Death By Lightning review: Matthew Macfadyen is excellent as delusional presidential assassin

James Cox

Matthew Macfadyen, best known for playing Tom Wambsgans in Succession, steals the show in Death By Lightning, an engaging historical drama about the assassination of former US president James Garfield.

Garfield (played by Michael Shannon) was killed just a few months into his presidency.

While it is a footnote in American history, which occurred in 1831, the show bears eerie similarities to these politically extreme and uncertain times.

A president who was more universally admired than many of his successors, Garfield still fell victim to political extremism as Charles Guiteau, a man struggling with mental health issues and a relentless desire to achieve 'greatness' became obsessed with the president.

Shannon's portrayal of Garfield is excellent but Macfadyen's portrayal of Guiteau, a footnote to Garfield's historical footnote, is even better.

There are echoes of his Succession character as Guiteau strives to become a man of importance, relentless in his badgering, toiling and scheming.

When his efforts come to nothing, his descent into madness is played out frantically in the four hour-long episodes.

Nick Offerman as Chester Arthur, a corrupt politician who fell into the vice presidency, and Bradley Whitford as Senator Blaine, are also excellent in Death By Lightning.

Whitford's Blaine is great to watch, even more so for fans of the West Wing.

You don't need to be a historical nerd to enjoy Death By Lightning, and the four hour-long episodes are a great watch. The miniseries is available to stream on Neftlix.