Streaming Recommendation: DEATH BY LIGHTNING

Have you sat around wondering about the behind-the-scene details and political dealings of how little known James Garfield of Ohio became President of the United States in 1880 and then, subsequently, was assassinated?

Neither did I, but after watching the terrific Netflix Mini-Series, DEATH BY LIGHTNING (based on the novel DESTINY OF THE REPUBLIC: A TALE OF MADNESS, MEDICINE and the MURDER OF A PRESIDENT by Candice Millard), I don’t know how I could have lived without this knowledge.

As envisioned, greatly, by Mike Makowsky, Death By Lightning tells the tale as listed above and what a powerful tale it is, full of back room political dealings, mental instability and not-so-great men thrust into roles of prominence where they, against all odds, overcome their foibles to become great men….all in a context that is just as relatable today as it was over 145 years ago.

Michael Shannon (2x Oscar nominated for Best Supporting Actor) is his usual strong, sturdy self, anchoring the mini-series as James A. Garfield with a humble strength that makes the audience instantly stand on his side and root for him.

He is ably assisted in Supporting Roles by Bradley Whitford (THE WEST WING) and Betty Gilpin (GLOW) who both give their usual excellent work helping to lift and support this vehicle as well as serve as strong counter-points to Garfield’s/Shannon’s strength, decency and self doubts.

But it is the work of 3 character actors that elevates this mini-series to another level.

Veteran “that guy” character actor, Shea Whigham (the most recent MISSION IMPOSSIBLE films) elevates himself into leading man territory as New York Political Machine leader Senator Roscoe Conkling who’s “screw the people, focus on the politics” view of Democracy is a warning to our current political scene and really hits home.

Matthew MacFadyen (SUCCESSION) takes his “A” game to the next level (A+ game?) as delusional “office seeker” Charles Guiteau who’s own imaginings of his self-worth (and subsequent let down) clash with the reality of life forcing him to make the only choice his delusional mind thinks he can make…assassinate the President of the United States. It’s a 3 dimensional look at a man with mental health issues told in a compassionate, but chilling, manner.

But…it is the work of Nick Offerman (you know, Ron Swanson from PARKS AND RECREATION) that steals this show. His arc as Chester A. Arthur - from drunken enforcer for the New York City Political Machine to drunk, obstinate Vice President to a President that reformed how politics worked in this country - is one for the ages and in lesser hands it could have devolved into caricature and parody, but in Offerman’s capable, callous and caring hands, Arthur is a character that you can’t help but be surprised by how much you are rooting for him to get out of his own way and do the right thing.

This is a thoughtful and deeply entertaining look at an era of this country that most of us know nothing about, but after watching this, will crave for more.

Letter Grade: A

9 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank (ofMarquis)