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‘Death by Lightning’ Wins Early Praise as Fact-Checks Validate Its Gilded Age Details

New reporting corroborates key portrayals, from Guiteau’s preserved brain to Garfield’s likely death by infection.

Overview

  • All four episodes of the limited series are now streaming on Netflix following its November 6 release.
  • Fact-checks report that Charles Guiteau’s brain was preserved as a medical specimen, with the show’s creator saying he viewed it in a Maryland collection.
  • Coverage confirms that 19th-century presidents had no dedicated protection and held open office hours, with Secret Service protection beginning later.
  • Historical sources cited in the reporting indicate President Garfield likely died from infection introduced during his medical care.
  • Reviews highlight standout performances by Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen and note the show’s sly humor and modern political parallels.