Death by Lightning Series Finale: Unraveling the End

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The miniseries Death by Lightning ultimately fulfills its initial premise, though it leaves viewers with many unanswered questions about the future and the larger significance of events. It tells the story of James Garfield, the 20th U.S. President, and his tragically short time in office, which was cut short by his death after less than a year.

Although Garfield’s time in office was brief, his story has faded from public memory, and his assassination often overshadows his presidency. The book Death by Lightning effectively revives Garfield’s life and also explores the motivations of his killer, Charles Guiteau.

What Happens At The End Of Death By Lightning?

The series Death by Lightning begins by introducing James Garfield and his attacker, Charles Guiteau. The second-to-last episode depicts Guiteau shooting President Garfield, and the final episode explores the consequences of this event.

At first, Garfield seemed to be getting better after the shooting, and he lived for several weeks, allowing his family to come to his side and for him to receive medical attention. Unfortunately, he died from an infection caused by a doctor who didn’t believe in germs or the importance of cleanliness.

After Charles Guiteau was executed for shooting the President, his strange behavior continued in prison. He eagerly spoke with reporters and talked about a book he planned to publish posthumously. However, when the President’s widow visited him, she firmly told him that he would be forgotten and his book would never be published.

Garfield’s rival, Charles Arthur, eventually became president after Garfield. Seeing Garfield’s consistent kindness and poise influenced Arthur and led to a change in his own attitude.

Is Death By Lightning’s Ending Accurate To Historical Facts?

Courtesy of Netflix

Historical dramas often change or invent details for dramatic effect. But the new series Death by Lightning seems to stick closely to what actually happened. While some private conversations, like the one between Mrs. Garfield and Guiteau, can’t be confirmed, the show generally portrays events accurately.

Garfield was shot twice by Guiteau at a train station, and it’s thought he eventually died from infection caused by the medical treatment he received for his wounds. Chester Arthur became president after Garfield’s death and continued to implement many of the policies Garfield had started.

While the story is engaging, it takes some liberties with the truth, exaggerating events to make it more dramatic and entertaining.

Was Chester Arthur A Good President?

Courtesy of Netflix

Chester Arthur became president after James Garfield’s death. Because this happened early in U.S. history, there weren’t any clear rules about how to transfer power or fill the vice presidential vacancy until the next election.

Chester A. Arthur completed his presidency without a Vice President. Historians have offered both praise and criticism of his time in office, making a clear assessment difficult. Interestingly, after Arthur left office, the Democratic Party won the presidency for the first time since the Civil War, suggesting his term may have created a national appetite for further change.

Did Charles Guiteau Really Write A Book About His Life?

The book mentioned in the show, called Truth, is actually an article written by Charles Guiteau explaining his perspective on the assassination. It was published, but it doesn’t seem to have been very influential.

The scene depicting Guiteau meeting Mrs. Garfield in prison seems to be a fictional creation. It’s likely added to emphasize how Guiteau’s actions not only ruined President Garfield’s reputation but also ensured Guiteau himself would be forgotten. While powerful and moving, this moment isn’t based on actual events.

What Does Death By Lightning’s Ending Really Mean?

Courtesy of Netflix

The historical miniseries Death by Lightning offers a compelling look at government division and corruption, which surprisingly resonates with current events. It also thoughtfully explores universal themes of legacy and what it means to be moral.

The show concludes with both Garfield and Guiteau dead, their reputations forever linked. It begins by illustrating their connection – Guiteau actually meets the President and openly expresses his admiration. But when that encounter doesn’t go well, Guiteau drastically changes course, desperately seeking a way to be remembered.

Garfield is shown as a modest person driven by a desire to improve things, not to gain personal recognition. He wants to demonstrate that there’s an alternative to dishonest and ineffective leadership. As a political story, the series delivers a powerful message about the impact a single individual can have, and it does so in an inspiring way.

The film effectively highlights a powerful duality: a single person can uplift an entire nation and inspire countless others, but also single-handedly destroy a legacy and undo years of progress. Ultimately, the ending of Death by Lightning is designed to be thought-provoking, leaving the audience to reflect on this complex idea.

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2025-11-06 20:49