Mike Makowsky's 'Death by Lightning': A Shakespearean Take on Garfield's Assassination

In a surprising turn of events, writer Mike Makowsky stumbled upon the inspiration for his latest series while browsing the bargain bin at a Barnes & Noble in Los Angeles. Initially seeking just a few affordable reads, he left with Candice Millard’s gripping book, Destiny of the Republic, which chronicles the assassination of President James A. Garfield. To Makowsky's delight, he found himself immersed in the narrative, which deftly juxtaposes the lives of Garfield and his assassin, Charles Guiteau.

Makowsky noted the unique structure of Millard's story, highlighting how it explores the contrasting paths of Garfield, who ascended to the presidency almost reluctantly, and Guiteau, whose relentless pursuit of greatness ultimately led to his downfall. "It felt Shakespearean," Makowsky remarked, reflecting on the dramatic irony present in their intertwined fates. His admiration for Millard's work ignited a passion to adapt the story for television.

The journey to bring Death by Lightning to life was not without its challenges. Initially conceived as a six-episode series, it was later condensed to four episodes after the involvement of Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, who came on board as producers after reviewing Makowsky's pilot script. This partnership, along with a star-studded cast featuring Michael Shannon, Matthew Macfadyen, and Nick Offerman, transformed the project into a highly anticipated miniseries.

The title Death by Lightning intriguingly references a quote from Garfield himself, who once advised a supporter that, like lightning, assassination is an unpredictable fate. Despite Garfield's nonchalant attitude, the historical context reveals a stark reality; the odds of assassination were significantly higher than he might have realized, especially given the recent assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

Makowsky’s adaptation aims to engage viewers who might not have an inherent interest in Garfield’s story, infusing the series with a modern, irreverent tone that he describes as "contemporary weird." While he acknowledges the necessity of dramatization, he emphasizes the importance of retaining the essence of the historical events. "I had a lot of fun writing the show, and I hope that’s clear in the finished product," Makowsky stated, expressing his commitment to accuracy while embracing creative liberties.

Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com