Garfield, meanwhile, is a Congressman who represents Ohio, but spends most of his time back home."

"Garfield's asked to do a favor for a fellow Ohio politician to nominate him at the upcoming Republican National Convention in Chicago. His nominating speech, though, is so inspirational, the deadlocked convention eventually adds his name to the potential nominees. On the 36th ballot, Garfield emerges as the Republican front-runner a fact that amuses Sen. James Blaine, played by Bradley Whitford."

Death by Lightning is a four-part period miniseries on Netflix set in the 1880s with heavy political intrigue and unexpected betrayals. James Garfield is portrayed as an intense public orator and a gentle, loving husband, father and farmer who seems unlikely to thrive in national government. Charles Guiteau is depicted as less noble, often delusional about his self-worth, and willing to steal, lie, forge and commit other crimes to advance his ambitions. Matthew Macfadyen gives an empathic performance as Guiteau, while Michael Shannon brings intensity to Garfield. Garfield's nominating speech elevates him to front-runner status at a deadlocked convention.

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