The Netflix miniseries “Death by Lightning” pulls back the curtain on one of the most dramatic and misunderstood chapters in American history, the assassination of President James A. Garfield. The show centers not only on the shocking act itself but on the web of secrets that followed.
Garfield, who served just 120 days before being shot by Charles Guiteau, was not just a victim of a deranged man but of a system that failed at every turn.
The series highlights how Garfield’s death was less about the bullet and more about the medical mishandling that followed, turning a national tragedy into a stark lesson on the consequences of arrogance and incompetence.
Garfield was shot at the Baltimore and Potomac train station in July 1881. While he survived the initial attack, his life was ultimately cut short by infection caused by repeated, unsanitary probing of his wound by doctors, most notably Dr. Bliss.
The autopsy later revealed that the bullet had missed every major organ, but the medical team’s actions sealed his fate. This episode exposed not just the limitations of 19th-century medicine but also the lack of accountability within the medical establishment.
The town’s secret, the real cause of Garfield’s death, was buried for years, with the official narrative focusing on the assassination rather than the medical negligence that killed him.
Justice, or the Illusion of It?
Charles Guiteau’s trial was a media circus, capturing the nation’s attention and raising uncomfortable questions about justice and fairness. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker who believed he was owed a government post, shot Garfield after being repeatedly rejected.
His trial was filled with theatrics, including his bizarre courtroom behavior and attempts to justify his actions. The spectacle turned the courtroom into a stage, with Guiteau becoming a symbol of the political system’s breakdown.
The trial’s outcome, Guiteau’s conviction and execution, was seen by many as a hollow victory. The deeper issues, such as the spoils system that led to Garfield’s rejection of Guiteau and the broader culture of patronage, were left largely unaddressed.
The aftermath of Garfield’s death did lead to some reforms, most notably the push to clean up the civil service system and end the practice of rewarding political supporters with government jobs. However, the series suggests that these changes were more cosmetic than transformative.
Death By Lightening (credit: Netflix)
The real power brokers, those who benefited from the spoils system, remained untouched. The question of who truly paid for the town’s secret is left unanswered. Guiteau was executed, but the systemic failures that enabled the tragedy went unpunished.
The show’s portrayal of the trial and its aftermath highlights the limitations of justice when it comes to addressing deep-rooted societal problems.
Legacy and Lessons
“Death by Lightning” does more than retell a historical event; it forces viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths behind Garfield’s assassination. The series emphasizes that Garfield’s death was not just a personal tragedy but a national one, exposing the flaws in America’s political and medical systems.
The town’s secret, the real cause of Garfield’s death, and the broader failures that led to it, remain a cautionary tale about the cost of power and the importance of accountability.
The legacy of Garfield’s assassination is complex. On one hand, it led to reforms that improved the civil service system and reduced the influence of patronage. On the other hand, the deeper issues, such as the lack of accountability in the medical profession and the persistence of political corruption, were left largely unaddressed.
The series suggests that while the immediate aftermath of Garfield’s death brought some change, the true cost of the town’s secret was never fully paid. The question of who paid for it remains a haunting one, with the answer still debated by historians and viewers alike.
The story of “Death by Lightning” is not just about a president’s assassination but about the secrets that lie beneath the surface of power. The series serves as a reminder that the cost of those secrets is often borne by the most vulnerable, while those in power remain largely untouched.
The town’s secret, exposed but not fully reckoned with, continues to resonate, challenging viewers to think critically about justice, accountability, and the true cost of power.
Netflix’s The Abandons has quickly become one of the most talked-about Western dramas, captivating audiences with its story of two powerful widowed matriarchs clashing over land in the 1850s Washington Territory.
The show’s central conflict, set against the backdrop of the American frontier, is brought to life through stunning visuals and gripping storytelling. However, viewers may be surprised to learn that the series was almost entirely shot in Alberta, Canada, with Calgary serving as the main production hub.
The sweeping plains, rugged terrain, and wide-open skies just outside the city provided the perfect canvas for the show’s frontier towns, requiring minimal digital enhancement to look authentic.
The production team made a deliberate choice to film in southern Alberta, drawn by its vast open spaces, long dirt roads, and historic towns that mirror the look and feel of the American West. Calgary’s surrounding areas, including Crossfield and Cochrane, were transformed into the fictional Angel Ridge, the central town of the series.
These locations were chosen not only for their visual appeal but also for the logistical advantages of filming in Canada, where crews can work on real sets with fewer restrictions and greater access to support services.
Indigenous Land and Authentic Casting
A standout aspect of The Abandons’ production was its commitment to authenticity, especially in its portrayal of Indigenous communities. The show was filmed on Indigenous lands, particularly in the Stoney Nakoda region west of Calgary.
Casting calls were specifically held in this area to recruit Indigenous extras, ensuring that scenes involving local communities reflected the true spirit of the frontier. This approach helped the series avoid the pitfalls of stereotypical representation, offering a more respectful and nuanced depiction of life in the West.
The Nakoda Lakeside Lodge in Mînî Thnî, a remote village on land belonging to the Nakoda First Nation, became the set for the Abandons Ranch, where Fiona Nolan and her adoptive children live and work.
This location was chosen for its natural beauty and cultural significance, allowing the production team to create a setting that felt both authentic and respectful.
The Van Ness mansion, central to the series’ dramatic finale, was constructed at Stoney Park Campgrounds, located just across the Bow River from Mînî Thnî. The proximity to Calgary and the area’s natural beauty made it an ideal location for both intimate family scenes and large-scale action sequences.
The production team also utilized Kananaskis Country, known for its stunning mountain views and rough landscapes, to capture the epic scope of the show. These diverse settings helped to convey the vastness of the frontier and the isolation faced by the characters.
By filming on real ranches and in natural environments, the series was able to avoid the artificial look that sometimes plagues Westerns shot on studio lots.
Production Challenges and Creative Decisions
Filming The Abandons was not without its hurdles. The project was delayed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes, pushing principal photography to spring 2024. The five-month shoot required careful coordination, especially as showrunner Kurt Sutter left the project before filming wrapped , reportedly due to creative differences.
The Abandons (Credit: Netflix)
Despite these challenges, the cast and crew praised the Alberta locations for their versatility and the quality of local support, including restaurants and production facilities.
The series also filmed some scenes in Oregon, USA, to capture the gritty and rugged landscape of the American frontier. However, the bulk of the production remained in Alberta, where the natural scenery and established Western sets provided everything needed to bring the story to life.
The use of real ranches, such as the CL Ranch, allowed for diverse settings spanning the 1850s to the 1930s, enriching the show’s historical authenticity.
The decision to film in Alberta also had financial and logistical benefits. Canada offers generous tax incentives for film production, making it an attractive destination for international projects.
The local film industry in Calgary is well-developed, with experienced crews and state-of-the-art facilities that can support large-scale productions. This allowed The Abandons to maintain high production values while staying within budget.
The Impact of Location on Storytelling
The choice of filming location has a profound impact on the storytelling in The Abandons. By leveraging Alberta’s dramatic landscapes and engaging with local communities, Netflix has created a Western drama that feels both authentic and visually stunning.
The natural scenery provides a sense of scale and isolation that enhances the show’s themes of survival, conflict, and resilience. The use of real ranches and Indigenous lands adds depth to the narrative, grounding the story in a specific place and time.
As the series looks ahead to a potential second season, fans can expect more of the same breathtaking scenery and compelling drama, rooted in the real frontier of Canada’s wild west.
The Abandons stands as a testament to the power of location in storytelling, proving that the right setting can elevate a series from mere entertainment to a truly immersive experience.
