When one watches movies or television shows about American history, many take place during the Revolution, the Civil War, World War II, or the last 50 years. Large sections of fascinating American history have been forgotten despite their importance. One part of American history that has been overlooked is the corrupt, unequal, and industrious times after the Civil War, called the Gilded Age. This entertainment drought regarding this fascinating period came to an end last month when Netflix released a new historical drama, “Death by Lightning.” 

James A. Garfield is a relatively unknown president of the United States; the only thing people know him for is his death, the victim of an assassin’s bullet. However, this forgotten president was a man who wanted to reform the corrupt and unequal system of the Gilded Age and had the popular mandate to do so. He had won his political battle against the pro-Grant and Pro-corruption aspects of the Republican Party while outmaneuvering key party bosses. At this total moment of victory, Garfield, a veteran of some of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War and one of the most likable politicians of the era, was shot down not by some cabal but instead an insane man who was refused political office. All of this dramatic and fascinating history was covered brilliantly by Netflix in “Death by Lightning.”  

If you like facial hair and epic bears, and mustaches, the show is for you. All of the 1800s facial hair is done in full glory. The show transports you back to the 1880 Republican Convention for President, the 1880 cities of Washington, New York, and Chicago, and shows you all of these figures one reads about in books on the screen. The key figures of President Garfield, Senators Conkling and Blaine, Vice President Chester A. Arthur, and the insane loser Charles Guiteau, who brought this great era of hope and change to a quick end with an assassin’s bullet. If you like expertly written dramas, comedies, or tragedies, this aspect of the show will make you like it. The show is filled with some of the best actors on television, Michael Shannon, Matthew Macfadyen of “Succession,” Shea Whigham of “Boardwalk Empire” and “Mission Impossible,” and most notably Nick Offerman of “Parks and Recreation.” 

It is a great, historically accurate show about a neglected part of US history, with a great cast, great set, and really shows you how one crazy man can change history and quickly be forgotten.