Death By Lightning on Netflix
Semi fictionalised account of the rise and assassination of James Garfield, who was elected US President in 1880. He was shot less than 3 months into office and died a slow death from septicemia.
Michael Shannon as Garfield, Bradley Whitford as James Blaine (a Republican leader who swings his support behind Garfield and ends up as Secretary of State) and Nick Offerman as Chester Arthur (Garfields Vice President) give good steady performances through the 4 episodes, which do feel a bit rushed.
But star of the series is Matthew Macfadyen as Charles Giteau, Garfields assassin. He is wonderfully over the top in capturing Giteaus reportedly schizophrenic character.
Female characters are a bit too underdeveloped, although Betty Gilipin as Garfields wife is more prominent in the latter episodes.
All in all pretty enjoyable. 7.5/10
